As DAP celebrates the 53rd anniversary tomorrow of our formation on 18 March 1966, DAP urges Malaysians to stand united together to achieve our vision of shared prosperity for all regardless of race, religion or location, so that we can hand over a country a bright future that we can be proud of to our children and grandchildren. Last year’s 14th General Election’s historic victory of Pakatan Harapan, successfully replacing BN for the first time since Merdeka in 61 years, raises hopes of a nation able to address the problems of the past neglected by the previous administration.
As a member of the PH coalition, DAP must focus on national unity; shared prosperity that provides equal opportunities in jobs, education and business; clean government and fighting corruption; respecting rule of law and justice for all; good governance that is people-centric and performance-oriented; and protecting the environment and the basic human right of every Malaysian to live with dignity.
Pakatan Harapan does not deny that we face many challenges especially on the narrative of national unity that is confronted by irresponsible elements that seeks to divide and disrupt the PH government through the politics of racism and extremism. Exploiting hate and confrontational politics is a weak attempt to hide their inability to competently manage the economy until salaries cannot even be paid, or hide their corruption on an industrial scale until Malaysia is declared a global kleptocracy.
We can remind Malaysians again and again that PH is the only coalition party that can represent all Malaysians, regardless of demography or geography. However, that is not enough when the people wants to see how their lives can improve. That is why the twin focus must always be on delivering on our promises in the PH General Election manifesto. And on providing good jobs, improving household incomes and controlling the cost of living so that the people can enjoy a better life.
The final test of PH’s success will be the outcome of this question, “Are you better off now under PH than under BN?” If the answer is positive, then PH will have done our duty not only to the rakyat but also to the next generation. Let us focus on delivering our election promises and good jobs so that we can future proof the economy that is transiting into the digital age.