A rejuvenated Pakatan shapes up for battle

"I'm not tired," said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng when told that a student representative during the debate session had complained that  it was rather tiring to hear Pakatan Rakyat ranting  about taking over Putrajaya.

The student representing GAMIS (Gabungan Mahasiswa/i Islam Se Malaysia) said Pakatan had yet to provide a viable solution to how students can resolve their problems with the student loans, or PTPTN.

"Our condition is even worse than that of prisoners who do enjoy some benefits like free healthcare,"Lim (left) added, when asked during the delegates debate session at Pakatan's 3rd national convention in Alor Setar.

Kelantan exco member Husam Musa later announced that the state government will absorb all student loans undertaken since 2005 once Pakatan takes federal power.

The coalition's top leaders were asked if they have a new slogan instead of recycling their three-year war cry of unseating BN in Putrajaya?

‘Have plans to get there'

PAS secretary general Mustafa Ali explained that the coalition does not only talk about seizing Putrajaya from BN's hands but shows how to get there with its plans and policies.

He said the opposition pact cannot avoid talking about Putrajaya as all its proposals and plan point at that sole destination.

"The problem is with the roads... too much traffic, we have to take many turns before arriving there" said PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, sparking laughter from the reporters at the press conference held after the morning debate session ended at 1pm.

Meanwhile, Lim clarified that Pakatan's 3rd national convention in Alor Setar was not only to celebrate opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's freedom from sodomy II charge, but to prepare for the impending polls.

"This is most likely to be the dirtiest election in the country's history," he warned.

He expressed gratitude for the various suggestions and proposals voiced out during the debate to help Pakatan implement the necessary reforms.

"Our theme save and clean up Malaysia is very appropriate. We would definitely face a crisis if Pakatan does not win in the coming election, which must be called by next year.

On Bersih chief S Ambiga's proposal that Pakatan present an anti-corruption plan to eradicate the disease rampant in many sectors, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang said the coalition was looking into the suggestion.

He added that Pakatan would probably trot out with a plan before the next general election.