KUALA LUMPUR – Perikatan Nasional (PN) will create a dedicated Anti-Corruption Court and implement a National Anti-Graft Plan if it is elected into government after the 15th general election.
Announcing the coalition’s manifesto this evening, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the coalition would also amend laws and regulations related to political funding, apart from consolidating the country’s fight against the corruption scourge.
“As part of our commitment to create a government with integrity and one that is free from corruption, PN will continue to defend the principals and practices of a clear separation of powers for the legislative, judiciary, and executive branches of the country,” he said at the launch of the PN manifesto, here, this evening.
“We will also defend the freedom of the judiciary and uphold the rule of law without any political intervention in line with the federal constitution and the principles of the Rukun Negara.”
“To respect the status of Islam as the religion of the federation, the judicial system and the shariah judiciary will also be consolidated.”
In highlighting the nation’s anti-graft efforts, Muhyiddin pointed out the infamous 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, the largest scandal ever seen by the nation.
The former prime minister said during his time in office, his government had managed to recover a total of RM20 billion in money and assets linked to 1MDB.
He also said PN had set a high benchmark for tackling corruption as it ensure that all of its GE15 candidates were filtered to ensure they were not involved in graft activities.
“Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan perhaps have a standard or benchmark that is far lower than Perikatan Nasional in the issue of integrity.”
“That is why those who are facing charges in courts on graft allegations are still allowed to contest in the election,” he said, adding that PN also intends to ban overseas political donations.
The anti-corruption pledges were among a host of election promises announced by Muhyiddin and were based on 12 key thrusts.
Other aspects of the manifesto included “rebuilding of the economy and future” with a RM5 billion special fund to encourage investment in the technology sector to raise income levels and employment among youths.
Interest-free homes, free selected healthcare services
Elaborating further on the manifesto, Muhyiddin said PN also pledged to introduce an interest-free housing programme, specifically for young families.
This is part of the coalition’s youth empowerment efforts, he said.
Other commitments on the same thrust will see those graduating with the second class be given a 25% discount on their National Higher Education Fund Corporation loan repayment, and a RM1,000 special incentive for gig workers who wish to continue their studies in higher education institutions.
On improving the rakyat’s standard of living, Muhyiddin said a new Kad Prihatin Nasional will be introduced to provide free selected healthcare services in both private and government clinics.
Living cost aid for civil servants will be increased by a further RM100, while RM2.5 billion will be allocated to maintain schools nationwide, from 2023 to 2025.
Other notable offers made by PN in its manifesto include:
- promising 1 million high-paying jobs in the digital economy sector
- providing loan moratorium for small and medium enterprises
- providing free school bus services and daycare centres for the poor
- forming a climate change and natural disaster action body
- providing free laptops for all teachers under the Education Ministry
- hastening the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963
To ensure the promises are fulfilled, Muhyiddin said a special committee comprising experts would be set up to monitor the implementation of all initiatives and programmes.
“We also guarantee that all initiatives under Budget 2023, including assistance for the rakyat and civil servants, will be carried out by PN,” he said. – The Vibes, November 6, 2022
