Pakatan should address the concerns of most Malaysians on daily issues affecting them through Orange policies

GEORGE TOWN: This Saturday’s Pakatan Rakyat national convention should be a showcase to unveil the coalition’s imminent national policies vis-a-vis its much-touted Orange Book , especially on socio-economic issues, if it captures Putrajaya.

In saying this, prominent social activist Anil Netto said the convention was crucial to boost public confidence on the coalition’s viability as a federal government.

“Many people are not familiar with the Orange Book.

“It’s imperative for Pakatan to give an in-depth explanation about it,” he told FMT here today.

He said the people would like to know whether Pakatan would continue the current neo-liberal model undertaken by Barisan Nasional federal government or embark on progressive people-centric socio-economic policies.

Neo-liberal model emphasises on foreign direct investment (FDI)-driven economic growth, privatization of crucial public sectors, reduction of corporate and income taxes, introduction of goods and service taxes, and removal of subsidies.

The focus of people-orientated policies meanwhile would be to reduce prices of essential items, reduce cost of living, providing affordable houses and affordable public health, education and transportation for all.

Political and civil rights issues aside, Anil claimed that the 40 per cent of Malaysians living in the lower income bracket were more concerned on daily issues affecting them.

He said prices of goods, public education, health and transportation, and affordable houses are among larger people’s issues that the convention should address and unveil Pakatan’s action plans.

People-centric issues important

For instance, he said Pakatan should reveal to the people on whether it would build more public hospitals and clinics, or embark on privatisation of health sector.

“All these sectors are crucial to reducing people’s cost of living.

“Pakatan should reveal its Orange policies on closing the widening gap between rich and poor,” said the outspoken blogger.

Given to speculations that the election would be highly likely held before September, Anil said it would be counter-productive if the convention was used merely to hit out at Umno and BN.

Although corruption and wastage of public funds were important issues, he said Pakatan should reveal its financial dispersal plan from the money to be saved and gained from elimination of corruption and wastages.

He said politicking alone would not boost Pakatan’s public ratings, thus its leaders and speakers should emphasise on policy matters.

He said the convention should underline Pakatan’s seriousness and state of preparedness to deliver better, effective and different governance than now.

“Crucially, Pakatan should address and reveal its policies on socio-economic issues affecting downtrodden people in the society today,” said Anil, also a prominent activist in Aliran.

Some 2,000 people, comprising Pakatan leaders and delegates, observers and special guests, are expected to attend the one-day convention at Stadium Sultan Abdul Halim, Alor Star on Jan 14.

The convention would come up with an Alor Star declaration.