THOUSANDS of Penang folk gathered at the Esplanade in George Town last night to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Pakatan Harapan rule.

As they listened to Penang and national PH leaders’ speeches, many hoped that the next elections would deliver another change – this time at the federal level.

“I believe many people want change at the federal government. Change has to come,” said K. Mohan from Datuk Keramat one the thousands at the mega-ceramah. 

The 60-year-old retiree, who used to work in finance, admitted he supported the opposition and wanted to see PH take Putrajaya.

“There is only so much a (PH) state government can do with its little power. I hope PH will make it to Putrajaya this time.”

Mohan said he is worried about the corruption that continues to plague the country, despite all the talk and work to fight it.

“The problem started long ago, when Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) was in power. It is good he now realises the problem and is willing to do something about it now.

“But it has been going on for so long. It is hard for them to change now.”

Cleaning up Putrajaya

Mohan’s other concern is possible election manipulation in the 14th general election to keep Barisan Nasional in power.

“I also hope Dr Mahathir will be in good health to face the electiosn. The opposition needs him.”

Dr Mahathir, 92, who was prime minister from 1981 to 2003 when he was with BN, is now heading the opposition as PH and Bersatu chairman. He is also PH’s candidate for interim prime minister.

Technician Khoo Khay Kheng, 50, said Dr Mahathir would be the right person to head the PH federal government.

“Many of the problems in this country started from his time in government. He was too powerful then.

“I never expected him to join the opposition, but since he is now, he should be the one solving the problems if PH gets to Putrajaya,” said the man from Jelutong.

Another Datuk Keramat resident Omar Khan Kassim, 65, also wanted to see change at the federal level.

“I felt the same way in the last general election. 

“Now, we really should change the federal government so the people can live better,” he said, citing the rising cost of living as the reason for his growing unhappiness with the BN government.

“When Dr Mahathir was PM for more than 20 years, the people did not face such hardship.

“After BN implemented GST (goods and services tax), everything became more expensive. It is a lie that GST is saving us.

“The people pay GST everyday. The government collects RM40 billion (a year) but only gives a little to help the people face the rising cost of living,” the retired trader said.

PH has pledged to scrap GST within 100 days of winning Putrajaya.

Rohana Abdul Razak, 33, from Bukit Gedung is also open to having a new federal government.

“I am curious to see what the opposition can do if it takes Putrajaya. It is only for five years. If we don’t like how they perform, we can vote back the old one.”

Praise for Penang govt

On the DAP-led Penang government, in power since 2008, the general feeling among the people is that it has done well in most areas.

Rohana, Omar and Khoo all praised the state for handing out annual welfare aid to various recipients like single mothers, newborns, students, senior citizens and others.

Khoo said his parents and friends all benefitted from the aid, even though the amount is not big.

“In the past, there was no such thing. I think it is a good start for PH.”

Khoo said the state government is also the first to introduce policies like no plastic bags at shopping outlets.

“They are trying to introduce positive changes that can move us forward. It is a good sign. Good for democracy, too.”

Mohan also said he was happy with the infrastructure improvements although it should stop hill developments.

“I am concerned. We had some flash-flood problems. I believe that hill developments have some impact.”

Rohana hoped the state could be more lenient on small traders who wanted to operate by the roadside at places like the Esplanade and Gurney Drive promenades, which are popular with visitors.

“When BN was in power, they were allowed to. But under PH, they can’t. They also can’t get a licence.

“So, these places are quieter these days. Maybe the state can consider this,” she said. – March 12, 2018.