Aware that PH was being “attacked” by the opposition demanding that promises it had made in its election manifesto be fulfilled immediately, Wan Azizah said the government was doing its best.
“Give us the space and time to fulfil the promises,” she said in an interview with Bernama.
Wan Azizah said the PH government had just taken over the administration of the country a month ago and there was still time to implement the 10 initiatives it promised to deliver within 100 days.
“We need a strong opposition for checks and balances, but it’s only been 30 days, there are 70 days to go.
“We still have some time – so be patient and just wait. God willing we will accomplish them to the best of our abilities,” she said.
Wan Azizah pointed out that some initiatives had already been implemented, such as the zero-rated goods and services tax (GST), which would be abolished during the first session of the Dewan Rakyat this year.
“The price of RON95 petrol is stable and is no longer floating,” she said.
Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said the ministry was also working to realise the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme for housewives.
“At the moment there is a small snag because under Section 51 of the EPF Act the (11%) contribution by employees cannot be touched, hence the husband cannot take 2% out of his EPF contribution for his wife. We are looking at ways to overcome this,” she said.
She said PH’s pledges were based on the estimated information obtained before winning the 14th general election (GE14) on May 9.
However, it was only after taking over Putrajaya that the new administration realised the real financial situation and the previous government’s weaknesses in corporate governance.
Among the 10 pledges that PH promised to deliver within 100 days of taking over the government are to stabilise the price of petrol and reinstate targeted petrol subsidies, to postpone the repayment of the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) for all graduates earning below RM4,000 per month, to abolish unnecessary debts imposed on Felda settlers and to equalise the minimum wage nationally.