KUCHING, April 8: The state Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto to be announced on April 10 may have some good news for young adults in the state.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy youth chief Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said he had received hints from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg that affordable housing would be one of the items that would be announced in the state BN manifesto.
“We heard hints by the Chief Minister that the state BN manifesto would focus on affordable housing for the youths and working adults.
“If so, this would be a good move because today’s younger generation of adults, that have just got employed or married, have been finding it hard to buy houses. If it is true, then it would be very good news to the younger generations,” he told reporters after launching ‘Program Jelajah Milenia Negeri Sarawak’ at Plaza Merdeka here this morning.
When asked on the National BN Manifesto announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last night, Fazzrudin, who is also Tupong assemblyman, said it proved that the ruling BN government had been putting much effort into the wellbeing of the people and would continue to do so if given the mandate.
“For example, increasing the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) rates was among those (measures) that showed how committed BN is to look after the people’s wellbeing.
“That is why we have to understand that proceeds from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is important as they would be given back to the people who are in need,” he said.
Announced on April 7 by Najib, the manifesto which comprises 14 thrusts and 300 initiatives stated that BN was committed to improving facilities and creating opportunities for a better future for Sarawak and also Sabah.
BN reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of the two states in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In recognition of the contributions of the two states in developing the nation, BN pledged to incorporate more historical facts and perspectives from Sabah and Sarawak in the History syllabus taught in schools and set up an Institute of Native and Indigenous Peoples Studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
The ruling coalition also promised to introduce a “One Nation, One Price” scheme to ensure that people in Sabah and Sarawak would be able to buy goods at the same prices as consumers in the peninsula.
The welfare of rural folk will continue to be given priority as BN pledged to upgrade longhouses in Sarawak and water-houses in Sabah.
The ruling coalition also pledged to maintain a business-friendly policy by providing a special fund for Sabah and Sarawak entrepreneurs under a “carve-out and compete” initiative through the National Development Fund.
To safeguard the security of the two states, BN has also pledged to increase the weapons capability of security forces stationed in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone as well as boost monitoring of the land borders through Border Control Agency Malaysia.
BN also promised to implement more initiatives to improve the infrastructure and stimulate the economy, including a RM2 billion allocation to improve telecommunications coverage across the two states. — DayakDaily
