BERA: The Barisan Nasional manifesto does not promise “the moon and the stars” but its pledges are realistic and doable, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the manifesto was drawn up based on Budget 2023, while incorporating several new thrusts.
“What is spelt out in the manifesto is based on the Budget.
“It is something we are capable of implementing as it has been budgeted for.
“What is promised is doable. They are not extravagant promises to fish for votes,” he said when met by reporters at an event here yesterday.
Barisan presented a 99-point manifesto to tackle pressing issues facing the people such as the rising cost of living, and hot-button topics such as the separation of powers in the legal system.
On another matter, Ismail Sabri said the government is considering declaring a special holiday on the eve of polling day on Nov 19 to make it easier for voters to travel and cast their votes.
“Just wait for an important announcement from me,” he added.
The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has proposed the government declare Nov 18 a public holiday to make it easier for Malaysians to travel to their voting locations.
Its president Datuk Adnan Mat said although polling day falls on a Saturday, an additional rest day is required because many Malaysians are not voting in the locations where they work.
Meanwhile, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said that Barisan’s manifesto was more substantial.
Its promises could be easily delivered compared with the manifesto promises made by its rivals.
“Barisan’s manifesto offers some early details on how its 99 overarching initiatives could be financed, distributed and managed, which is a core strength that our rivals don’t have.
“This level of detail is critical to supporting the nation in navigating a post-pandemic and geopolitically uncertain world,” he said in a statement.
Chong added that the Barisan rivals’ inability to provide clear steps to fulfil their promises would be their undoing should they come into power.
“They are at risk of not being able to deliver on what they promise as they are unable to articulate the ‘how.’
“This may result in their inability to deliver as seen in 2018 when Pakatan Harapan was criticised for not being able to fulfil many of its promises,” he said.
Umno supreme council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Barisan’s commitment to education was one of the main selling points of its manifesto.
“Our commitment to providing free education for those in the B40 group is part of our overall social agenda to provide social mobility for people regardless of race.
“By giving them free education, we can provide these children the social mobility they need to reach their utmost potential.
“This will improve both the lives of themselves and their families.
“Such is our ideal dream of having a fisherman’s son become an engineer or scientist instead of being forced to follow in his father’s footsteps,” he added.
