KUALA KUBU BAHARU – DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng cautioned against using votes as a mere outlet for frustration, stressing that it would not address the real issue of livelihoods.
Lim asserted that while opting for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the coming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election here might seem like a quick fix, genuine progress could only be achieved through effective governance.
“We know the unity government can ensure that development and prosperity are enjoyed by the people. If the opposition wins, what can they do?
“Maybe they could ‘lepas geram’ (let off some steam), but this does not fill the stomach, or make one’s life easier.
“That’s why, we call on the rakyat to think it through. If you want better living, it can only be delivered by the unity government,” he told reporters when met at Pekan Rasa today.
Lim highlighted the pivotal role of federal and state authorities in driving meaningful change, conceding their imperfections.
He cited Selangor as an example where the government’s initiatives had yielded positive outcomes, suggesting other states follow suit.
Lim also criticised the opposition’s strategy of diverting attention from substantive issues by playing on emotions.
“This is unhealthy. If we want to campaign, we must (focus on) the change we can provide for the people.
“We should not measure who is good at ‘lepas geram’ or who is the better debater. In the end, it is about what the people can get,” he said.
Lim’s remarks came in response to PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s scrutiny of Pakatan Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao’s educational background.
Despite Pang disclosing her exemplary UPSR and SPM results on social media, Fadhli persisted in highlighting her vernacular schooling background to voters.
Undeterred by the criticism, Pang reiterated her commitment to serving the community.
However, DAP national publicity secretary Teo Nie Ching accused PAS of undermining vernacular education, pointing out that several PAS leaders also enrolled their children in Chinese schools.
Earlier today, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said PN was not against vernacular schools but wanted them to be “enriched with the national curriculum”. – May 2, 2024