Varnam Malaysia
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture
No Result
View All Result
Varnam Malaysia
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture
No Result
View All Result
Varnam Malaysia
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

One Year After May 9 & Malaysia Baru: Where Are We Now?

by Shangkharee
May 9, 2019
17
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSend

May 9 2018.

Tun Mahathir Mohamad (centre), former Malaysian prime minister and chairman of Pakatan Harapan, reacts during a press conference following the general elections in Petaling Jaya, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 10, 2018.

Do you remember what happened this time last year? The air was filled with excitement and anxiety, in a nail-bitting and heart-thumping moment, that shifted the power of the nation and over-turned a 61 year old government.

Kota Iskandar state seat Dr Dzulkefly of Pakatan Harapan celebrating and being carried by Pakatan Harapan supporters.

The nation held its breath as votes were counted and results were tabulated. Will Malaysia see a new dawn?

An opposition alliance, Pakatan Harapan, led by Malaysia’s former ruler Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad won a majority in parliament, putting a startling end to Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition’s 60-year grip on power. The results: Pakatan Harapan won 113 parliamentary seats in contrast to 79 seats that were won by the, then ruling, Barisan Nasional government.

An electoral worker carrying a ballot box at a collation centre in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, on May 9, 2018.
An electoral worker carrying a ballot box at a collation centre in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, on May 9, 2018.PHOTO: REUTERS

Malaysia received a same old, brand new leader: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (Tun M).

The 92 year old Tun M stepped into his position as the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the SECOND TIME.

The 14th Malaysian General Elections was nothing short of a film-like saga with unexpected plot twists and turn of events. Tun M came out of retirement to form an allegiance against his former protege, Najib Razak. Najib, who is also the son of Tun Haji Abdul Razak the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, was caught in a multi-billion dollar corruption scandal and was smoked out of his position and power by the Pakistan Harapan allegiance. In his 10-year ruling, Najib has been said to have looted $4.5Billion from the 1MBD investment funds.

One year later, we take a look at the changes that Malaysia has seen under its new government. Did Pakistan Harapan deliver their promises?

The Nation’s Beloved Father: Tun M

1525893944_GettyImages-956584040

International experts have recognised that Tun M, on top of the holistic political plans and election strategies, was responsible for the overturn of the government.

Tun M started winning a place in the hearts of the Rakyat even when he had a quiant medical practice in the quiet town of Alor Star, Kedah. Word spread quickly that this young doctor brought upon miraculous healing and spread hope and kindness. His elevation through politics was a natural progression and was strongly supported by the Rakyat.

Image result for young tun m

Tun M, who was Malaysia’s fourth prime minister from 1981-2003, was later sworn in as Malaysia’s seventh Prime Minister (on May 10. 2018), after leaving the job for 15 years ago to become the World’s Oldest Elected Prime Minister. When Tun M was in office for his first run as Prime Minister, he forged strong relationships with other nations and its leaders. His re-election was warmly welcomed and acknowledged by leaders worldwide.

Image result for young tun m

After the GE14, Malaysians were eager to learn about Tun M’s quest and crusade to retrieve a nation lost to debts, fraud, divide and greed. During the elections, a video that of Tun M speaking to a lil girl about the nation spread like wildfire in the virtual world and even warmed the hearts of the people. In a line, he tells the little girl, “I am old, over 90 years old. I don’t have much time left. But within my means, I will try my very best”.

Tun M then purses his lips as tears well up in his eyes.

YouTube video

Tun M political ideologies and leadership is not one that sits well with every Malaysian, but there is no denying in the patriot that he is.

Related image

The Pardoning of Anwar Ibrahim

Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim (Anwar) served as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1993 to 1998 and Finance Minister from 1991 to 1998.

Image result for anwar ibrahim young

In September 1998, everything changed.

