Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Muhyiddin positions PN as 'clean' option in manifesto launch

 


JOHOR POLLS | Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has positioned his coalition as the "clean" option as he launched its manifesto for the Johor election.

The first out of the eight-core items in the manifesto was anti-corruption and integrity.

Muhyiddin pledged a PN government in Johor will be one that rejects corruption and abuse of power and will be built on morality, ethics and integrity.

Among others, Muhyiddin promised a PN government that will appoint opposition members to be part of the state Public Accounts Committee.

He added that all assemblypersons will also be required to table a report of their allocation spending in the state assembly, which will be made public.

"I urge Bangsa Johor to unite and give the mandate and opportunity to PN to form a clean, competent and caring state government," he told some 100 party leaders and supporters in Johor Bahru today.

The other areas of the manifesto covered the economy, cost of living, people's welfare, social wellbeing, infrastructure efficiency, tourism and environment.

Focus on Felda

The manifesto also put special emphasis on Felda, which has the second-largest settlements in the country.

Muhyiddin again touted the abolition of RM8.3 billion in debt for Felda settlers while he was the prime minister for 18 months.

"We managed to do what BN failed to do in the decades that it was in power.

"For the record, BN increased Felda's debt while PN forgave the debt of Felda settlers," he said.

He pledged to increase the involvement of Felda settlers in the economy and ensure their housing needs, as well as capping the premium on their land to RM1 per square foot.

Welfare assistance

The manifesto also offered various welfare aid, including 20 cubic metres of free water for low-income households, similar to the policy in Selangor as well as a five-year licence fee exemption for small traders and special aid to fisherfolk affected by sea reclamation.

This was on top of a medical card for low-income families to receive treatment at private clinics, also similar to the policy in Pakatan Harapan-led Selangor.

Muhyiddin said a PN government will also provide laptops and cash aid for students from low-income families who are entering university.

The Bersatu president also continued to pressure the Umno-led federal government to fully reopen the country's border with Singapore as Johor's economy is intertwined with the city-state.

The Pagoh MP added that the implementation of the manifesto will be overseen by an implementation committee that includes professionals.

"Our pledges are realistic and practical commitments," he said.

Yesterday, BN also launched its manifesto of sorts, which it described as "aspirations".

Campaigning for the Johor polls kicked off on Feb 26. Johoreans will go to the polls on March 12. - Mkini

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