The Pakatan Harapan government will need to work harder to fulfill the pledges contained in its 14th general election manifesto, apart from ensuring that the people’s standard of living is improved, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

However, he agreed with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s statement that the wrongdoings, damage and bad administrative actions done by the BN administration had complicated the current government’s efforts to fulfill its pledges as soon as possible.

"As stated (by Mahathir), it is true we are facing many constraints...this is something we did not foresee when we took over the government.

"The important thing is the government has mapped out a strategy not for one year but for five years where we have been given the mandate as government,” he told reporters when asked to comment on Mahathir’s premier address in conjunction with the first anniversary of Harapan rule at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) today.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu described Mahathir’s speech as a frank message detailing what had been achieved by the Harapan government and what had yet to be fulfilled after one year in power.

He said the biggest success of Harapan could be seen in its continuous effort to combat corruption and to restore public institutions to their glory days.

“From the aspect of economy, much more has been used in a year to cover the losses or irregularities of before.

“For the second year, Insya-Allah (God willing) the economy will be driven better,” he said.

Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the prime minister’s speech defined the New Malaysia that has been talked about the past one year.

"And today the prime minister firmly defined New Malaysia which is a new government administration based on the principle of accountability and are people oriented.

"With these two core principles, the new administration is confident of reviving the economy and injecting new energy so that Malaysia can rise again as an Asian Tiger,” he said.

Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said the seven strategic thrusts announced by Dr Mahathir for achieving “Shared Prosperity” were proof that the PH government was working to make Malaysia a better country.

“The important thing is that in the prime minister’s speech, we (government) have drawn up a vision (Shared Prosperity), which from one aspect fills Vision 2020 and from another aspect continues it.

"Shared Prosperity through the seven thrusts means that PH in our one year rule undertook introspection and planning for a better future,” he said.

Mahathir, in his speech, outlined the seven trusts for the realisation of this objective.

The seven strategic thrusts include restructuring and improving the business ecosystem; generating new growth sectors; enhancing talent reformation and national resources; and improving labour market and employee income.

The government will also strengthen social well-being, build an inclusive region and raise social capital of the society.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said based on the message, the Health Ministry will give more emphasis on the B40 group to be in line with the objective of Shared Prosperity.

“We will emphasise the aspect of healthcare delivery and also health facilities,” he said.

- Bernama