Sabah, Sarawak to enjoy further devt under BN

 

(Bernama) – Sabah and Sarawak are assured of more progress under a Barisan Nasional (BN) government, with numerous projects expected to take off in the next five years if the coalition is returned to power.

 

According to the BN election manifesto launched by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here last night, one of them is the construction of the 2,300-km Pan-Borneo Highway stretching from Sematan in Sarawak to Serudung in Sabah.

 

The highway is expected to spearhead new growth areas, better business opportunities and enhanced communications.

 

Themed ‘People First’, the manifesto was unveiled in the wake of the dissolution of the Dewan Rakyat on April 3, paving the way for the country’s 13th general election.

 

There is also the pledge to build 2,500 kilometres of paved roads in Sabah and 2,800 kilometres in Sarawak, while the rural electrification project will benefit 60,000 households in Sabah and 80,000 in Sarawak.

 

The BN is also committed to extending clean water supply to another 320,000 homes nationwide in the next five years.

 

In a bid to provide better access to quality healthcare services, the BN, in its manifesto, pledges to set up a heart centre and cancer centre in every major hospital in both states.

 

The coalition also promises to improve access to quality education for rural and minorities communities, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak.

 

Meanwhile, in the economic sector, the 31-page manifesto said the effectiveness of the bumiputera agenda, including for bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak, will be enhanced by providing business opportunities, a stronger eco-system and institutional support.

 

The BN, meanwhile, pledges to gazette all native customary land in close consultation with state governments should it be returned to power in the upcoming general election.

 

The coalition is also committed to providing more income-generating opportunities within indigenous communities and increasing the intake of indigenous youth into tertiary and vocational education.

 

In addition, the BN promises to set up special courts with the same status as the High Court under the present justice system to deal specifically with native customary rights issues.