Clear and to the point: Mahdzir (right) speaking to reporters during a press conference in Alor Setar yesterday. — Bernama
ALOR SETAR: Kedah Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan will launch their manifesto and introduce their candidates for the state election tomorrow.
Kedah Unity Leadership Council chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the manifesto addresses all segments of society, including fishermen, padi farmers, rubber tappers, industrialists, tourism operators, youth and women to bring stability and well-being to the people of Kedah.
The event is slated for 9pm in Bandar Laguna Merbok, Sungai Petani.
Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, Mahdzir, who is also Kedah Barisan chairman, said every pledge in the manifesto will be implemented if Barisan and Pakatan succeed in forming the state government after the Aug 12 polls, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, Mahdzir said the council has agreed to hold a series of leadership tours throughout the campaign period and a committee involving both coalitions will be established to coordinate the tours.
“The committee will coordinate the arrival of national Pakatan-Barisan leaders to Kedah and decide the best locations for them to campaign,” he said.
The state polls for Kedah, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Terengganu and Kelantan will be held simultaneously with the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election on Aug 12, with nomination day on July 29 and early voting on Aug 8.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Terengganu yesterday, the state Barisan launched its election manifesto with five main thrusts, including focusing on the development and empowerment of youth and teenagers.
Terengganu Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the main thrusts are welfare and social; education and religion; infrastructure; economy; and youth.
“The thing that I want to focus on (in the manifesto) is students and young people because education for the people is the main asset for Terengganu Barisan while youth are an important asset for the state.
“Among the initiatives offered in this manifesto is a training scheme for graduates of institutions of higher learning (IPT) with an allowance of RM1,500 per month for degree holders and RM1,200 per month for diploma holders for a year.
“They will be placed in government departments and private or state government-owned companies,” he said.
He told reporters this after the launch of the manifesto themed Perpaduan Demi Kestabilan dan Kemakmuran (Unity for Stability and Prosperity) at the Terengganu Umno liaison office here.
He also said that a Terengganu Young People Welfare Foundation would be established to empower youth, in addition to providing an annual fund of RM5,000 for youth associations and non-governmental organisations.
“We will also provide (if Barisan wins) driver’s licence and business assistance, education on nationalism, build and increase sports and e-sports facilities as well as create entrepreneurship and young career programmes and gig economy,” he said.
Ahmad Said said they also intend to guide young people to make sports a career because it offers lucrative income opportunities these days.
Other incentives included in the Terengganu Barisan pledges are an RM800 pension fund for eligible individuals aged 60 and above, a special RM5mil fund for women entrepreneurs and new entrepreneur capital assistance for Terengganu folk.
“In terms of infrastructure, we will continue phase three of the East Cost Expressway, build four-lane roads from Kemaman to Kuala Terengganu and from Kuala Terengganu to Besut, construct 10,000 affordable homes within five years and upgrade infrastructure facilities at all tourist jetties,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also reminded young voters to think rationally and remember that the responsibility of voting is crucial in determining the future of the state and the nation.
