BN-PN manifesto sets tone for Melaka polls
AYER KEROH: Free water for households using less than 20 cubic metres a month, 25,000 affordable homes over five years and bigger flow of investments are among the main offers in the first joint manifesto by Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional for the Melaka election.
Launching the manifesto, caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said it contained 113 initiatives under six core thrusts, offered to 687,697 voters in the state.
He said the initiatives would be delivered in stages over 100 days, one year and five years, based on the scope and needs of each.
Other key pledges include a five-year freeze on quit rent rates, 30% discounts on chicken and meat through the periodic MeSRa sales, free ambulance services and free tuition for SPM and STPM candidates.
Melaka households currently pay 87 sen per cubic metre for the first 20 cubic metres of water, with a minimum charge of RM8.70 a month.
Barisan and Perikatan also aim to draw RM30bil in investments and create 25,000 job opportunities through new industrial areas and high-tech sectors.
Those building homes on their own land will be offered loans of up to RM80,000.
Ab Rauf said the launch marked an important development in the state’s political landscape.
“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, adding the manifesto took a “cradle to the grave” approach, covering each stage of a person’s life.
Newborns will receive a one-off National Education Savings Scheme deposit from Jan 1, 2027, while youths from B40 families will get one-off aid for TVET certification.
Newlyweds with a household income below RM3,500 will receive a one-off token payment, while welfare aid for senior citizens will continue.
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.”
At a press conference later, Ab Rauf said a review of the previous manifesto for the 2021 to 2026 term found that 95% of it had been implemented.
“This is an important basis for us to keep assessing the implementation of the new offers transparently and responsibly.”
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Perikatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Under the seat-sharing deal, Barisan is contesting 23 seats, while Perikatan parties contest the remaining five seats.
Meanwhile, Takiyuddin said the collaboration would strengthen the coalitions’ ability to deliver on their election pledges, citing the previous state administration’s track record.
He said the manifesto placed particular emphasis on the cost of living, education, housing and other essential needs, with proposed benefits covering residents from newborns to senior citizens.
“We believe this will open a new chapter for the people of Melaka, with a government that places their interests first,” he said.
