MELAKA: Free water for households using less than 20 cubic metres a month and 25,000 affordable homes over five years are among the main offers in the first joint manifesto by Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional for the Melaka state election.
Caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said it contained 113 initiatives under six core thrusts, offered to about 687,697 voters in the state.
He described 20 of the initiatives as key commitments that are directly linked to people's daily needs.
Other main offers include free ambulance services and free tuition for SPM and STPM candidates.
Ab Rauf, who is also Melaka Barisan chairman, said the manifesto was themed "Membina Masa Depan Melaka, Memakmurkan Negara" (Building Melaka's Future, Bringing Prosperity to the Nation).
He said the launch marked an important development in the state's political landscape.
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"Two political coalitions with two different histories of struggle are now on one stage, presenting one shared direction.
"What unites us today is not merely political interest, but a far greater responsibility to the people," he said when launching the manifesto at the Melaka International Trade Centre on Friday (Nov 6).
Ab Rauf said the manifesto took a "cradle to the grave" approach, with assistance planned for each stage of a person's life.
Newborns will receive a one-off National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) deposit from Jan 1, 2027, while pupils attending KAFA religious classes will get transport fare assistance.
Youths from B40 families will receive one-off aid to take up technical and vocational education and training (TVET) certification programmes, and 25,000 job opportunities will be offered to young people entering the workforce.
Newlyweds with a household income below RM3,500 will receive a one-off token payment, while welfare aid for senior citizens will continue.
"The people's welfare does not stop at one stage of life, but covers their entire life journey," he said.
Noting that the campaign had entered its sixth day, he said voters had heard all kinds of promises from the contesting parties.
"I am confident the people of Melaka are mature enough to judge which promises only please the ear and which offers can change their lives," he said.
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Sri Diraja Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Under the seat-sharing deal, Barisan will contest 23 seats, including four for MCA, while Perikatan parties will contest the remaining seats.
In the 2021 Melaka state election, Barisan won 21 of the 28 state assembly seats, while Perikatan secured only two.
Polling is on Nov 14.
