IT’S ON – MAHATHIR & CO TO UNVEIL BOOK OF HOPE MANIFESTO TOMORROW: PM & CM TO BE LIMITED TO 2 TERMS, GST TO BE ABOLISHED, FELDA SETTLERS DEBTS TO BE ABOLISHED, EPF FOR HOUSEWIVES, RCI ON 1MDB, FELDA, MARA & TABUNG HAJI

PAKATAN Harapan (PH) says it will only take 100 days for it to put into place 10 major policy changes if it is voted into government in the 14th general election.

In its soon-to-be released manifesto, the opposition pact has listed down areas of change which it will be prioritising as it seeks to address the people’s economic woes and reform public institutions and policies.

The PH “Buku Harapan”, or Book of Hope, is scheduled to be announced tomorrow, and will be divided into five main sections; reducing the people’s burden and cost of living, reforming institutions and policies, spurring a sustainable economy, giving rights to Sabahans and Sarawakians according to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and creating a moderate and inclusive Malaysia.

Within the first 100 days of taking office, PH aims to fulfill 10 specific pledges, which are:

1. Abolish the goods and services tax (GST) and take steps to reduce the cost of living.
2. Reintroduce targeted fuel subsidies to stabilise the price of petrol.
3. Abolish Felda settlers’ debts.
4. Introduce EPF for housewives.
5. Equalise and increase minimum wage nationally.
6. Reduce the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) burden. Postpone repayment for those earning below RM4,000.  Also remove the blacklisting policy
7. Set up to resolve major scandals. Form a Royal commission of Inquiry on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Felda, Mara and Tabung Haji scandals. Reform government organisations.
8. Respecting the rights of Sabah and Sarawak. Setting up a special committee to immediately discuss Malaysia Agreement 1963
9. Set up Skim Peduli Sihat, which includes setting up funds of up to RM500 for B40 groups to receive treatment from private clinics
10. Review all mega projects. Initiate a comprehensive review of all mega projects that have been awarded to foreign countries.

Five special pledges were also listed for specific communities, including Felda settlers, the Indian community, women, youth and senior citizens.

For Felda, PH promises to put a stop to the scandals and are seeking to improve and modernise Felda.

Among the key promises that PH wants to implement in within its first term in office are:

• Propel Malaysia’s economic growth and competitiveness.
• Create 1 million new high quality jobs.
• Prioritise local workers and reduce the number of foreign workers.
• Start building 1 million affordable houses, with rent to purchase schemes.
• Abolish tolls in stages.
• Guarantee free education at public universities.
• Gradually increase the minimum wage to RM1,500.
• Retain 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) payment for those who qualify and remove politics from distribution.
• Reform key institutions.
• Eradicate corruption.
• Limit prime minister and chief ministers terms to two terms starting from 2018.
• Empower the civil service.
• Decentralise powers in Sabah and Sarawak.
• Create an inclusive, moderate and respected Malaysia.

During the run-up 13th general election, the Pakatan Rakyat opposition bloc – which then included PAS – also launched a similar manifesto.

The manifesto called for the abolishment of PTPTN, lowering car prices, institutional reforms and recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) among others.

THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT