Do more to prove we're better than BN, Guan Eng tells Harapan

Having created history in the 14th general election, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng today stressed that Pakatan Harapan must continue to prove its worth as a government for the people. 

In his policy speech at the DAP National Conference, Lim said that Harapan must accept the fact that many people in GE14 had voted against the "kleptocrats" of BN.

"Malaysians voted against the kleptocrats, but we have to humbly accept that for many who voted for us, it was not a full endorsement of Harapan.

"We still need to do everything possible to prove ourselves as a far better government to earn the people’s support in the coming election.

"Voters who ousted our opponents may do the same to us," he warned, illustrating his point through a Chinese proverb on the same knife that cuts bread can also cut fingers.

The Harapan leaders present at today's conference include PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya.

In executing its duties, Lim said Harapan must strive to provide education, employment and business opportunities for the people, as a means to safeguard their future and future of the country.

He also noted the challenges posed by irresponsible elements that seek to divide and disrupt the Harapan government through politics of racism and religious extremism.

"We cannot fight hatred with hatred but must rely on facts and reason.

"Only by turning around the economy and ensuring economic prosperity for all can we win and defeat these dangerous forces who wish to split Malaysia by turning Malays against non-Malays and Muslims against non-Muslims," he stressed.

Among measures which must be taken by the government include creating a larger democratic space for the people and achieving the goal of shared prosperity among all Malaysians.

Towards these goals, he said there is a need for Malaysians to build a new narrative beyond racial framing and solve common problems as one nation.

"Malaysia still has elements of an old plural society that see different ethnic groups living side by side but are worlds apart mentally, often living in perpetual fear of each other and seeing everything in ethnic zero-sum game.

"Many had spoken about Malay anxiety and fear but actually the same psyche is mirrored among the non-Malays," he said, adding that this sentiment has been exploited by Harapan's opponents to stoke hatred and resentment.

Earlier, DAP chairperson Tan Kok Wai, in his opening address, also reiterated the need for Harapan to fulfil its promises to the people.

At the same time, he also blamed opposition parties, including Umno and PAS, for playing up a negative perception against Harapan, with the DAP being their easiest target for attacks.

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