BN’s 56 promises for Selangor

Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) has launched its "56 janji" (56 promises) as a specific manifesto for the people of Selangor.

The manifesto, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday, highlights unique issues in Selangor and will capitalise on the state's standing as the wealthiest in the country to promote development.

Najib said the candidates chosen to represent the coalition in Selangor is strong enough to transform and develop the state.

“If you believe me as the leader, then this team will fulfil the people’s hope and take the country to greater success."

The main focus of the manifesto is the Selangor people's wellbeing, with some provisions to match Pakatan Rakyat's (PR) "Merakyatkan Ekonomi" initiative, which shows that BN will spare nothing to reclaim the state.

The manifesto promises a monthly aid of RM250 to the poor, single mothers and the disabled, and lowering quit rent and land taxes that was increased during PR's administration. Quit rent for households in low cost housing schemes and "Projek Perumahan Rakyat" house owners registered with e-Kasih will also be abolished.

Najib also announced that BN will provide 20 cu m of free water per month to every household and the option to change bulk meters to individual meters for free.

The coalition will also build day care centres to ease the burden of working parents.

Najib said BN will increase the number of local government authorities (PBT) from 12 to 14 with the introduction of the Bangi, North Klang and Kota Raja municipal councils to offer better services to the people.

All 14 PBTs will also spearhead the Selangor Safe City concept with upgraded integrated security infrastructure to reduce crime and provide fast help in the event of natural disasters.

To address housing problems, BN promised that the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) will resume its key role of providing affordable homes for the people.

A new scheme will also be introduced to help people, especially young couples, to own houses.

BN plans to build:

– 25,000 low cost units or Rumah Mesra Rakyat priced at RM50,000 for suburban and rural residents;

– 15,000 units with a minimum built up area of 850 sq ft, to be sold to people earning below RM3,000 per month at RM80,000; and

– 25,000 units with a minimum built up area of 1,000 sq ft to be sold at the maximum price of RM300,000 to people earning between RM3,000 to RM5,000 per month.

BN will introduce a new economic zone named "Selangor Global Logistic Hub" in the area between Port Klang and KLIA in Sepang, which will create 560,000 new job opportunities.

A new Selangor microcredit scheme will also be introduced to provide funding of up to RM250 million as start-up capital for new businesses.

Under the "Permata Pendidikan Selangor" initiative, BN will offer a RM500 contribution for newborn babies in the National Education Saving Scheme with an average return on investment of 7% per year guaranteed by the government.

All Selangor-born students who secure a place at any public university will receive a cash aid of RM1,000 (diploma) and RM1,500 (first degree).

Scholarship and convertible loans of up to RM80,000 will also be offered to Selangor citizens for their first degree.

To make the community more caring and inclusive, special funds of up to RM10,000 will be given to residents' associations to help organise community-building activities.

Annual grants of up to RM1,000 will also be given to registered social clubs and cash aid of up to RM5,000 will be offered to religious houses such as mosques and temples for management and development purposes.

Najib also chided Pakatan Rakyat government over their inability to deliver their election promises after winning in 2008.

“If the manifesto is not a promise, then why did you present it to the people?

“Five years is enough to know they (Pakatan) can’t fulfil their promises,” he said referring to on-going legal suites against the state government over their election manifesto.