NOT A POPULIST MANIFESTO: ANWAR
During a press conference after the launch, Mr Anwar denied that the manifesto was populist.
“We considered the cost and the overall financial implications as well as the demands of the people.
“It is inaccurate to term it as populist…It should be acceptable to the people and has to be popular but it is tied to the larger framework of the economy and by ensuring growth,” he added.
Mr Anwar said that what the coalition wants to do is to first secure the people’s mandate to govern and then to commit itself in implementing programmes as soon as possible.
This includes its major task of reviving the economy, he added.
Mr Anwar also said that the coalition is united as a force as never before.
“Those involved in treachery have left or have been kicked out. Those that remain are really committed to the struggle and reform agenda,” he said.
POSSIBLE CHANGES FOR PKR CANDIDATES: RAFIZI
In a separate development, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has hinted that there might be changes in the PH’s candidate for the Sungai Buloh seat in the coming GE15.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Mr Rafizi said that discussions will be held with Mr Anwar as PKR president and coalition chairman, after receiving feedback from constituents on its announced candidate Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
“As the president of the party, the final decision is his,” said Mr Rafizi.
Malaysian media reported that there have been unfavourable comments on Mr Ramanan since PKR’s announcement about his candidacy for Sungai Buloh.
The former Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) politician was reported to have joined PKR after the so-called Sheraton Move.
In announcing its list of candidates for Barisan Nasional on Tuesday, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the coalition’s candidate for Sungai Buloh will be caretaker health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Previously the former Rembau MP had said that he was almost certain to be given a seat which was held by the opposition.
More than 21 million eligible voters will cast their ballots in GE15 to elect 222 new members of the Lower House of parliament.
Polling day has been fixed on Nov 19 with early voting on Nov 15. Nomination is on Saturday, Nov 5.