They were commenting on a report quoting Employees Provident Fund CEO Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, who said the plan outlined in PH’s election manifesto could not be finalised in time as the government had other monetary needs to address.
Shahril also said abolishing tolls was a complicated process which involved various parties. FMT’s attempts to reach members of PH’s manifesto team for comment were unsuccessful.
Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan said Barisan Nasional (BN) had questioned PH’s promises during the campaign but the people believed them anyway.
“Half of their promises are hard to deliver. Even if you went ahead and implemented them, it would affect the economy.
“Now people can evaluate whether PH made promises merely to fish for votes or whether they are a credible government.”
Hasan, who is former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar, added that a credible government would fulfil its promises without compromising the country’s economy.
Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa meanwhile said it was clear that PH’s promise to abolish tolls had been a “deception” to get votes.
“It’s impossible that PH would dare abolish the tolls because it involves concessions, and abolishing them would mean the government would have to pay billions in compensation.
“If it is done, public funds would be spent and taxpayers would lose out.”
He claimed PH had lost tens of billions since taking over Putrajaya due to stock market losses, the drop in commodity prices and the zero-rating of the goods and services tax, among others.
“PH is now looking for excuses not to honour its promises. But the people want the promises to be honoured,” he said.
Just before the 14th general election, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said a PH government would end toll charges nationwide in stages, based on the contracts the government had signed with concessionaires.
Abolishing toll collection was among the 10 promises PH had said it would fulfil within 100 days of forming the federal government.