“I believe Malaysians will appreciate our frankness with their support and confidence largely intact,” said Lim in his speech at the Malaysian Economic Symposium in Parliament today.
The Iskandar Puteri MP said PH should identify programmes and proposals it is unable to deliver on time, but said it must hold firm to the five pillars of the manifesto.
They include addressing the people’s burden, institutional and political reforms, sustainable and equitable economic growth, the rights of Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and a more inclusive and moderate Malaysia.
Lim, who is the deputy chairman of the parliamentary caucus of reform and governance, said PH leaders must recognise the disillusionment of many supporters who now believe that the current government is going back to the ways of the previous administration.
“They are wrong, but what is more important is that we must be able to communicate and convince them that their disappointment and disillusionment, while understandable, are completely misplaced.”
He said PH must show that it “remains as committed as ever in resetting the nation-building process to build a New Malaysia”.
Lim said several appointments to top posts showed a good start towards institutional reforms.
He cited the appointment of Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat as the Chief Justice, Attorney-General Tommy Thomas, Election Commission chairman Azhar Harun and Abdul Hamid Bador as Inspector-General of Police, among others.
Lim also cited the recent amendments to the constitution to lower the voting age, and the tabling of a bill to create the Independent Police Complaints Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
“We can argue whether more reforms could have been done”.
“444 days after the historic change of government of May 9, 2018, it is time for a major review of Pakatan Harapan’s promise of a New Malaysia and the 14th General Election Pakatan Harapan Manifesto.”
He said the review was needed now after the lowering of the voting age to 18.
“To win them to our side, we must be frank with the young generation on the objective of a New Malaysia with shared prosperity, while gaining their support with our ideals and vision.”