Dr M Calls For Malaysians To Be Patient With Pakatan Harapan Govt

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PETALING JAYA: Amidst criticisms by detractors, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) has defended the Pakatan Harapan administration, saying Malaysians should be patient as the government needs more time to transition from the previous administration
Dr Mahathir noted the government has initiated a new industrial plan which is complemented by a new agricultural plan
However, he acknowledged implementation of these plans might take at least two years or more but stressed "work" has already started
"For the observers, it would seem that nothing is moving. Rome was not built in one day. When Malaysia was switching from an agro-based economy to an industrial economy, it also took time

"But, most of us could not remember and the young never saw the transition. Most were born when the transition was accomplished. It is difficult to imagine an agricultural Malaysia today," he said on his blog on Friday (Jan 10)
Dr Mahathir pointed out digitalisation was already happening and artificial intelligence (AI) was contributing towards increasing speed of work and transaction
"Even for me it is frustrating to wait. But wait we must. The machinery of government has been cleansed and is rapidly adapting to the new ways of working. Even the ministers are adjusting to being in the government instead of the opposition," he said
He also slammed those who accused the government as directionless, claiming that it was made by those who "refuse to acknowledge reality"
"Are we really the same as the Malaysia under the previous government? Or are they saying they prefer the kleptocratic government better
"We don’t steal money nor raise loans so as to have money for bribing people. We spend what we have. What we have is less money. We cannot afford to give free money to people. Our way is to increase or create jobs. But, the people must be willing to take up the jobs or the business opportunities created," he added
Dr Mahathir denied that the government was directionless as he cited the government's present track record, claiming that it has been able to retain the solvency of the country
He added that the country too is politically stable despite some disturbances in a ruling coalition
Dr Mahathir also said the Malaysian economy and its currency were strong despite the market and its detractors that do not think so, adding that the government, as well as foreign and local investors, have faith in its financial and economic policies
He said the government's launching of the Shared Prosperity scheme was also a clear direction of the government contrary to claims by its detractors
"We don’t want just to recover and be prosperous. We want to share our wealth equitably," he said
Dr Mahathir noted that these initiatives would become a clear contribution to the country’s economy in time although it does not attract attention right now. - Star

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