Agreeing that the MA63 is the main concern of most Sabahans, the Deputy Prime Minister said the manifesto on this matter is actually a continuation of what the past Barisan government had been doing.
“That is why in 2018, Sabah and Sarawak were represented by ministers from both states to be part of the implementation of the MA63. And now, (Deputy Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has been tasked to continue the work,” he said after launching the Barisan election manifesto here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid said he is confident that MA63 will be implemented under the current administration.
“I myself will push for its implementation at the federal Cabinet level, and I am sure our partner, Datuk Arthur Kurup (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah), will also raise this matter,” he added.
The manifesto is aimed at reviewing the 35% parliamentary seat allocation for Sabah and Sarawak, among others.
Other than state rights, the manifesto also focuses on economic and livelihood prosperity, women and youth, quality education for all, community health and welfare, and sustainable resources.
During the event, Ahmad Zahid emphasised that Barisan leaders would be given the autonomy to implement the manifesto.
He said the manifesto was launched yesterday because the coalition wants to give Sabahans time to listen and compare it with the other manifestos launched earlier this week by other parties.
Calling it a solid and inclusive manifesto, Zahid said the core points do not sideline any community and address the major issues and concerns of Sabahans.
Among the additional promises outlined were provisions for assistance in repairing houses damaged by natural disasters, grants for food aid and funding for business startups.
Plans included the construction of a new port in Kudat, initiatives to address flooding, improvements in telecommunication, infrastructure, and the supply of water and electricity, as well as considerations for building a new international airport.
Barisan hopes to turn Sabah into a food hub, support the ‘one nation, one price’ initiative, enforce the Sabah-Kalimantan free trade zone and encourage local tourism and Sabah’s creative funds.
For women and youth empowerment, Barisan aims to create educational programmes, support modern sports and e-sports, provide goods driving license (GDL) for B40 youth and create transit homes for youths seeking jobs in the city.
To ensure a more sustainable use of natural resources, such as oil and gas, Barisan pledges to restructure state-owned oil and gas companies, set up the Sabah Petroleum Council and explore renewable energy.
“The Federal Government will respect initiatives and policies Sabah is hoping to achieve in this manifesto,” said Ahmad Zahid.
Sabah Umno Wanita chief Datuk Noraini Idris, who is also chairman of the election manifesto committee, said the points presented in the manifesto were doable and realistic.
When asked who Barisan’s choice for the chief minister’s post would be, Ahmad Zahid said the selection was a topic that could only be discussed if they won.
“But the hierarchy in our organisation has to be prioritised in the selection process,” he said, adding that the decision would also be made following further negotiations with other component parties.
Asked about the persistent attacks from opposition parties against Barisan throughout the campaign period, he said such tactics would not deter their fighting spirit, physically or spiritually.
Ahmad Zahid is positive about a blue wave in Sabah, seeing how it had led development and other progress for the state when it was in power.
He said Barisan and Pakatan Harapan were working well together to help each other’s candidates win.
