By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Aug 6 — Keadilan’s Subang MP Wong Chen today poured cold water on Selangor Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) manifesto, questioning the bloc’s ability to deliver on its pledges.
Wong said the various “goodies” promised would require funding beyond the state’s expected revenue, a core issue the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led outfit has failed to address.
This is crucial as states typically rely on the federal government should there be financial shortfalls, Wong said.
“When you draft a manifesto, you have to consider the fiscal implications. This (PN) manifesto does not produce the overall projected expenditure,” he said during Selangor Journal’s Lunch on Us! programme today.
“They have not quantified if they require RM500 million or RM1 billion more from the federal government.”
Wong said while it is within PN’s right to draft its manifesto any way it wishes, the coalition has a responsibility to explain to the people how it plans to manage the state’s coffers should it come to power.
“The public can also ask if they (PN) will be able to convince the federal government to fund them (if there are shortfalls).
“If you don’t cooperate with the federal government, attack it every day, how do you expect it (to help)?” he asked.
Wong said in comparison, the Selangor Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (Harapan-BN) manifesto is realistic, with most of the pledges a continuation of existing policies, with improvements.
He said while PN’s manifesto may attract certain groups to vote for the coalition in the August 12 state election, it would not cause a major swing of support.
This is because the majority of constituents still judge parties based on their performance, he said.
“Name one state government ruled by PN that has performed well economically.
“So what if 20,000 students from low-income families get RM100 monthly assistance for school bus services if the people’s salaries drop by 30 or 40 per cent due to mismanagement or inability to take care of the economy? We’ll be doomed.”
Harapan-BN a necessary union
On Harapan and BN’s cooperation, Wong said there is still some pushback from supporters and the general public, but said it is normal for them to take longer to understand the need for such an alliance compared with lawmakers, who are at the frontline of policymaking.
However, the chairman of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and Trade is confident the public will eventually recognise the importance of such a union.
“I think most will understand that if we don’t unite and set aside our differences, we are going to be left behind every country in Southeast Asia.
“Even someone like me, who is a strong reformist, understands the need to get along and ensure economic activities are moving,” he said, adding that there should be no room for corruption in government.
For those who are considering boycotting the coming election out of “principle” due to Harapan’s cooperation with BN, Wong has this to say: “If you ask them if they want a government led by PN and championed by PAS, or this unity government … they would (prefer) the unity government.”
