FINANCE Minister Lim Guan Eng appealed to overseas Malaysians to be patient with Pakatan Harapan, as he pledged that the changes promised by the coalition will take place in due time.

Speaking to some 400 Malaysians living in Singapore, Lim said while many Malaysians living abroad for decades have expressed a strong desire to bring their expertise home, they have been frustrated by the slow pace of change in policies.

“Give us a chance to change. We need some time and we need your support,” he told the crowd during the two-hour long dialogue.

When responding to a question on how PH intends to build a transparent administration, Lim said they would “continue to push the envelope” on weeding out corruption, adding that enforcing harsher laws was an option.

“In Singapore, you have very tough laws against corruption and enforcement is very good… that could possibly be something we can do,” he said.

Lawmakers will declare their full list of assets to build full transparency but again, he asked for time to do so.

“We will declare our assets and publish. Just give us some time.

“It’s never been done before, so if you could wait for 61 years, surely you can give us a little bit more time now.”

Last week, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) published a new website to display assets of MPs. However, the anti-graft agency was criticised for the alleged inconsistent figures on the site.

The MACC said it was waiting for the final say from Law Minister Liew Vui Keong before publishing the full list of assets.

Lim earlier told the crowd that the new government was keen to take the advice and tap into the experience of Malaysians abroad.

He also urged Malaysian students in Singapore to return home after completing their studies, saying that as the government works alongside the private sector, they hope to see greater competitiveness and in the future, higher salaries.

Millions of Malaysians are currently living or working in Singapore, while some 400,000 Malaysians cross the Causeway for work.

Lim admitted that the Singapore government was “very, very good” at not only retaining its talent, but also in attracting talented Malaysians over.

“I know it’s comfortable here, the salary is higher. But I ask you to consider going home where you can serve your country.

“I have come today to ask for your continued support.

“Together, we can build a new Malaysia which we will all be proud of.” – November 5, 2018.