BN writes separate manifesto to win back Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR, March 2 — Barisan Nasional (BN) will have a separate election manifesto for Selangor in a reflection of the ruling federal coalition’s strong intent on regaining the country’s richest state in  Election 2013, says former state leader Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

The Malaysian Insider understands that BN will have a manifesto for the nation and also separate ones for Selangor, Sabah and women.

“The manifesto will focus on addressing the state’s economy, mainly on the income disparity. We have the solution to that,” the former Selangor mentri besar told The Malaysian Insider.

Khir (picture) lost the state in Election 2008 and was later punished by a court in 2011 for a corruption offence.

The Umno Sungai Panjang assemblyman gave no details of the paper but said that the coalition is expected to announce it immediately after Parliament is dissolved.

It is understood that the manifesto’s preparation was spearheaded by BN chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak himself.

Najib was recently made the state election director in what analysts said reflected the BN chairman’s determination to regain Selangor.

Selangor BN co-ordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed confirmed the decision was made during a state BN meeting recently where leaders strategised on the best formula to ensure Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is toppled in Selangor after Election 2013.

“The prime minister, who is also BN’s state chairman, will lead the election machinery in Selangor and this shows his continuous efforts for the party, showing his confidence and his ‘hands-on’ approach in Selangor,” he was quoted as saying in the local media.

BN lost the country’s wealthiest state and three others ― Perak, Kedah and Penang ― in a historic upset in Election 2008 when the federal opposition also captured 82 federal seats to deny the ruling coalition its customary two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Since taking office in April 2009, Najib has made the battle for Selangor personal and Khir said this prompted the state BN to produce the manifesto seeing that being the country’s industrial capital, Selangor’s issues are unique.

“It’s more in-depth. Our issues are no longer just about building bridges or sewerages. It’s deeper,” he said.

In Election 2008, rivals PR unveiled its manifesto which included the now-in-policy pledge to provide 20 cubic metres of free water and several other welfare programmes in Selangor.

But the PR state government has been accused of reneging on some of its election promises while Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has been criticised for his “manifesto is not a promise” statement, now a BN campaign fodder.

“We don’t want to be like them.

“Our manifesto will be implemented. All of it,” Khir said.