KOTA KINABALU: The return of 40% net state revenue and full implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are key pledges in Sabah Barisan’s six-point election manifesto, unveiled on Saturday (Nov 22).
Launched by Barisan national chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the manifesto focuses on economic and livelihood prosperity, women and youth empowerment, quality education, political and administrative transformation, health and welfare, and sustainable resource management.
During the launch, Zahid assured that Sabah Barisan leaders would have autonomy to implement the manifesto, promising every effort would be made to deliver on the commitments.
“We chose to launch our manifesto a week later to give Sabahans time to compare with those announced earlier by other parties,” Zahid said, calling it a solid and inclusive plan that addresses the main concerns of all communities.
State rights feature under political and administrative transformation, including a review of the 35% Parliamentary seat allocation for Sabah and Sarawak and other laws to increase state participation in economic and policy matters.
Other promises include aid for homes damaged by natural disasters, food grants, business startup funds, a new port for Kudat, solutions for floods, telecommunications, water and electricity issues, and consideration for a new international airport.
Barisan also aims to turn Sabah into a food hub, support the “one nation one price” initiative, enforce the Sabah-Kalimantan free trade zone, boost local tourism and creative industries, and create the Sabah Creative Fund.
For women and youth, the manifesto promises educational programmes, support for modern sports and e-sports, GDL licences for B40 youth, and transit homes for job-seeking youth in cities.
To ensure sustainability, Barisan will restructure state-owned oil and gas companies, set up a Sabah Petroleum Council, and explore renewable energy.