Thumbs up for BN's manifesto

REALISTIC: It doesn't promise the moon and the stars, only things which are deliverable, say leaders
KOTA KINABALU: THE Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received the thumbs up from leaders nationwide.

In Sabah, the coalition members welcomed the election manifesto which promises hope and confidence for the people.Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the manifesto would continue to put Malaysia on the fast track of development.

"It has concrete pledges that take into account the needs of all Malaysians, regardless of race and background."It also outlines specific programmes geared towards the development of women and youth and even the welfare of the disabled," he said, adding that the prime minister was right when he referred to the document as "a promise of hope" and not just a mere manifesto.

Musa said what was contained within the BN manifesto was realistic, achievable and trustworthy, unlike the opposition's which promised the moon and stars just as bait to get the people to vote for them.United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the manifesto was a continuation of what had been outlined by BN in the last four years since Najib took over the helm of the country.

Dompok also expressed that the BN-led government should be returned to look into the infrastructure and development in the state.Sabah Gerakan chief Datuk Gordon Leong said the manifesto asserted the coalition's "Promise of Hope" if re-elected into government."BN has track record of achievements and we need a government that has track record, workable plans and proposals.

"Therefore, it is crucial for the people to evaluate the 'Promise of Hope' of BN versus manifesto of PR objectively."Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Shirlin said the manifesto was a proof that BN was a government that reached out to the people.

"The manifesto serves the needs of the people, not only in the peninsula but also Sabah and Sarawak."
In Gopeng, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek described BN's manifesto as holistic, realistic and pragmatic.

"It will ensure Malaysia's economy continues to prosper and its people to have high income by 2020," he said, adding that the manifesto was the result of three discussions Najib had with BN component party chiefs.Speaking to reporters after visiting the Lawan Kuda New Village, Dr Chua said the manifesto placed priority on the people and the country's development.

"We also welcome the assurance that Chinese education will be supported by the government and assistance to these schools will be continued."The party was also glad that the manifesto took into consideration MCA's proposal that civil service and government-linked companies to be multiracial."It's a warranty that is in line with the 1Malaysia concept which practices inclusive policy."In Seremban, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said there was a striking difference between 0BN and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manifestos.

He said the opposition's manifesto tabled earlier offers sweet promises to entice voters which if implemented could destroy the country."BN's manifesto is a promise. It is a continuation of our work and our commitment to further improve the people's lives without jeapordising the future of our country."

Mohamad said BN's manifesto also clearly listed the methods and means to achieve the coalition's target.
"It shows the PM's commitment in the next five years to double the government's effort to help the people."

Negri Sembilan MIC chairman Datuk T. Rajagopalu described the BN manifesto as inclusive and fair to all Malaysian regardless of their races.Former PKR leader Datuk Seri Zahrain Hashim also lauded the BN initiatives for low-income groups.

"Those who criticise the policy are usually the ones who do not even pay tax, but they are among the first to line up to receive it."It is taxpayers' money but it is how the government manages the money that counts. Now that BR1M will be given annually, this will definitely alleviate the people's burden. It is definitely a smart move by BN."

In Malacca, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the BN manifesto was practical as it was based on what the government was capable of achieving."BN's promises are reasonable as they take into consideration the country's income, economic growth and ability to repay, while ensuring that the people's needs are met.

"We mean to fulfil these promises, unlike the opposition, which make claims that they will provide all sorts of things for free without taking into account the country's capacity to support such promises."He added that BN's pledges were balanced, touching on crucial economic and social aspects, including a solid plan to take Malaysia to greater heights on the global stage.

"Not only will the people's income be increased, but basic amenities such as public infrastructure and transport systems, including the West Coast Expressway and the Pan Borneo Highway, will be improved for the betterment of the nation."All sectors involved will be empowered to enhance national economic growth, driving us closer to becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2020."

Ali added that he was confident that the people would make the right choice in the upcoming general election."What have Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim achieved compared with Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has overseen the country's transformation these past few years?

"Can they legitimately say that they have done more for the country than BN leaders who have fulfilled their promises to the people?"I think the people can judge for themselves who are the more credible leaders compared with those who have failed to fulfil their promises after being given the chance to rule a few states for the past five years."