PENANG: The honeymoon period is over and the Pakatan Rakyat government should start “governing” the state and show results of their own efforts, according to Gerakan leaders.

Former Chief Minister and acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said it was very easy for the DAP and PKR leaders to criticise the Barisan on many issues while in the opposition.

“During the general election, the leaders made many promises which they thought they did not have to fulfil as they did not expect to be voted into power.

“However, now that they are in government, they are beginning to realise that it is not easy at all to practise what they promised, because of many practical constraints – technical, procedural, financial, social and political,” he said in a press statement.

Dr Koh noted that these constraints “may well become more pronounced” as Pakatan leaders moved beyond the “honeymoon” period of the first 100 days.

Gerakan secretary-general Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye said the general impression on their first 100 days was that the DAP-PKR state government was more of a populist government rather than a “properly performing” government.

“The leaders seem to be more concerned with seeking popularity, criticising the previous government and claiming full credit for achievements which were obviously the result of the previous government’s efforts and federal support. They really have to start governing and to show real results of their own agenda and efforts,” he added.

Chia’s deputy, Teng Chang Yeow noted that the DAP-PKR leaders would have to face the great challenge of translating election promises that were popular and populist in nature into policies that were proper, practical and practicable.

“The impression is that they are still finding their footing and beginning to show conflicts and contradictions amongst themselves,” he opined.

State Gerakan secretary Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said DAP-PKR leaders seemed to be still operating with an opposition mindset, rather than a government mindset.

“They are still quick in criticising others, but not too tolerant of being criticised as a government should be,” he added.

Penang Gerakan Wanita chief Ng Siew Lai said DAP had promised to abolish the Sungai Nyior toll along the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway in their election manifesto for Penang.

“After coming into power, they cleverly pushed it to the Federal Government, then made yet another promise that the toll would definitely be abolished if and when they come into power at the Federal Government “by or before the next general election,” she said.

“They are very skilful indeed in spinning, pushing responsibility away and playing the politics of ‘hope in the future’.”