WHEN the election campaign was ongoing, manifestos were thrown out by all political parties to convince Malaysian voters, to vote for their respective parties. These promises existed in the form of hope for our citizens, as the livelihood of our people for the past few years has been challenging due to the unforeseen pandemic that hit the world late 2019. 

Since we have a unity government, which coalition manifestos will be used as a reference point? 

Even though some people might cut some slack and say that the current government has only started their reign, I believe we must readdress and remind the government on issues causing so much suffering to the people. Action must be taken as soon as possible to ensure that the livelihood of the people can be salvaged, considering the damaging times they have been through. 

The government should consider overhauling the current education system into a newer, more consistent one to ensure our students get quality education. Malaysia has had to endure racial and financial injustices when it comes to education. Most individuals are filling up university spots without being thoroughly checked in terms of their backgrounds. This is devastating as it prevents deserving candidates from continuing their tertiary education and a chance at getting a stable job with better pay. 

The primary and secondary syllabi are debatable topics, in terms of the evaluation process of the skills and knowledge acquired. Ever since Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah and Form 3 Assessment were abolished, there is a lack of engagement on the future of our pupils. What are the measures that would qualify them for boarding schools? Are these measures fair? Why aren’t these questions answered?

Additionally, the lack of engagement in terms of the financial livelihood of the people might erode the confidence the people have in the government. The fact that Budget 2023 will be revised by the government is worrying. Putrajaya must provide proper answers and directions to their citizens to ensure calmness among businesses and the economic stability of our country. 

There are more questions that could be thrown to the current government on the people’s livelihood, specifically. There have been many statements, but the real work and action have yet to begin. 

As opposition members, we are waiting. The people of this country are too. – December 7, 2022.

* Mahathir Mohd Rais is Federal Territories Perikatan Nasional information chief.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.