THE country’s RM1 trillion debt will be reduced with the help of experienced hands in Pakatan Harapan, said Ong Kian Ming.

The deputy international trade and industry minister said Penang had a RM1 billion debt when Lim Guan Eng inherited the state from Barisan Nasional in 2008.

By this year, the state’s debt has been reduced to RM60 million.

“With Lim (helming the Finance Ministry), we will slowly reduce the federal debt,” Ong told the 100-odd audience at a ceramah in Cheras Batu 9 last night.

He said PH will be able to cut wastage by eliminating direct negotiations for public procurement.

“We also don’t use public funds to campaign (during elections).”

DAP still relies on public donations to fund party operations.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said PH, upon taking over Putrajaya mere months ago, has completed the restructuring of the state’s water sector.

The state’s former BN administration had repeatedly stalled bids to reform the sector.

“When we took over Selangor in 2008, there were many problems with contracts, and land issues. We fixed (these problems) step by step,” said Amirudin.

He said the state’s economy grew 7.1% last year, higher than the national average of 5.9%.

Selangor contributed almost a quarter – 24% – to the nation’s gross domestic product.

“We also waived the quit rent for Malay villages, Chinese new villages… for three years. We take care of everyone, as long as they are Malaysian, regardless of race,” said Amirudin.

The now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat took over Selangor and Penang in 2008, and retained the states with a greater majority in 2013.

After PAS quit the coalition in 2015, its splinter, Amanah, and Umno breakaway Bersatu joined PKR and DAP to form PH, which defeated BN in the 14th general election. – August 19, 2018.