MP SPEAKS | As DAP celebrates its 53rd anniversary of our formation tomorrow, we urge Malaysians to stand united together to achieve our vision of shared prosperity for all regardless of race, religion or location, so that we can hand over a country with a bright future that we can be proud of to our children and grandchildren. 

Pakatan Harapan's historic victory in last year's general election, which saw it successfully replace BN for the first time in 61 years, raises hopes of a nation able to address the problems of the past neglected by the previous administration. 

As a member of Harapan, DAP must focus on national unity; shared prosperity that provides equal opportunities in jobs, education and business; clean government and fighting corruption; respecting rule of law and justice for all; good governance that is people-centric and performance-oriented; and protecting the environment and the basic human right of every Malaysian to live with dignity. 

Harapan does not deny that we face many challenges, especially on the narrative of national unity that is confronted by irresponsible elements who seek to divide and disrupt the government through the politics of racism and extremism. 

Exploiting hate and confrontational politics is a weak attempt to hide their inability to competently manage the economy until salaries cannot even be paid, or hide their corruption on an industrial scale until Malaysia is declared a global kleptocracy. 

We can remind Malaysians again and again that Harapan is the only coalition that can represent all Malaysians, regardless of demography or geography. However, that is not enough when the people want to see how their lives can improve. 

That is why the twin focus must always be on delivering on our promises in the Harapan manifesto, and on providing good jobs, improving household incomes and controlling the cost of living so that the people can enjoy a better life.

The final test of Harapan's success will be the outcome of this question, “Are you better off now under Harapan than under BN?” 

If the answer is positive, then Harapan will have done our duty not only to the rakyat, but also to the next generation. 

Let us focus on delivering our election promises and good jobs so that we can future-proof the economy that is transiting into the digital age.

LIM GUAN ENG is the MP for Bagan and the secretary-general of DAP.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.