BN Manifesto: 1 million digital entrepreneurs to be created





KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) --One million digital entrepreneurs are to be created within five years in the quest towards a digital government.

This is among the promises in the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto for the 14th General Election (GE14), with the theme 'With BN for A Greater Malaysia' that was launched tonight by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The manifesto also pledges to empower the digital economy ecosystem through start-up grants, technology development funds and smart partnerships with international technology icons.

More online applications are to be introduced in line with the effort to establish a digital government, including the 'iKepoh' application, to allow the public to lodge complaints to the Local Councils via smartphones.

Other pledges under 'Digital Empowerment' in the manifesto are as follows: - Establishing at least one Internet Centre with a minimum speed of 20 mbps in each State Legislative Assembly area for the local community use.

- Introducing an Online Domestic Helper System to reduce the cost of employing foreign domestic workers.

- Forming an information support system for Malaysians - in the B40 window - across ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure there are no irregularities, leakages or unfair practices in the distribution of aid.

- Leading the country towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution by analysing big data when planning public policies and determining the comprehensive direction of technology.

- Realising the target of having the digital economy contribution to 25 per cent of GDP by 2023.

- Increasing the transparency of Local Councils by requiring a live broadcast every time the council members meet.

- Disclosing Local Council's annual audit reports for public display.

- Obligating periodical Town Hall sessions with residents that will be implemented by local councils.

- Realising the transformation of Local Councils by applying openness of information, communication and relationships with the public.

- Establishing an Ombudsman to investigate any public complaints on injustices and weaknesses in ministry, department and government agency services.

- Enacting the Fake News Act to preserve harmony and public order as well as economic stability.

- Drafting the Political Funds Act to monitor contributions and expenses of political parties in Malaysia.

- Establishing a Parliamentary Select Committee to refine and give feedback on issues of public interest.

- Creating digital training opportunities at 1Malaysia Internet Centres to prepare rural youths for jobs of the future.

- Strengthening transparency by introducing the Public Petition mechanism for all major issues. Any online petition that receives more than 30,000 signatories will get feedback from the government.

--BERNAMA