PETALING JAYA: Shortly after Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that he will also be Education Minister, a Pahang PKR youth leader hit back, pointing out that this contradicts Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto.

Pahang PKR youth chief Wong Chun Yuan explained that Pakatan’s “Buku Harapan” manifesto had clearly stated that “any individuals with the prime minister position cannot hold other ministerial positions, especially the Finance Minister position”.

“I’m disappointed with Dr Mahathir’s announcement that he will hold the Education Minister position.

“Not only does this go against Pakatan’s reform agenda which seeks to prevent the over-centralisation of the prime minister’s powers, but it also contradicts Pakatan’s election manifesto,” he said in a statement Thursday (May 17).

Wong said that any decision that contradicts “Buku Harapan” will disappoint youth supporters who had placed high hopes on the new Federal Government led by Pakatan.

“I urge Dr Mahathir to hold on to Pakatan’s manifesto and to retract his decision to hold the Education Minister position,” he added.

Wong’s sentiments also struck a chord with Gerakan youth chief Tan Keng Liang.

“I thought it was a promise by Pakatan that the Prime Minister won’t be holding any other ministry role. That would include the Education Ministry.

“Just a friendly reminder!” Tan posted on Facebook.

Earlier Thursday, Dr Mahathir told a press conference that he will be taking charge of the Education Ministry, while Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will be in charge of Women’s Affairs.