Today, we continue to discuss manifestos. They are clear statements that will serve as directions for political parties to get the support of voters in this 15th general election.
Today’s discussion will centre on the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Manifesto, which was released on November 6.
For the record, GPS was formed on June 12, 2018 by four former Barisan Nasional component parties, namely, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) following the federal coalition’s defeat in the 2018 Malaysian general election.
GPS chairman, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg as Chief Minister of Sarawak then, introduced various initiatives to boost development activities in Sarawak.
In the 12th Sarawak state election in 2021, GPS contested for the first time on its own with a strong coalition of local parties in Sarawak, and afterwards released a 34-point manifesto with the slogan “Ensuring the Stability, Prosperity, and Glory of Sarawak.”
The content of the manifesto has become the foundation for the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which aims to transform Sarawak into a high-income developed state by doubling its economy from RM136 billion in 2019 to RM282 billion in 2030.
This manifesto was developed by focusing on the creation of six major economic sectors, namely, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and services, as the main growth engine that will be supported or driven by seven enablers, namely, digital transformation, innovation, basic infrastructure, transport, utilities, renewed labour force (energy green), and human capital development and education.
This time, the GPS manifesto began with a statement from the chairman for the organisation to obtain strong and consistent support and to learn from past mistakes. Following this are ten reasons why the votes must be in favour of GPS.
The arrangement of the format and processing of the clear and concise manifesto, along with the use of engaging images and infographics, successfully convey an accurate and user-friendly message.
Undoubtedly, it is quite difficult for the people of Sarawak to assimilate the manifesto’s 64 pages of substance. But this explanation is sufficient to convince people that the GPS development planning direction is clear and very comprehensive.
The GPS manifesto for the 15th general election employs a similar theme to shape the glorious future of Sarawak. In addition to being comprehensive and inclusive, it considers all political-economic and socio-cultural components of development.
The precisely specified commitment agreement has obligated GPS to develop Sarawak in its own unique manner. Unquestionably, a very significant budget is required to help the people of Sarawak achieve their goals.
The GPS GE15 manifesto, which outlined one goal, five main pillars and 215 commitments, ensures Sarawak’s stability, progress and prosperity towards 2030 and beyond.
The GPS battle does not diverge from the course of fighting for the fate and rights of the Sarawakian people. The development objective is aligned with the aspirations of the people of Sarawak in order to meet their needs and desires as equitably as feasible.
GPS has made its election pledges. To allow the coalition to fulfil the promises it has made, it’s now up to the voters to play their role in this 15th general election.
