BN Sarawak unveils manifesto, to continue pursuing regaining state’s rights

KUCHING, April 9: The Barisan Nasional (BN) Sarawak manifesto for the 14th General Election (GE14) promises that BN will continue to pursue the state’s rights which had been eroded over time, and to safeguard them.

During the unveiling at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters at Jalan Bako here this afternoon, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that as long as the state BN has the mandate, he and his team will ensure that all plans in the manifesto, especially the state’s rights under the MA63, will be fulfilled.

“One of my most important responsibilities is to guarantee that Sarawak’s rights continue to be safeguarded and that the rights, which have been eroded over the years, be rightfully returned to us.

“We will also continue to transform the rural areas, enhance the quality of education, conserve the environment and improve the quality of life for all Sarawakians.

“I will ensure that Sarawak will leapfrog into a brighter future and growth by implementing comprehensive and high impact infrastructure development projects including roads, bridges, telecommunications, water supply and electricity to ensure all Sarawakians will have access to these basic utilities,” he said as he read out the manifesto in front of reporters, hundreds of supporters and elected representatives.

Abang Johari said through his vision to transform the state through the digital economy, many opportunities would be made available to all Sarawakians, be they in urban or rural areas.

He said the opportunities included new businesses and jobs applying modern technologies, innovation and creativity. This, he added, in turn would create more spin-offs including in the service industries, such as food and entertainment, among others.

“These new opportunities will allow us to realise the full potential not only of the natural resources that our state has been blessed with, but more importantly of the talents that we have among the youths of Sarawak.

“Therefore, it is crucial for Sarawak to have the stability and continuity in leadership and in the government so that we can achieve our aspiration of becoming a developed state with a high-income economy,” said Abang Johari.

He said the state government will continue to maintain a close relationship and collaboration with the federal government and the BN government as these have helped Sarawak achieved the success it is enjoying now.

“Thus, the continuity of this working relationship would augur well for Sarawak as we create new opportunities by building on the success achieved so far.

“Now is an important time for us to rally together and use our unity and strength to achieve greater progress and prosperity for Sarawak,” he said.

The manifesto contained six thrusts, reproduced as follows:

1. To safeguard the state’s rights and preserve its harmony and unity;

• Preserve and Regain Sarawak’s Rights as Enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)

• Preserve Our Culture, Heritage and Beliefs

• Uphold Rights over Our Land

2. To provide better educational opportunities and facilities;

• Increase Scholarships and Educational Aid

• Upgrade and Build New Schools

• Advance the Usage of English as the Second Official Language

• Promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

• Recognise UEC and Support Chinese, Mission and Islamic Religious Schools

3. To enhance rural transformation;

• Improve the Basic Infrastructure – Roads, Water, Electricity and Telecommunication

• Improve Rural Schools and Clinics

• Provide Social and Economic Assistance to the People

• Create Economic Opportunities and Growth in the Rural Areas

4. To improve the quality of life of our people;

• Protect Our Natural Environment

• Build Liveable Cities, Towns, Villages and Longhouses

• Improve Healthcare Services and Social Amenities

• Assist and Provide Opportunities to the Less Fortunate and the Poor

• Expand Development of Roads, Bridges, Water, Electricity and Telecommunication throughout the State

5. To initiate new opportunities for continuous progress and prosperity;

• Exercise our Rights over Oil & Gas in Sarawak and Increase Local Participation

• Create More Jobs and Business Opportunities for Youths, Women and Entrepreneurs through Digital Economy

• Undertake R&D and Apply New Technologies to Generate Growth in All Sectors of the Economy

• Introduce New Economic and Financial Models to Generate Wealth for the State

• Business-Friendly Policies and Conducive Ecosystem for Investment and Develop Industrial Estates in Urban and Rural Areas, as well as Develop More SMEs and Entrepreneurs

• Attract Foreign Direct Investment and Domestic Direct Investment and Develop New Industries

6. To practise good governance and integrity;

• Deliver Efficient and Responsive Service to the Public

• Adhere Strictly to Financial Procedures

• Committed to Our Integrity Pledge.

— DayakDaily