GE14: BN manifesto well-received by Johor folks
JOHOR BAHRU, April 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's announcement of the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto for the 14th General Election (GE14), two days ago is welcomed by all communities in the state.
Generally, they regard the manifesto as rational, in addition to meeting the demand and needs of the people, especially upgrading the North South Expressway (Plus) from Yong Peng to Johor Bahru from four to six lanes, and the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M).
Larkin Sentral Terminal food trader and mother of four, Mahanum Abdul Rahman, 45, said the announcement of BR1M's increase and two new categories of recipients for households earning RM4,000 to RM5,000, who would get RM700, were people-friendly moves which could help reduce the community's burden.
Government retiree, Abu Bakar Mohd Noah described the initiative to upgrade the expressway from four lanes to six lanes, as long awaited by the people of Johor to overcome a number of issues in the highway area.
"I think the lanes should have been expanded five years ago for the comfort of users," said the 66-year-old, based on having been stranded for 45 minutes while travelling from Ayer Hitam to Johor Bahru due to an accident on the expressway.
On BR1M, Abu Bakar described it as a good initiative but noted that the government should closely monitor the recipients to ensure the money actually went to those who met the stipulated conditions, to prevent abuse.
Fast food restaurant worker, Iskandar Mohd Zain, 26, regards BN's promise to create three million jobs in the next five years as rational due to the very large number of graduates flooding the job market.
"I hope the salaries will be synchronised because even now, if we notice, the salary is still not in line with what's promised. I agree with the minimum wage of RM1,500, but I see it should be increased by 2023, in line with the rising price of goods," he said, while hoping the people would continue to support BN and UMNO for their continued well-being.
A business administration student at a local university, Nur Fazirah Ibrahim, 21, was full of praise for the government's move to ensure the younger generation under 30 secured employment, or at least six months of training after graduation.
"Thanks to the government for creating job opportunities and it's good because I will graduate soon. I also agree with this (training) as it will improve the skills of students to work more efficiently," she said.
-- BERNAMA
