PAKATAN Harapan’s manifesto for the 14th general election (GE14) unveiled last night is aimed at alleviating problems faced by many Malaysians, analysts said, with one describing it as offering the “moon and stars”. 

It gave the opposition pact a good chance of forming the government for at least a term but would also drive the ruling Barisan Nasional to present more aggressive counter offers, they added.

“Their vast array of offers prioritise the concerns of many Malaysians, such as removing the goods and services tax (GST), fuel subsidies, more job opportunities and reducing foreign workers,” said Ilham Centre director Hisommudin Bakar. 

“The offers are aimed at reducing the cost of living and increasing income,” he said.

Different from Buku Jingga, the now-defunct opposition pact Pakatan Rakyat’s long-term administration plan, Hisommudin said the PH manifesto for GE14 contained interesting additions, such as writing off Felda settlers’ debts, mandatory EPF contribution for home-makers, restoring Sabah and Sarawak’s rights and a national healthcare scheme. 

Buku Jingga also shaped Pakatan Rakyat’s manifesto in 2013, when Islamist party PAS was still part of the pact.

Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the PH manifesto is populist, promising voters the “moon and stars”.

“It will attract youth, housewives, the B40 group and covers almost every segment of voters,” said the Malay Studies lecturer. 

“The manifesto is attractive enough to get voters to ‘try’ Pakatan for one term at the very least. If they don’t live up to the promises, voters can switch again like in Terengganu and Kedah,” said Awang Azman. 

Raising the stakes

This, however, will inevitably force BN to counter offer something more drastic, Awang Azman said.

“BN will definitely come up with something more drastic although it’s left to be seen whether either coalition can live up to its promises. 

“As the government of the day, BN will do all it can with the re-delineation and its control of government agencies to win the elections.”

Hisommudin said the manifesto is aimed at rural voters, unemployed graduates and home-makers. 

“This offer will force these groups to evaluate the merits of the PH manifesto objectively rather than vote based on experience, history and personal preference.

“Among the offers made, I find the offer to write off Felda settlers’ debts and PTPTN study loans to be the most intriguing.

“The two hardest offers for Pakatan to implement will be the minimum wage and free education,” said Hisommudin. 

Former All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) president Ho Yock Lin said the proposal to introduce EPF contributions for housewives is a welcome addition to the Pakatan manifesto.

“This was raised many years ago and it’s a good step towards recognising the silent productivity of housewives and house husbands,” Ho told The Malaysian Insight, adding that it should not only cover women but the male spouse who took care of the home.

Ho. who is the chief operating officer of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia, suggested a mechanism to provide for the stay-at-home spouse to have her own EPF account whereby the contributions go directly to it.

Ho said a 3% to 5% from the working spouse and employer is a good start.

On whether the additional contribution would burden smaller businesses, Ho said the government could start a fund to help them manage the additional financial commitment.

Employees currently contribute 11% of their wages to EPF while employers contribute 13%. – March 9, 2018.