A plethora of initiatives, schemes and plans, under its general election manifesto, will be implemented by Perak Barisan Nasional if they retain the state.

Launched by Perak mentri besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the manifesto consists of seven core thrusts, namely to further strengthen the economy, to lessen the people’s burden, to ensure peace and harmony in the state, to make Perak an international destination in the next five years, affordable homes, human capital development and sustainable development.

Among the initiatives in the seven core thrusts are to build up to 35,000 affordable homes between 2018 and 2023, carry out Amanjaya Happy Home programme for newly-weds, additional remuneration of RM500 for scholarship recipients with 3.7 CGPA at diploma and degree levels and RM300 education fund for newborns.

There will also be utility assistance for registered tahfiz schools, increased welfare aid from RM300 to RM500, free water scheme up to 30 cubic meter for poor folk and 90 cubic meter for places of worship, 10% off items sold at 1Amanjaya Mobile Shops and 15% off for its card members, as well as unrecorded leave up to seven days for civil servants to look after their bedridden or terminally ill parents.

Other plans by the state include to achieve a minimum 5% economic growth annually and a Brain Gain programme to create more job opportunities.

On development front, the state pledges to upgrade the Kampar-Bidor and Slim River-Tanjung Malim federal roads as well as Ipoh-Lumut Highway, build mini stadiums in all districts.

Under nature conservation efforts, it aims to preserve forest reserves which cover 47.3% of the state, achieve zero poaching status by 2020 and have a tiger conservation area under the Royal Belum Declaration initiative, set up an Amanjaya Elephant Sanctuary and get Unesco Heritage Site status for Royal Belum State Park and Teluk Intan Leaning Tower.

Dr Zambry said the manifesto was carefully drawn up to develop the state and help the people further.

“Our manifesto is based on our vision and for the future growth of Perak.

The manifesto looks into the needs of residents of new villages. — filepic

“It is also based on our capability to deliver, with our vast experience in governing the state.

“We have gone down to the ground, and so we understand the plight of the people in facing the high cost of living and on other matters,” Dr Zambry said.

He added that the new manifesto was linked to the state government’s previous one, in order to spur progress.

“It is a continuity from the previous manifesto whereby certain items are reviewed and renewed based on new projections to continue spurring growth or to help the people.

The state is committed to improving waste management and collection.

“We cannot simply cut out what we have achieved and our promises to the people in the previous manifesto.

“And from there, we have planned and added more items for the state’s future,” he added.

Apart from the seven core thrusts, the manifesto also looks into the needs of women, youth, orang asli, residents of housing areas as well as traditional and new villages, senior citizens and the disabled.

Among the initiatives are group insurance for single women with household income of RM1,500 and below, appointment of about 30% of women as company board members in private and public sectors, special interest-free micro-credit loan scheme for women and youth, sports encouragement programmes for youth, gazetting of orang asli settlement areas and a special fund to empower them.

Dr Zambry said the state was also committed to creating more facilities and services such as recreational areas, playgrounds, community halls and better services for road tarring, drain cleaning and rubbish collection at housing areas.

He added that 1Amanjaya Mobile Shops would be deployed at all state constituencies, there would be no increase in quit rent and the waste management system that will be managed by the respective Village Development and Security Committees at new and traditional villages would be further improved.

“We will provide medical aid for retired and civil servants and those with an income of RM2,000 and below, as well as a special RM5,000 retirement scheme for civil support staff, and a senior citizen centre in each district.

Women-related initiatives include group insurance for single women with household income of RM1,500 and below, appointment of about 30% of women as company board members in private and public sectors as well as special interest-free micro-credit loan scheme for women and youth.

“For the disabled, an allocation of 5% quota at government housing projects, at least 1% job opportunities at governmental departments or its statutory bodies and a special Amanjaya Therapy Vehicle to look after the disabled and those who are bedridden,” he said.

Also present at the announcement were Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, state MIC chairman Datuk V. Elango, state Gerakan chairman Soo Kay Peng as well as other state Barisan and component party leaders.