Related image

Anwar was kicked out of his position and charged for an act of sodomy. The charges were criticised by human rights activists worldwide and was deemed a blatant political fix up. He was jailed for 5 years between 1999 and 2004, and was again charged with a second sodomy act. This time, Anwar began a five year sentence in 2015.

Image result for anwar ibrahim jail

After Pakistan Harapan’s victory, Anwar received a royal pardon from Sultan Muhammad V and was released from prison on 16 May 2018.

Image result for anwar ibrahim

10 Promises In 100 Days

The 194-page Pakatan Harapan manifesto also looks at delivering 10 promises in 100 days of winning the GE14. How did they fair?

Promise 1: Abolish the Goods and Services Tax

Almost immediately, the country’s 6% GST was scrapped and it went back to the previously practiced Sales and Services Tax (SST).

Related:  Malaysia and Sri Lanka Strengthen Bilateral Ties During 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Promise 2: Investigate scandal-plagued institutions

Pakatan Harapan acted quickly in a robust search and investigation of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Majlis Amanah Rakyat and Federal Land Development Authority. The ex-prime minister, Najib Razak, faces 42 counts of corruption and money laundering and may face up to 20 years in jail.

Promise 3: Introduce Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme for housewives

The EPF for housewives ensued on 15 Aug 2018 with the government making an allocation of RM20 Million.

Promise 4: Re-introduce fuel subsidies for targeted groups

Fuel prices became stagnant after GE14 at RM2.20 (RON95), RM2.47 (RON97) and RM2.18 (diesel) and these rates remained unmoved after elections concluded until now.

Promise 5: Standardise and increase the minimum wage

The Minimum Wages Order (Amendment) 2018 came into effect nationwide on 1 January 2019. Th wages have been raised to RM1,100 per month as compared to the previous RM1,000 per month.

Promise 6: Postpone repayment to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) for those earning below RM4,000

As of July 2018, The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) allowed borrowers earning less than RM4,000 a month to defer repaying their study loans.

Promise 7: Relook the awarding of mega projects to foreign countries

The government put a halt to the RM55 billion East Coast Rail Link but may resume the project on a smaller scale. The High Speed Rail (HSR) project that was meant to connect Malaysia and Singapore was also cancelled.

Promise 8: Set up a task force to study how to return autonomy promise to Sabah and Sarawak, as set out in the Malaysia Agreement 1963

Promise 9: Abolish FELDA settlers’ debts

Since May 2018, the government has been drafting a recovery plan to turn around Felda through three major phases – reshuffling board members and top management, an operation transformation plan and rationalisation of non-core businesses. Felda White Paper promises RM6.23 billion financial aid boost for Felda.

Promise 10: Introduce national healthcare assistance initiative

The Skim Peduli Sihat enables households in the B40 class to receive up to RM700 in financial aid for healthcare and free vaccinations.

Pakatan Harapan Milestones

How far has this government come within a year of election. Here are some of the Pakatan Harapan milestones:

  • The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will resume at a reduced cost of RM44 billion from RM65.5 billion
  • 25% broadband price reduction
  • RON95 petrol capped at RM2.08 per litre
  • Malaysia recovered US$322 million (about RM1.3 billion) worth of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) assets
  • RM805 million in savings made through the renegotiation of infrastructure projects by previous government
  • Malaysia’s foreign direct investments (FDIs) increased by 48% in 2018
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) abolished
  • Introduction of Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) aid for lower income group
  • Opposition member of Parliament appointed as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman
  • Appointing individual who does not represent any political party as Dewan Rakyat Speaker
  • Resolving the financial crisis facing the Pilgrims’ Fund Board or Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH)
  • Unlimited travel pass for commuters (My100 and My50)
  • Introduction of the Suri Incentive Scheme (i-Suri) with the Employees Provident Fund for housewives registered with e-Kasih
  • Smoking ban in all eateries
  • Felda White Paper spells out RM6.23 billion financial aid boost for Felda

And, the future?

May 9 will forever be etched in the memories of Malaysians.

