Sarawakians excited over BN Manifesto, especially involving Sarawak rights
KUCHING, April 9 (Bernama) -- Sarawakians are excited with the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto announced by its chairman Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak two days ago, especially in matters related to their state.
This included the returning of the right to manage electricity and gas to Sarawak as well as other efforts to give the state its rights back as in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Salesgirl Hafiza Hamzah, 24, said the pledges would benefit all the people in the state.
"It is very good and the pledge will protect the rights of the people of Sarawak," she said.
She was also interested in the sections in the manifesto which focused on women as well as the increase in the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M).
"As a citizen, I see it (BR1M) as a form of temporary assistance which has many benefits, and helps us, especially youths. We are not asking for hand-outs but we must be given opportunities so that we can improve ourselves," she said.
Meanwhile, Hamid Hoodi, 61 said the recent manifesto was better than the one in GE13 as it benefited people in all segments of society.
"Each state has its own manifesto and it is the same for Sarawak. The GE14 manifesto promises more job opportunities and other pledges which will be kept if BN is returned," he said.
The building contractor said there were also benefits for people like him who were not employed by the government, such as the increase in BR1M.
Sabu Rosli, 51, said the manifesto which included many benefits for Sarawakians, was proof that the federal government was sincere in developing the state to be on par with other states in the peninsula.
An assistant administrative officer in the Rural Water Supply Department, Sabu said this was an indication that the administration of various areas would be handed back to Sarawak.
"The manifesto is also an effort to promote the welfare of the people of all races and to sustain the current status," he said.
KEMAS officer Osman Jamil, 43, said the manifesto was people-centric, caring and inclusive, without neglecting anyone.
"The manifesto was inclusive and gave importance to all groups of people, including benefits and efforts to empower women and youths," he said.
-- BERNAMA
