State BN manifesto pledges continuity of policies with a focus on greater transformation for all Sarawakians
Adenan (front centre), state BN leaders and candidates pose with the state BN manifesto. From front left are Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Senator Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, PBB senior vice-presidents Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and SUPP deputy president Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem.
KUCHING: The state Barisan Nasional (BN) has launched a 15-point manifesto promising to uphold Sarawak’s rights through the continuity of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s policies with a focus on greater transformation throughout the state.
Themed ‘Give TeamAdenan A Chance’, the manifesto highlights the state BN’s achievements in the past and what the party aspires to achieve.
“This manifesto represents the state BN’s promises and pledges to the people of Sarawak to achieve our shared aspirations for a more peaceful, progressive and prosperous Sarawak,” Adenan, the state BN chairman, told a press conference after the launch yesterday.
“This manifesto is also the state BN’s targets and action plans for the next five years to improve the livelihood of the people.”
When elaborating on the 15 points, he said, “We are committed to protecting the rights of the people of Sarawak as stipulated in the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreement 1963, Inter Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and the Cobbold Commission Report.”
He said the state BN would also continue with negotiations to increase Sarawak’s share of the oil and gas royalties from 5 per cent to 20 per cent.
BN Sarawak also aims to build 15,000 homes under the 1Malaysia People’s Housing Scheme (PR1MA), Affordable Housing (RMM) programme, People’s Housing Programme (PPR) and 1Malaysia People-Friendly Homes (RMR) programme.
This year alone, 3,678 houses for the poor would be built or repaired under the Housing Aid Programme (PBR).
In the next five years, Adenan said BN would build 1,625km of new roads, connect 39,000 new households to 24-hour electricity supply, provide treated water to 79,000 new households and increase the broadband coverage in Sarawak to 95 per cent.
In terms of health services, he said BN aims to achieve a ratio of one doctor for every 400 patients in the next five years compared to one doctor for every 980 patients last year.
“Your state BN government has approved a development allocation of RM20 billion under the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020), over and above the federal allocation. Out of this, we have pledged RM1.5 billion for our Rural Transformation Projects (RTP),” he said.
Adenan also covered the 53 principles and actions the state government has implemented over the last two years under his leadership.
“At the heart of our achievements is the unity among the people,” he said, elaborating that the unity of Sarawakians has enabled the state BN government to reach ever-greater heights throughout the years.
“Your BN government has always understood that the unity among the people of various cultures and beliefs has been Sarawak’s strength. In short, progress achieved through unity in diversity.
“Therefore, at the heart of this manifesto is our promise to safeguard this precious unity of ours. Make no mistake; our strength is in our unity. We are stronger as a united Sarawak. Malaysia is stronger with a united Sarawak. Vote for a united Sarawak. Vote for BN,” he stressed.
Adenan also pointed out that the state BN has a strong proven track record over the years.
“The BN government has kept the people’s trust and proven that we do not make empty promises or pledges that ring hollow. Instead, BN keeps its promises and honours its pledges to the people.
“With the support of the people, we have delivered results in the past. We are determined and will continue to deliver results in the future,” he said.
The manifesto is available in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Iban.