PM springs several surprise goodies

the launching ceremony of Barisan Nasionals manifesto by BN president, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak at Axieta Arena, Bukit Jalil. Azman Ghani/The Star

Reports by RAZAK AHMAD , MAZWIN NIK ANIS, THEAN LEE CHENG, LOH FOON FONG, WANI MUTHIAH , FARIK ZOLKEPLI , CHRISTINA CHIN, THO XIN YI , HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM ,SHARON LING, STEPHANIE LEE , ROYCE TAN, VICTORIA BROWN, NATASHA JOIBI, TARRENCE TAN and FATIMAH ZAINAL
Photographs by RAJA FAISAL HISHAN, AZMAN GHANI, YAP CHEE HONG, MOHD FAIHAN MOHD GHANI and MOHAMAD AZHAR ARIF

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak went beyond the 364 pledges in the Barisan Nasional election manifesto with several surprise announcements.

The Prime Minister, who launched the manifesto before a massive sea of blue in Bukit Jalil last night, had more up his sleeves, particularly on the 1Malaysia People’s Aid or BR1M (see details next page).

Najib said the “Aku Janji” (I Pledge) manifesto was for every Malaysian, saying that no one will be left behind.

The Barisan chairman also announced separate pledges for every state, which had incentives announced for infrastructural and economic development.

He started with Selangor and Penang, which are ruled by the Opposition. Najib took a dig at the issues plaguing both states, such as the water crisis in Selangor and the controversial Penang undersea tunnel, by reciting a poem.

He promised that there will be no water woes in Selangor should Barisan win back the state in GE14.

“God willing, if Barisan takes back Selangor, its water problems.. we confirm Barisan will resolve it,” he said to thunderous applause from the packed capacity at the Axiata Arena indoor stadium and the many thousands who followed from outside.

Najib also said that 65,000 affordable homes will be built in Penang over the next five years should the coalition wrest the state.

As for Sabah and Sarawak, Najib said Barisan has never “looked down” on the East Malaysia states, calling them “fixed deposit states which will continue to be looked after.”

He pledged to fully recognise their rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, continue construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway, and return control of power and gas to Sabah and Sarawak.

As for Johor, Najib announced that the Plus Highway from Yong Peng to Johor Baru will be widened from four to six lanes.

In Melaka, a new highway from Kuala Linggi- Majid Tanah- Klebang and Teluk Mas would be built.

A highway will also be built from Kuala Nerus to Kelantan in Terengganu.

Perak will have a new airport built in Sri Iskandar over the next five years. In Negri Sembilan, a Malaysian Vision Valley will be enhanced in a mega iconic project.

In the Federal Territories, the PM pledged to build more urban renewal and urban redevelopment homes.

For Perlis, a development project from Kangar to Kuala Perlis was announced.

For his homestate Pahang, Najib pledged more allocation for affordable and low-cost housing for second generation Felda folk.

As for Kelantan, he said the construction of the Gua Musang-Kota Baru Highway will be expedited should Barisan be given the mandate.