Why did PH break its election promise on PM holding finance minister role?

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PH's Stance on Prime Minister Holding Finance Minister Role Amidst Broken Election Promise

Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders have become notably silent regarding the prime minister also holding the finance minister portfolio, a stance that contrasts with their previous general election manifesto. This shift in public discourse follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assuming both the roles of prime minister and finance minister, alongside the Federal Territories Ministry. The centralisation of power in such a dual role has been raised as a concern, with former education minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin highlighting the potential for a lack of checks and balances.
Previous Opposition to Dual Role

During the 14th general election campaign, Pakatan Harapan's manifesto explicitly promised to prevent the prime minister from concurrently holding the finance minister position. This commitment was a point of contention for PH leaders, who previously voiced disagreement with such an arrangement. The current situation, where the prime minister also serves as finance minister, has led to observations that PH leaders who once opposed this dual role have now fallen silent.
Current Prime Minister Holds Dual Portfolios

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim currently holds three ministerial positions: prime minister, finance minister, and minister for the Federal Territories. This consolidation of portfolios has drawn attention, particularly from former minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, who argued in Parliament that such a concentration of power increases the risk of misuse. Radzi referenced past scandals, such as those involving 1MDB and SRC International Sdn Bhd, which occurred when the prime minister also held the finance minister post, suggesting a need for robust checks and balances.
Historical Context and Anwar's Defence

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stated that there is no issue with him holding both the prime minister and finance minister posts. He pointed to Malaysia's historical precedent, where prime ministers have previously held the finance portfolio without significant problems. Anwar was responding to concerns raised by Radzi regarding the potential for past incidents, including corruption scandals, to be repeated due to the centralisation of power. While Anwar cited historical instances of this dual role being held without issue, the specific historical context and the nature of any past problems or lack thereof are not elaborated upon.

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Why did PH break its election promise on PM holding finance minister role?

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