Barisan names Sulaiman Md Ali as CM candidate and unveils manifesto

 

Plans laid out: A Barisan Nasional officer showing the five-year manifesto for Melaka at the launching event in Ayer Keroh. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

AYER KEROH: Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali has been named as Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the chief minister’s post should the party win the upcoming Melaka state elections.

This was made known during the unveiling of the Barisan’s electoral manifesto for the next five years, which takes on the theme “Stability for Prosperity”.

Barisan Nasional election director Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the manifesto involving five main cores backed by 103 initiatives is a commitment by Barisan to provide stability for the state through policies designed to achieve that goal.

Among them is to provide equal funding for all elected reps in the state assembly, regardless of their party.

“Every elected rep works for the people in every corner of this state, from the cities, to the villages, and even the edge of the state’s borders.

“Based on this policy, Barisan pledges to give allocations for all 28 assemblymen, including the opposition, as a step to ensure prosperity for everyone in Melaka, regardless of political background,” he said during the live broadcast at its command centre here yesterday.

He also announced that Barisan plans to amend the state constitution to appoint five non-elected or non-constituency representatives drawn from youth and non-governmental organisations in order to achieve a greater perspective beyond just politics.

“However, Barisan needs to win a two-thirds majority in order to do this. Once we are able to achieve prosperity, we can then generate confidence and woo investors to boost the needed development,” said Mohamad.

Aside from stability, Barisan will also foster unity and harmony among the various communities in the state and promise to share wealth equally, as well as to develop high impact projects and improve infrastructure.

In response, political analyst and IIUM legal adviser Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod said Barisan is giving clear directions and going for certainty and objectivity in its policies for Melaka.

“I think stability is important, and that seems to be absent in many states after the 14th general election. Barisan believes, and I agree with them, that the electorate want to see stability in Melaka,” he added.

However, he said stability will only be achieved if the state government enjoys a two-thirds majority.

“That does not come easily in Melaka in light of the existing political climate,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Mohamad also said that Sulaiman was promoted as the next chief minister due to his clean track record.

Asked whether Melaka Barisan chief Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Md Yusoh would be given any post if he wins the Tanjung Bidara seat, Mohamad said it would depend on the situation.

Mohamad added that what is important was that they had confirmed who their chief minister will be.

Asked if Barisan was prepared to cooperate with Perikatan Nasional or PAS should it win the state election, Mohamad said Barisan would welcome them.

“But as I mentioned, we need a core party that will be able to form the government first.

“If we want political stability, the core party must be able to form the government.

“Because we do not want instances where (coalition) parties withdraw their support and cause the government to collapse.

“The rakyat will suffer again. I hope voters will pick parties with a good and proven track record,” said Mohamad, who also urged the Election Commission not to be overzealous in implementing the restrictions during the campaigning period leading up to polling day on Nov 20.

The Melaka legislative assembly has 28 seats, while the electoral roll contains 495,196 voters. - Star