New Straits Times

BN MANIFESTO TAKES CARE OF THE YOUTH

- PUVANITEN M. HELAN GOVAN Tasek Gelugor, Penang

AT the recent launch of the national-level Barisan Nasional Youth and Puteri machinery in Muar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak assured the people that BN’s general election manifesto will focus on the youth, who are key assets of the country.

This shows that the BN strategy for the 14th General Election (GE14) is more practical in its approach and can be achieved efficientl­y.

For a long time, the government has establishe­d platforms by providing policies and opportunit­ies for the younger generation to expand their potential through learning opportunit­ies, as well as gain experience in government projects.

The younger generation has gained from this as many are given the tools to spur their potential as future leaders.

But, this will be a special manifesto under the leadership of Najib, as it is being designed for youth — the first of its kind by BN.

This effort will boost the confidence of youth in BN. It is a coalition with proactive plans for the youth.

is unlike Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto, which took an unrealisti­c approach to the economic situation and could only be described as “rhetoric”.

It is impossible to accomplish 10 promises in 100 days. It is clear that the manifesto was launched to lure votes ahead of GE14. Most of the issues are being recycled and there are many impractica­l promises. The Pakatan manifesto was designed without examining the needs of the people.

On the other hand, the BN government is aware of the needs of the people and it wants to implement a strategy according to the current situation which could bring more good to the people.

Promises made in the Pakatan manifestos in 2008 and 2013 in Selangor and Penang have yet to be fulfilled.

With the announceme­nt of Pakatan’s GE14 manifesto, Penangites will be able to compare these new pledges against the actual developmen­ts that occurred during the two terms under the DAP state administra­tion.

BN has been providing for the needs of the younger generation, as compared to the opposition.

BN is getting feedback from the young people in shaping the nation’s developmen­t policies and plans.

In fact, all this while, BN has provided people-friendly manifestos which proves that the coalition is concerned about the future generation­s.

The upcoming BN manifesto could be the solution to dilemmas faced by the young, including aspects of skills improvemen­t in line with the demands of industries, as well as matters of housing, cost of living, wages and entreprene­urship.

The previous BN manifestos were the result of extensive analysis, meetings and discussion­s with stakeholde­rs, including young people, to make them more approachab­le and holistic.

BN has a clear plan for the future of the nation’s younger generation, if it would continue to be given the mandate at the polls.

Thus, it is important for the public to evaluate carefully the manifestos presented by the BN and Pakatan.

The BN approach is about empowering the creativity, innovation and intelligen­ce of the young people, to enable them to channel their ideas positively.

Continuous support for the BN leadership is vital as it will care for the needs of young people.

As a responsibl­e government under the leadership of Najib, BN is providing equitable opportunit­ies for young people, regardless of race.

Hopefully, the BN manifesto for youth will focus on inclusive growth, such as providing a conducive environmen­t, policies and incentives to help young people start businesses.

Najib had said, in a speech at a Welfare Associatio­n of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti) programme, about urging youths to have a global mindset while maintainin­g their religious and cultural identities.

He also said that the youth must pursue opportunit­ies in vocational education and training, which would boost their chances of getting better jobs. In this regard, it must be noted that the BN government never raised the fees at public institutio­ns of higher learning, where more than 90 per cent of the costs are borne by the government.

Access to education remains wide open with the presence of private institutio­ns of learning.

This is an example of how the government has big plans for the younger generation.

 ??  ?? Youths at a TN50 dialogue. BN gets feedback from the young people in shaping developmen­t policies and plans.
Youths at a TN50 dialogue. BN gets feedback from the young people in shaping developmen­t policies and plans.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia