PH, PN leaders play down need for manifesto law

New Straits Times

11-06-2025

PETALING JAYA: Representatives from both the government and opposition showed little interest in enacting laws to hold political parties accountable for their election manifestos during a BBC debate programme last night.
PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said her coalition, Pakatan Harapan (PH), has come to realise that governing is far more complex than being in opposition — and acknowledged that past manifestos may have overpromised.
"The perspective of how to run the country is different when you are in government as opposed to when you're in the opposition," said Fuziah, who is also deputy minister for domestic trade and cost of living.
"So, we will be more careful with manifestos this time," she added during the BBC's World Questions debate, held on Tuesday night.
The debate, part of the BBC World Service's World Questions series, featured four panellists, including Fuziah and former Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
The proposal for a law compelling parties to fulfil their election pledges came from a member of the audience.
Responding to the idea, Wan Fayhsal said such a law was unnecessary, as voters already have the power to remove governments that fail to deliver.
"All political parties in Malaysia have had the experience of governing. We've learned not to overpromise on things we cannot deliver," he said.
Election manifestos in Malaysia are not legally binding.
The debate also touched on issues such as the rising cost of living, national identity and fundamental liberties.
It will be broadcast on the BBC World Service on Saturday, June 14.