SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional has launched its manifesto for the Aug 1 Negri Sembilan polls, among others pledging to secure RM30bil in new investments in the next five years for the state.
Barisan also pledged to create 50,000 new jobs during the period, including 5,000 high-paying jobs in the Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) and provide 20,000 youth with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
State Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who launched the document said Barisan would also work towards having one flagship enterprise in every district in the state to act as a catalyst for growth.
The document themed "Make Negri Sembilan Great Again", outlined 88 pledges anchored in nine key thrusts aimed at building stability, safeguarding the state, championing the people and creating prosperity.
"We are here not only to launch a manifesto, but to renew our commitment to work for the people of Negri Sembilan, renew our commitment to create more job opportunities for the youth, and our commitment to move the state forward faster.
"The manifesto is built upon our experience governing the state and the nation," he said, adding that these were not unrealistic promises but ones it could deliver.
As part of the economy and development thrust, Barisan among others pledged to optimise state revenue and minimise leakage.
"We pledge to realign the development in the MVV area and ensure its growth generates a spillover effect throughout the state," he said.
Mohamad said Barisan also pledged to build 25,000 houses and 1,000 kampung housing lots and ensure there was no increase in assessment rates for five years as part of its housing and residential development thrust.
Supplementary taxes and additional business deposits imposed by local authorities would also be reviewed.
Mohamad said the coalition also hoped to maintain Negri Sembilan as a state with zero hardcore poor, to install street lighting in 69 Orang Asli and 59 new villages, install CCTV in 35 crime hotspot areas, and further improve the living standards, welfare and well-being of the people.
For the environment and tourism thrust, Mohamad said the coalition would work towards attracting 22 million domestic and international tourists annually, create 5,000 new jobs in the sector and preserve 155,000ha of the forest reserve area.
"Ensuring the preservation of forests and forest products within the state permanent forest reserves against encroachment, alongside providing assistance for activities that enhance forest and environmental sustainability," he said.
"We will also empower emergency services by providing emergency equipment such as generator sets, chainsaws, ladders, and waterjets, including one ambulance and a healthcare welfare squad per state constituency and insurance cover for gig workers," he said.
For the education, human capital, youth, women and entrepreneurship thrust, it also pledged to give 100 special scholarships every year to students who excel academically in every district, smartboards to selected schools in stages to support the Federal Government's national digitalisation policy and special aid to tahfiz and vernacular schools.
Through its Skim Salam Sejahtera, Barisan also pledged to provide a one-off RM1,500 to students enrolling for a degree course, diploma (RM750), certificate (RM500) and Form 6 (RM300).
Barisan also added that there would also be a RM1,000 incentive to every couple intending to get married.
Mohamad said those above the age of 65 would receive a one-off payment of RM200 every year and those above 75 would be given RM300 on their birthdays.
As part of the agriculture, agro-food, rural development, and Felda thrust, Barisan pledged to also strive to create 8,000 housing lots in Felda schemes.
Another pledge is to provide training and development incentives for the sectors of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, as well as for livestock feed crops, subsidies for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen.
"There will also be one agriculture-related cooperative in every constituency and development of special zones for paddy, fruits and livestock," he said, adding that there would also be a Fishermen's Heritage Fund.
For religion, custom and culture, heritage and the Orang Asli community thrust, Barisan pledged to uphold the eminence of Islam while respecting religious diversity.
"This will include improving the welfare of mosque and surau officials, and providing token assistance for mosque officials to perform the Haj and Umrah," it said, adding that it would continue safeguarding the rights, preserving the culture, and uplifting the living standards of the Orang Asli community.
As part of the sports, recreational and unity thrust, Barisan pledged to establish an outdoor adventure and recreational centre in Bukit Putus and build and improve motorsport racing circuits.
It also pledged to construct an integrated recreation centre in the state.
"We will also set up a unit that will monitor our performance in meeting the pledges that we make in our manifesto today," he said.
Early voting is set for July 28, with polling day on August 1.
Barisan will contest 25 of the 36 seats in the state polls, with its partner Perikatan Nasional contesting the remaining 11.
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