PLEDGE ON THE RCI PROPOSALS

KOTA KINABATANGAN : Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman Monday launched the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto which consisted of 16 main thrusts on the state's development and progress.

The manifesto promised a commitment to implement the Royal Commission of Inquiry's (RCI) proposals on resolving the illegal immigrant issue, preserve and introduce relevant land ordinances and to safeguard peace and security in the state under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

It also pledged equal opportunities in the state civil service, continuity of special cash assistance and funds for operations and development expenditure that exceeds 20 per cent, through the turnover from oil and gas in the State.

The BN also promised to uphold the 20-Point memorandum, besides reducing the poverty rate to three per cent within five years; conserve the environment, fight corruption, involve the people in policy-making; develop youth and sports, empower women and ensure gender equality, enhance human capital development, participate in modern economy, bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas and improve the effectiveness of state bodies.

Musa, who is also state BN coordinator, said at the launching of the manifesto at the Umno building here that it was a complement to the national manifesto unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"The manifesto is our commitment and obligation to fulfil the aspirations of the people. It is a consensus reached by all component parties after considering all aspects," he said.

Musa said BN would realise the pledges in the manifesto if the people returned the mandate to it.

He said the manifesto themed, "We have fulfilled, more will be implemented" will be distributed together with the BN national manifesto and BN bulletin in four languages, Bahasa Melayu, English, Mandarin and Kadazandusun.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the manifesto was very realistic and relevant and aimed to further improve the lives of the people of Sabah.

"If we pore through the manifesto, you will find that the BN is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the issue of illegal immigrants in Sabah," he said.

United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Bersatu (Upko) President Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok said the supplementary manifesto and the main BN mainfesto were very apt to meet the needs of the people in Sabah.

Liberal Democratic Party chairman (LDP) Datuk V.K Liew said its was "value packed" after getting the inputs of all the component parties.

His views were echoed by Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Vice Chairman Dr Zhamriee Ibni Gulam Rasul who added that the BN not only did consensus building on distribution of seats but also in the coming up of the manifesto. (DE)