Sabah BN unveils 20-point manifesto
The 20-point manifesto aims to ensure continued progress in the state
SABAH Barisan Nasional unveiled a 20-point manifesto, which aims to ensure continued peace and progress in the state if it wins the people’s mandate in the 14th General Election.
Launched by Sabah BN chief Tan Sri Musa Aman here, the manifesto, themed “Tanah Airku Maju”, followed the national-level BN manifesto launched by BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak on April 7.
“We are grateful and thankful because the national leadership not only hears our voice, but also shows its extraordinary sensitivity to us here in Sabah,” Musa said as he read out the 20 points to resounding approval from those in attendance.
The state BN manifesto placed as its No. 1 pledge the need to protect the rights of Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Federal Constitution.
This was followed by a pledge to set up a special unit under the chief minister’s department to coordinate non-Islamic religious affairs to nurture religious and ethnic harmony.
The next two thrusts in the manifesto were to continue and introduce more poverty eradication programmes, build more affordable homes, continue finding a resolution to the illegal immigrants issue, strengthen the Eastern Sabah Security Command and create a more competitive workforce.
“We will accelerate the povertyeradication agenda until we achieve zero poverty and build more affordable homes for the people.”
On the illegal immigration issue, he said enforcement would be intensified, with daily operations carried out by the authorities.
Sabah BN pledged to pursue greater economic empowerment for the people, improve efficiency in the government delivery system, land management, protect the environment, bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas, and drive the agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism sectors.
Among others, Musa said, the Communal Grants and Native Land Administration Services programmes would continue if the mandate was returned to BN.
“Pan-Borneo Highway will boost links by connecting all districts,” he said, adding that it would be a catalyst for the development of the state.
The manifesto acknowledged the creative industry, the United Examination Certificate, development of women, as well as equal rights between genders and broadband network coverage.
He introduced Datuk Alexandra Chin, the first woman from Malaysia to become the global president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 2015.
On youth and sports development, Musa introduced Keningauborn national hurdler Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian. He said Sabah BN aspired to groom more outstanding athletes like Rayzam, who won gold in the 2017 Sea Games .
On the creative industry, Musa gave special mention to songwriter Asmin Mudin, who wrote the song Sayang Kinabalu, Kau Ilhamku for Man Bai, Gemilang for Jaclyn Victor and Anggapanmu for Ziana Zain among others.
“We will prepare a one-stopcentre for those in the creative industry to groom more of our talent to be involved and succeed.”