MP SPEAKS | Harapan is ready to fight, reclaim this country

MP SPEAKS | This government has dissolved Parliament and is forcing the nation into a general election on the eve of monsoon season, ignoring the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the advice of weather forecasters and the wishes expressed by many thousands of Malaysian citizens.

Let me be clear. Pakatan Harapan is ready for GE15. We are ready to fight back against those who stole the mandate. We are ready to fight for a future that is sustainable and prosperous and for a government that shows care and compassion to all people.

When Harapan leads Malaysia we will fulfil the promises and regain the trust of the people.

I accept Agong’s decision, which is based on the proper exercise of His Majesty’s constitutional powers.

I question the intentions of the people who sought dissolution at this time.

It appears that this entire cabinet of 72 so-called leaders, the largest in the nation’s history, has succumbed to political pressure and relentless lusting over power and money.

This is truly offensive to decent Malaysians facing so many challenges today including:

• The rising price of food

• Low wages

• Not enough jobs for recent graduates

• The quality of education

• Poor access to healthcare

• No savings for retirement

• The threat of flooding and the impact of climate change

The flooding has already started. Areas are flooded in Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Penampang. The Muar river in Kuala Pilah overflowed its banks, flooding two villages.

In Tebrau, an elementary school was flooded. In Kedah, there is more flooding in Baling and eight rivers have breached their warning level. Scientists expect the rains to continue.

What kind of a person, what kind of political party, and what kind of government - would risk the lives of people for an election?

Do not be fooled by this selfish government when it says an election must happen now to return the mandate to the people.

Yes - we should have elections.

Ever since the betrayal that caused the Harapan government to fall, the people want to express their frustration with a backdoor government and reject the traitors.

But an election that puts Malaysians in harm’s way and at a time when voting may be difficult for many is no real election - it is tantamount to cheating to win at all costs. This is called voter suppression.

Future of all Malaysians

This government hid behind Covid-19 to avoid Parliament. This government caused an election to happen in Sabah which resulted in Covid-19 spreading quickly throughout Malaysia, causing over 35,000 Malaysians to die.

This government declared a state of emergency in order to suspend rather than face Parliament. This government lied to the people about the MySejahtera app and lied about Digital Nasional Berhad.

This is the same government that lied to you about 1MDB. It is the same government that lied to you about the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

This government lied to you about eradicating poverty and lied to you that Malaysians would have access to good schools and healthcare.

It is finally time to fix this mess. It is time to reclaim our country from the robbers and oppressors. It is time to take back the country from those who enrich themselves and their families and their cronies while the vast majority of the people struggle to pay for rent and food.

Of course – these political elite have no idea what it feels like to struggle month after month to feed your family.

To the young people of Malaysia, I say this: your choices in this election will affect the future of all Malaysians.

When we take back this country we will do all that is necessary to reduce the cost of living which is burdening so many families.

When the people reclaim this country we will ensure that every Malaysian has access to quality education.

When the people take back this country – we will restore confidence in our economy and bring much-needed investment back to Malaysia.

When the people take back the country we will do the utmost to protect the environment and prepare for the impact of climate change.

I have travelled across the country in recent weeks and met thousands of people. The people I met told me they are excited they finally have a chance to correct the betrayal that happened in the Sheraton Move and to restore a government with integrity that cares about all Malaysians.

I am encouraged by their enthusiasm and energy and I am optimistic that Harapan can regain the support of the people.

However, I know that many Malaysians are so disheartened by the treacherous actions of some politicians that they have practically given up.

I say to you – did you think we could reverse 60 years of entrenched corruption and kleptocracy with just one election? Did you think these conniving robbers and thieves would just give up?

We don’t give up, either. We don’t give up, ever.

Are you worried about the price of goods? Then vote!

Are you worried about finding a good job? Then vote!

Are you worried about floods? Then vote!

You want better schools that prepare your children for the future. Vote!

Do you want better healthcare and more doctors? Vote!

In the coming weeks let us rekindle the spirit which has driven us to believe in a better Malaysia - be that at the time of our independence in 1957, or Malaysia in 1963, or Reformasi in 1998 or the People’s victory in 2018.

We have no choice but to labour ahead with tenacity, courage and commitment that will bring it to fruition.

Malaysia Bangkit!

ANWAR IBRAHIM is the incumbent Port Dickson MP, PKR president and opposition leader.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.