Sg Bakap polls: Pakatan's Joohari unveils four-point 'PerPADUan' manifesto

NIBONG TEBAL: Better infrastructure, free tuition classes, ending poverty and fair treatment for all are among the highlights of Dr Joohari Ariffin's manifesto for the Sungai Bakap by-election.

The Pakatan Harapan candidate for the state seat in the upcoming by-election pledged this when launching his four-point "PerPADUan" manifesto on Saturday (June 29) night.

Joohari said that under the first point - Infrastructure and Progress (Prasarana dan Progresif) - he will ensure that public facilities are in good condition and meet the needs of the population.

"I promise to ensure that water and traffic infrastructure projects such as the Sungai Kerian Project, the Perak-Penang Water Project and the road connection construction in Bandar Tasek Mutiara will be carried out," said Joohari.

He then added that his his second point of Morals, Academic and Youth (Akhlak, Akademik and Anak Muda), he will enhance the morals and academic excellence of young people through measures including free tuition classes for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students.

"I aim to expand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and artificial intelligence (Al) programmes through the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) and Digital Penang in Sungai Bakap," he said during the Unity talk to announce his manifesto held at Taman Tasek Indah here.

Joohari then said that he would also promote Peace (Damai) with priority being given to the well-being of the people by creating a harmonious environment and strengthening family institutions through various inclusive programmes.

"This includes eradicating hardcore poverty, resolving citizenship issues for the elderly and local children and promoting the development and preservation of mosques, suraus, and places of worship," he said.

Joohari then said that the final point is fair treatment for all (Untuk Semua), in which he will aim to provide fair treatment to all segments of society.

"We will focus on youth, women, and the development of children's and senior citizens, education, culture and others," he said.

Later when asked by the press how this next week is crucial to his campaigning after announcing his manifesto, Joohari said he will spend the time sharing it (manifesto) with the people.

"I will work hard to make sure it is carried out becomes a reality," he said.

The unity government is banking on the former director of Institut Aminuddin Baki (Northern Branch) to wrest the state seat while Perikatan Nasional named former logistics executive Abidin Ismail, who is also the Nibong Tebal PAS vice-chief.

Joohari and Abidin are involved in a straight fight in the July 6 by-election, which was called following the death of assemblyman Nor Zamri Latiff from PAS on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.