THE Pakatan Harapan government has managed to fulfil 39.01% of its election promises in its first year of rule, said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Speaking at the government’s anniversary celebrations in Putrajaya today, the prime minister said that 53 out of 464 initiatives, or 11.42%, had been completed.

Another 283 had yet to be started, while 128 were in progress.

He said the government’s assessment of 39.01% was based on its progress with the specific policies and actions within the initiatives.

“We are aware that many are dissatisfied and are accusing the government of failing to fulfil the promises in its manifesto.

“But I have said before that we found, after taking power, that the damage was so great we were unable to immediately fulfil the promises,” he said.

He said the government had repealed or had stopped enforcing oppressive laws, and was currently reviewing abolishing the death penalty as not everyone agreed to it.

Dr Mahathir also said the press had greater freedom now, and that the anti-fake news law had been put on hold.

“The economy is still growing and signs show that investor confidence is rising.” – May 9, 2019.