But, there is still so much more to do. While progress is quick, a more holistic approach that supports the needs of all races should be considered. The Unemployment Rate in Malaysia remained unchanged at 3.30 percent in February from 3.30 percent in January of 2019 and is HIGHER than the average Unemployment Rate (from 1998 until 2019) of 3.28 percent. The recent revealing of the quota system in Matriculation intake caused an uproar for the staggering difference in allocation. 

The transformation of a nation is one that inches through generations. While a government and politicians can be quickly overturned, change needs time and a deep setting with societies’ consciousness. We mark a year from May 9 with thoughts on betterment and hope for improvement.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

Filed Under ge14MalaysiaMalaysia barutun m
https://lomp.at/6lf16
Share13Tweet2Send

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Featured

Preserving Tradition and Embracing Innovation, The Indian Wedding Planner

by Shivashangkari Chandran
August 20, 2024

Weddings are more than just ceremonies, they are grand celebrations of culture, tradition, and love that reflect the rich tapestry...

Read more
Featured

5 Important Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer

Pink October is celebrated as a month of reflection, healing, and education about breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8...

Read more
by Sabita
October 17, 2023
Featured

Ravin Rao Santheran: A Charming Rising Star In The Entertainment Industry In Malaysia

Within the ever-evolving landscape of Malaysian Tamil cinema, a solitary figure has been generating significant buzz and cementing an enduring...

Read more
by Tivyasruthi Nair Prem Ananth
September 15, 2023
Entertainment

New Age Carnatics: The Rise of Sid Sriram

Sid Sriram has created a unique and intriguing space for himself within the music industry. His voice is a particularly...

Read more
by Sabita
September 6, 2023
Featured

T. Suriavelan: The Inspiring Luminary’s Captivating Journey

Malaysian and Singaporean Tamil cinema and series hold a significant place in the cultural landscape of the region. These industries...

Read more
by Tivyasruthi Nair Prem Ananth
August 29, 2023
Featured

Malaysian Tamil Cinema: A Very Brief History

Tamils from Tamil Nadu have migrated to many countries across the world. To prove that diaspora Tamils hold dearly to...

Read more
by Sabita
August 16, 2023
Featured

Yashvinnie Velaudam, Recipient of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Scholarship, Shares Her Ambitious Academic Journey

The pursuit of education is one of the highest and noblest pursuits an individual can embark on. It takes dedication...

Read more
by Sabita
July 21, 2023
Featured

Amirthaa Matiwannan Successfully Engraves Her Name in Kalam’s World Records

 “What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school, but a different way of...

Read more
by Nanthini Suresh
May 3, 2023
Featured

EXCLUSIVE: Maragathavally, Mother of Five, Opens Up About Parenting Twins With Autism

“Autism doesn’t have to define a person. Artists with autism are like anyone else. They define themselves through hard work...

Read more
by Nanthini Suresh
April 2, 2023
IMAGE CREDIT: SHUBASINI RAJKUMAR
Award

EXCLUSIVE: Mompreneur, Shubasini Revichandren Bestowed With A National Record

Nothing is impossible for a determined woman. Shubasini Revichandren, who is known in the pageantry world has been recognised by...

Read more
by Nanthini Suresh
March 23, 2023
Load More

TRENDING

  1. 1

    Astro Premieres ‘Aadhira’ on 14 July: A New Drama about Strength and Courage

  2. 2

    Chronology of Tishant’s Tragic Case: How a Missing Person Case Became a Murder Probe

  3. 3

    Dr. Kamalan Jeevaratnam: Pioneering Cross-Disciplinary Advances in Cardiology and Global Research Collaboration

  4. 4

    The Four Malaysian Indians Who Made Forbes Malaysia’s 50 Richest 2020

  5. 5

    What Are The Hidden Truths Behind The AADI Month Beliefs?

  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture

© 2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Celebrity
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Music
  • Trailers
  • Culture

© 2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.