KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The new Johor and Negeri Sembilan governments have been advised to prioritise delivery of their election manifestos and public services during their first days in office.
Political analyst and media consultant Datuk Anbumani Balan said both governments must turn campaign promises into policies and action, particularly on living costs, employment, investment, infrastructure and welfare.
He said each Menteri Besar should consult relevant parties before setting out a clear timetable for implementing the manifesto.
“On his first day in office after being sworn in, the Menteri Besar should address the promises made to voters and commit to when they will be delivered. That narrative is crucial to reassure voters because these are their expectations,” he told Bernama.
Anbumani said the governments should not wait 100 days to begin implementing their agendas.
“Voters have given them a mandate. They have no time for trivial issues. They want to see and feel the benefits of the choice they made at the ballot box,” he said.
Meanwhile, another political analyst, Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian of Universiti Sains Malaysia, said voters were increasingly critical of government performance and expected a stable, efficient, responsive and accountable administration.
As such, he said the state governments should focus on governing and delivering services instead of remaining preoccupied with post-election politics.
“The voters’ message to both governments is simple: the elections are over. There should be less politics and better performance.
“They want stability, clear portfolio allocations and efficiency. Political manoeuvring must not create the impression that party interests come before the states’ interests,” he said.
Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) formed the new Negeri Sembilan government after the two coalitions secured a two-thirds majority in the state’s Aug 1 polls. Of the 36 state seats contested, BN won 18, PN seven and Pakatan Harapan 11.
The result followed BN’s successful defence of the Johor government in the July 11 state election.
-- BERNAMA