THE adoption of reforms to enhance transparency and the equal balance of power between Pakatan Harapan component parties have stood out as the coalition’s crowning glory in its first 100 days in power, say analysts.

They, however, added that PH needs to show greater progress in fulfilling its pre-election promises, not fall back on finger-pointing and making excuses.

Above average performance

International Islamic University Malaysia (UUIM) political science lecturer Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar said considering that it did not expect to inherit a RM1 trillion debt from the previous government, PH’s performance has been “admirable”.

Political analysts say PH’s most important contribution has been to increase transparency in the economic situation and in policy-making.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s move to reveal the RM1 trillion national debt, and the open investigation into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal were “unsettling” initially, but were important to create a sense of transparency, said Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) chief executive officer Ali Salman.

“Although the transparency has been unsettling to investors, it is important for the people to know how their taxes were used in the past,” he said.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Professor Denison Jayasooria said the placing of key agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Election Commission, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, the Public Prosecutors Office and the National Audit Department under the Parliament’s jurisdiction was a big step forward in reforming these institutions.

“So far, the government is keeping its word on introducing reforms, checking the powers of the prime minister who can no longer hold cabinet portfolios, reviewing government departments, adopting better governance and prudent financial management, including reducing debts,” Denison told The Malaysian Insight.

Another feather to add to PH’s cap would be the more balanced distribution of power amongst the coalition partners, said Tunku Mohar.

“They have consensus. Bersatu, the party with less seats than PKR and DAP, has the prime minister’s post, ministers and deputy ministers,” he said.

Bersatu chairman is Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The party with 13 federal seats has five ministers and six deputy ministers, including a senator.

PKR, which has 50 seats, is given the deputy prime minister post, and has seven ministers and seven deputy ministers. DAP with 42 seats has six ministers and seven deputy ministers, while Amanah with 11 seats has five ministers and five deputy ministers.

PH-friendly party Warisan has three ministers and two deputies. Even, Hindraf has one minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, who is a senator.

“In the old regime, you have a party that is dominant over the rest. You see PH has more balance and a better composition,” said Tunku Mohar.

Promises unfulfilled

Ali from IDEAS said that while some progress has been made on its pre-election promises, the government should come clean on how it is unlikely to fulfil much of the other pledges even within the next 100 days in office.

He said pledges like resolving the MARA scandal, settling Felda settlers’ debts and standardising minimum wage have been given little attention so far.

“Maybe the government can cover 40%, but I don’t think it is possible to go beyond that,” he said.

Analysts said PH should take stock of which pledges were realistic, and which ones were not due to lack of funds or other challenges, and then be open to communicate them to the public.

Not explaining enough to the people about government decisions could be dangerous, as it can also lead to abuse with further consolidation of power.

“After GE14, the people expect to be part of the planning and the discussions. There should be town hall meetings and open discussions.

“The civil service in a PH government must be open to public participation for policy input, consultation and planning. Public engagement is key,” he said.

Ali said the government must also convince investors of the country’s direction and commitment in building its economy.

“On one hand, we talk about another national car, while on the other, we criticise some investments.

“The government also cannot solely decide on investments. It should trust the market forces in the direction of investments,” he said.

In a recent poll conducted by Merdeka Centre for Public Opinion, a total of 67% of Malaysians said they approve of the new government.

However, Malaysians interviewed by The Malaysian Insight also cautioned the new government against complacency in making good of their promises of reform and change, with many saying they would have no qualms voting the pact out of Putrajaya come the next general election. – August 17, 2018.