BN’s manifesto is for ‘all under the Malaysian sun’
PUTRAJAYA: Expect lots of new ideas that will benefit “all under the Malaysian sun” in Barisan Nasional’s election manifesto, said the coalition’s strategic communications director Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
“It is comprehensive, inclusive and full of new ideas to meet the aspirations of all Malaysians.
“Our pledges will have impact on every citizen directly or indirectly, whether you are women, senior citizens, those with disabilities, rural folk or people in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in an interview.
Themed “Bersama BN Hebatkan Negaraku” (With BN for Greater Malaysia), the manifesto – to be unveiled at the Axiata Arena indoor stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight – has 14 thrusts consisting of 341 pledges which the coalition is committed to deliver.
They are – people’s economy, national economy, housing, human capital and education, security, women, youth, the elderly and people with disabilities, nation-building, quality of life and social wellbeing, infrastructure and transpor- tation, religious and bumiputra affairs, transparency and good governance, and national unity.
Abdul Rahman, who is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said Barisan’s election manifesto is yet another testimony to the coalition’s commitment not only to serve the people and nation, but to ensure that progress and prosperity will also be enjoyed by future generations.
“The manifesto will ensure a better tomorrow for all under the Malaysian sun,” he added.
It outlines the Barisan-led government’s plan for the nation not only for the next five years but beyond, Abdul Rahman said, adding that the committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had engaged with various stakeholders to hear them out.
“We got all the component parties involved, NGOs, associations and the public.
“The Prime Minister is also very much involved in drawing up the manifesto. He is very hands-on and wanted to ensure nothing or no one is left out,” he added.
Abdul Rahman said among things to watch out for in the manifesto is education, specifically for Sabah and Sarawak.
Also in store are an initiative that enables the people to have their voices heard by the Government, and a public transport travel discount card for senior citizens, students, people with disabilities and working youth.
Efforts will also be made to look into salaries of workers in the private sector and the setting up of an agency that will coordinate housing initiatives and to strengthen the industry’s eco-system for house buyers.
“An initiative which Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is keen to put in place has something to do with further strengthening ethnic and religious understanding, as well as promoting inter-racial dialogues,” said Abdul Rahman.
The manifesto will be printed in six languages – Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Tamil, Iban and Kadazandusun.
Apart from hard copies in booklets, mini booklets and leaflets, the manifesto will also be available online.
The launch will be broadcast live over RTM, TV3 and Astro as well as on these websites – www.najibrazak.com and www.barisannasional. org.my – at 8.45pm.