Melaka state election: BN manifesto outlines five thrust areas, 103 initiatives

The hybrid launch of the manifesto held in compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the National Security Council (MKN), was officiated by BN deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan with Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali, the BN candidate for the Lendu seat, also present.

Mohamad, who is also the UMNO deputy president, said the manifesto was a pledge to the people of Melaka that was guided by five main thrusts, namely, political stability, governance efficiency, a united society, sustainable development and sharing of prosperity.

Under the first thrust, Mohamad said BN promised to provide an allocation to all the 28 Melaka state assemblymen including those not from the ruling government to ensure prosperity for all the people regardless of their political affiliation.

"This political maturity is also manifested through the proposed amending of the State Constitution for the purpose of appointing five additional assemblymen including from among the youth and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) so as to provide the space and state assembly sitting perspectives that are outside the political scope," he said.

He added that to appoint the five additional assemblymen, BN would need a two-thirds majority win from the 28 seats contested.

For the second thrust of a new economic leap, Mohamad said BN promised to make this a reality by strengthening the economic sector including tourism in Melaka, as well as boosting skills, entrepreneurship and small businesses, and empowering the fishermen, farmers and livestock breeders.

He said to raise efficiency in governance, BN was committed to correcting the weaknesses if any.

"We will also initiate the creation of a Melaka Youth State Legislative Assembly to hear their ideas and views so as to benefit from these, and the changes to be implemented in Melaka," he added.

Under the core area of maintaining unity and harmony among the people, the former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar said BN would ensure that every level of society regardless of race, religion and status would enjoy a better life.

He said BN would also continue providing social support to the community, empowering the youth, persons with disabilities and the Orang Asli, caring for the elderly, appreciating the frontliners and championing women's rights.

Under the last core of sharing prosperity, Mohamad said BN had identified several high-impact projects and the need to provide quality public utilities and facilities, as well as flood-mitigation and environmental sustainability efforts for the state.

"Overall, the five core areas comprise 103 initiatives that are inclusive for the 'Keluarga Melaka' (Melaka Family) based on the principle that no one is left behind. All these will lead us to stability for prosperity.

"This manifesto is a pledge that is realistic, taking the people's needs into consideration, and can be completed in the next five years," he said.