Johor BN unveils its GE14 manifesto

JOHOR BARU: Johor Barisan Nasional has launched its manifesto for GE14, themed “Johor Team For A New Decade: Pledges for the Future”, which contained 230 pledges for the people of the state.

Johor BN chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the “Johor Hi-5” manifesto has five core thrusts: economic growth; provision of comprehensive infrastructure; development of the mind, talent and skills; high performance leadership; and the establishment of a sustainable, Islamic and cultured community.

“These pledges are guided by three targets, namely to meet the needs as well as enhance the well-being of the people as a whole, positioning Johor as a new southern economic power that has its own unique, significant and meaningful contribution to Malaysia, as well as preparing and propelling Johor as a competitor to all, especially Singapore.

“We will not let Johor to simply become a backyard for anyone, what more just merely being an observer to Singapore.

“So Johor, or better known as the ‘Southern Tigers’, will start showing its fangs and stripes for this specific mission that I shall call ‘Chasing the Lion’,” he said when launching the Johor BN manisfesto here on Saturday.

Also present were Johor BN deputy chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad, Johor MCA chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Johor MIC chairman Datuk M. Asojan, and Johor MyPPP chairman Datuk Dr Sivakumar.

Apart from the five core thrusts, Johor BN also pledged to focus on five target groups, namely Orang Muda Johor (OMJ or Young Johoreans), the Felda community, disabled people, the Orang Asli, women and  mothers.

The manifesto also touches on all aspects of the people's wellbeing and assures that no Johorean will be left behind in order to face the task ahead, taking into consideration the needs of all districts in the state over the next five years.

Priority will also be given to efforts to reduce the cost of living, strengthen the housing agenda, make a success of mega projects, create job opportunities and entrepreneurs, with the overriding principle being that the people came first in all considerations.

Mohamed Khaled said among the other pledges were the offer of RM50 as education savings for each child born in Johor, pocket money of RM100 for Year 1 pupils based on eligibility, setting up Pusat Asuhan Muafakat Johor childcare centers, and expanding the Bas Muafakat Johor free bus service to serve schools, housing estates and industry.

He said Barisan is also committed to making a success of mega projects to spur economic growth including completing the Petrochemical Intergrated Development Project (Rapid), developing Taman Industri Pengerang which has a gross development value of RM1.1bil, and continue developing the Johor Bio Desaru Food Valley. – Bernama