EVEN after 14 months in charge, Pakatan Harapan has yet to look like a natural ruling coalition.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang said PH needed to get used to power by winning the subsequent general elections. 

“If New Malaysia is to succeed, Pakatan Harapan must become a natural government coalition winning not only the 15th general election but the subsequent general elections to complete the mission of New Malaysia becoming a top world-class nation respected by the international community,” he said in a statement today. 

Meanwhile, public sentiment regarding the government had improved overall, he pointed out.

“Take note of the latest survey of the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research which indicated that overall sentiments on the direction of the country has improved over the months, jumping four percentage points as compared to the previous quarter.

“Those who felt that the country was headed in the right direction increased from a low of 34% (March 2019) to 40% in June 2019, while conversely, those who felt the country was headed in the wrong direction also fell to 38% from 46% in March 2019,” he said. 

He said Malay sentiment improved by seven points to 31% from a low of 24% in March.

Chinese opinion on the country’s direction also rose 10 points to 53% between March and June.

The indian community failed to share the sentiment, however, as it dropped to 45% from 63% in March.

“I believe the PH coalition government can be the natural government coalition if PH leaders can convince Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, region or socio-economic status, that the trajectory towards a New Malaysia is on track,” he said.

He said PH leaders should heed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s advice to stop infighting. 

Dr Mahathir had said that infighting could cost the PH government the mandate in the next elections. 

“Without realising it, we end up losing power because of our infighting,” he said.

Lim said the leaders must keep the PM’s words in mind, adding that they would be measured by their achievements. – July 20, 2019.