BN wants to amend Malacca constitution to appoint lawmakers

MALACCA POLLS | Malacca BN has revealed its election pledges today which include amending the state constitution to appoint five unelected lawmakers.

BN deputy chief and the coalition's election director Mohamad Hasan said having more lawmakers will ensure political stability - the main thrust of BN's election manifesto.

He said the five appointed lawmakers will include youths and non-political figures.

"This will give room (for ideas) and perspectives that are (beyond) the scope of (partisan) politics.

"It shows (BN's) willingness and courage to listen to all voices.

"But before that, BN must win two-thirds of the (28) seats (in the Malacca assembly)," said Mohamad during a live speech.

The launch of BN's Malacca election manifesto

Malacca election manifesto 

BN's election manifesto is titled "Stability for Prosperity" and has five key thrusts:

1. Political stability
2. Economic growth
3. Efficient administration
4. A united society
5. Sustainable development and shared prosperity

Notably, there were many pledges made by BN aimed at the youth.

According to the press handout, BN also pledged to ensure equal funding between government and opposition lawmakers as part of its aim for political stability. However, this was not read out in Mohamad's speech.

On economic growth, Mohamad said BN will focus on supporting Malacca's tourism industry, farmers and small businesses.

In the press handout, the Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone (M-wez) was featured prominently and described as a key project towards the state's economic growth.

M-wez is a massive real estate project on reclaimed land involving the coast of the old Malacca city.

BN pledged that the beaches on the project will be open to the public within 100 days after they win the election and that environmental sustainability will be maintained.

On improving government administration, Mohamad said BN vows to set up a youth Parliament for Malacca to elicit views from young people. 

The handout also saw BN pledging to amend the Malacca Land Rules 1966 within a year to make land transactions easier.

On a united society, BN vowed to set up skills training centres, a housing scheme for newlyweds and involving youths in district or local government decision making, among others.

The setting up of centres was also to encourage youth to be involved in arts. E-sports or extreme sports centres were part of it as well.

BN aims to "maintain" its policy of having 30 percent of women in policymaking. However, there were no further details for this pledge.

On sustainable development and shared prosperity, BN vowed to set up free bus services for rural areas and ensure all housing developers include religious and recreational facilities in their plans.

BN pledged that it will resolve electricity and water disruptions throughout the state within one year.

It also promised to resolve flooding through eight projects spread across the state within five years.

On the environment, the coalition vowed to ensure that rivers in Malacca are the cleanest in the country within one year. - Mkini