Gagasan Sejahtera to launch manifesto on March 18

KUALA LUMPUR: Gagasan Sejahtera is set to launch its manifesto – dubbed "Malaysia Sejahtera" – on March 18, says PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic).  

According to him, the manifesto for the coming 14th General Election will be launched during a ceramah at the Astana Banquet Hall in Cyberjaya, where party president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and several other leaders in the PAS-led coalition will speak.  

"There will be nine main thrusts in Gagasan's manifesto," he said to reporters during a press conference at its headquarters here on Monday.  

Tuan Ibrahim said the manifesto would address several national issues, among them the rising cost of living, national security and national unity.  

"We need to build a Malaysia that is harmonious and accepted by all – regardless of race and religion.  

"We hope our manifesto will be able to attract the support of non-Muslims," he said, adding that it was drafted after taking into account the views of non-Muslims.  

Tuan Ibrahim also announced Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia (Berjasa) as the latest addition into the Gagasan coalition.

"This means that we have three component parties – PAS, Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia and Berjasa.  

"Our coalition also comprises 200 NGOs and several other scholars," he added.  

Tuan Ibrahim also said that Gagasan had formed an electoral pact with Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM).  

"PCM isn't a member of Gagasan, but they are friendly with us," he said.  

Last year, PCM president Datuk Huan Cheng Guan had expressed interest in joining forces with Gagasan.

Below are the nine main thrusts of Malaysia Sejahtera:  

* The formation of a government with integrity, trustworthiness and free from corruption.

* To increase disposable income and provide new opportunities for the rakyat.

* Empowering Malaysians to ease the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living.

* Reducing the gap of income and wealth distribution between urban and rural areas.

* Improving the quality of education to create better human capital.

* The harmonisation of the legal system and governance.

* Strengthening the concept of federalism by restoring certain rights of a state government.

* Empowering the people’s voice, which is in line with the demands of Syura and democratic principles.

* Enhancing the effectiveness of current social support system for vulnerable groups.