KUCHING: The state Barisan Nasional (BN) launched their manifesto for the coming 14th General Election (GE14) which is based on six thrusts that would safeguard the state’s rights and empower the people.
Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state BN manifesto would transform Sarawak through the digital economy.
“As your new captain, it is my duty to guarantee the Sarawak’s rights continue to be safeguarded and the rights which have been eroded over the years be rightfully returned to us.
“The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has agreed to return our rights under the MA63, and he also agreed to establish the high committee between the state and federal government to negotiate our rights on oil and gas beyond the mining ordinant, and our rights over tourism, environment, youth and sports matters,” said the Chief Minister in his speech at the launch of Sarawak BN 14th General Election (GE14) manifesto at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Headquarters in Jalan Bako, yesterday.
Johari also noted that the state government would aggressively pursuing more devolution of power in terms of delegation of power, to implement all federal funded projects in the state, as well as more decentralisation authority over health and education matters.
“We also will pursue the financial review to increase the grant from federal government, as per budget, in the federal constitution, to reinstate the power to Collect Stamp Duty on transactions over our land, and to compensate the state government for the lost of revenue with the abolishment of import duty on petroleum product,” he stressed.
The other five thrusts in the manifesto include providing better educational opportunities and facilities such as increasing the scholarships and educational aids, upgrading and building new schools, advancing the usage of English as the second official language, promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEMS) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as recognising United Examination Certificate (UEC) and supporting Chinese, Mission and Islamic Religious schools.
The manifesto also encompasses rural transformation as one of the cores, where the state government would continue to improve the basic infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and telecommunication, improving rural schools and clinics, providing social and economic assistance to the people and also creating economic opportunities and growth in the rural areas.
Improving the quality of life of the people was also included as one of the thrusts which would focus on protecting the environment, building liveable cities, towns, villages and longhouses, improving the healthcare services and social amenities, assisting and providing opportunities to the less fortunate and the poor, and expanding development of roads, bridges, water, electricity and telecommunications throughout the state.
Initiating new opportunities for continuous progress and prosperity was also covered in the state BN manifesto where the state would be able to exercise its rights over oil and gas and increase local participation, creating more jobs and business opportunity for the youth, women and entrepreneurs through digital economy, undertaking research and development (R&D) and apply new technology to generate growth in all sectors of the economy.
It would also introduce new economic and financial models to generate wealth for the state, together with business-friendly policies and conducive ecosystem for investment and develop industrial estates in urban and rural areas, as well as developing more Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, attracting foreign direct investment and domestic direct investment and developing new industries.
The thrusts also include practising a good governance and integrity in order to deliver efficient and responsive service to the public, including adhering strictly to financial procedures, and committed to their integrity pledge.
“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.
“Now is an important time for us to rally together and use our unity and strength to achieve greater progress and prosperity for Sarawak,” the state BN Chairman concluded.
