Negri manifesto robust, achievable
State BN outlines 2 thrusts focusing on development
THE Negri Sembilan Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto for the 14th General Election (GE14) has outlined two major thrusts with 18 clusters focusing on the development of the state and the welfare of the people.
The manifesto, announced by state BN chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, is in line with the “Towards the Modernisation of Negri Sembilan 2045” policy, involving the state’s Modern Development Plan 2045, Malaysia Vision Valley Development Plan (MVV) and Rural Outreach Plan.
With the theme “Bukti, Bukan Sekadar Janji”, the two thrusts in the manifesto for the 2018-2022 period include Prospering the State and People’s Welfare.
At the launch of the manifesto last month, Mohamad said that, under the Prospering the State thrust, BN has set nine clusters: — economy, investment, infrastructure, education, tourism, agriculture, unity, environment and civil service.
Under the People’s Welfare thrust, nine clusters are given priority to ensure a safer, prosperous, peaceful, happy, and comfortable life for the people.
The thrust focuses on community welfare and encompasses housing, health, sports, Orang Asli, youth, women, poverty, safety and the environment.
“All promises in the manifesto are robust, practical and achievable based on financial ability, thus, it will not affect the state’s finances.
“This is evident through our success of implementing 44 out of 45 thrusts made in GE13. One wasn’t implemented since our review found that the project was not necessarily a requirement, so we gave priority to the more important needs of the people.”
The state BN manifesto for GE14, which promises to build more affordable homes, will bring relief to young people and low-income earners as it will give them more opportunities for home ownership.
Its manifesto on housing includes its promise to complete the construction of the Chembong People’s Housing programme, involving 452 single-storey terrace houses for those earning less than RM1,500.
It promises to create a new settlement, Desa Sutra, through the Village Expansion Programme, and address the issuing of titles for 300 occupants of the public low-cost houses in the state.
The manifesto focuses on improving health facilities, which include expanding the number of wards at Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital, providing a specialist block at Port Dickson Hospital, as well as constructing and upgrading five clinics in Nilai, Bagan Pinang, Lenggeng, Palong 7, 8, 9 and Rompin.
Medical mobile teams comprising specialists will be stationed in districts.
Sports are not sidelined in the manifesto, which aims to cultivate a sporting culture among the people in the state.
Among the initiatives include the development of a recreational centre in every district, building of sport complexes in various districts and providing a certified football coach in every school in the state.
To ensure the welfare of Orang Asli, initiatives are provided to them, including a special health card, scholarships and convertible loans to students who excel and further their studies, entrepreneurial training, as well as providing them opportunities for home ownership
They will be given daily pocket money and transportation services to encourage Orang Asli children to go to school, as well as gazetting Orang Asli farms.
Programmes to empower women and youth are included in the manifesto, as the state is moving towards achieving a modern Negri Sembilan.
Among the areas that given attention include highlighting youth potential, optimising the functions of non-governmental organisations related to youth, involving more women in the public sector, empowering women economically, as well as establishing more child care centres in government agencies.
To help the needy, the state BN has included programmes to strengthen the state’s social safety net to ensure the needy receive aid.
Among the programmes offered in the manifesto are income increment programme, as well as expanding opportunities for those who earn below the poverty line to live in a house or own a home.
To ensure a better quality of life for the rakyat, security and environment are highlighted in the manifesto.
More motorcycle patrol units will be provided, besides continuing cooperation with police, army and the People’s Volunteer Corps to ensure a safer environment for residents.
To ensure the environmental quality index is at a satisfactory level, environmental preservation and conservation efforts will be done, including the opening of a 400ha park in Labu, the establishment of a state park in Kenaboi, Jelebu, preserving forest reserves, coral reefs and mangroves and ensuring the sustainability of natural water resources, as well as ensuring the preservation of natural forest resources and biodiversity.