KUALA LUMPUR: Creating a clean, transparent and responsible political eco-system for Malaysia is among the pledges made by Perikatan Nasional in its manifesto for the 15th General Election (GE15).

With a focus on clean politics and ensuring good governance, Perikatan has pledged to defend the Federal Constitution and Islam as the religion of the Federation.

“Prioritising integrity, Perikatan vows to preserve the rights of all citizens while increasing the efficiency of government service and elevating the welfare and professionalism of the public service.

“To achieve this, Perikatan aims to empower the Islamic and syariah legal system. We also pledge to enact a law or regulation on political funding to prevent political funding from foreign entities to preserve the nation’s sovereignty,” Perikatan said in its manifesto.

The coalition will also form a special committee consisting of experts to monitor and ensure that all of Perikatan’s pledges are implemented.

Another Perikatan pledge is to spur regional development by closing the development gap between regions and spurring inclusive development in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Perikatan pledges to close the development gap in Sabah and Sarawak, including expediting the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“We are also planning to open new public universities in Sabah and Sarawak while optimising the economic potential of every state and region to expedite socio-economic development for the rakyat,” the coalition said.

The manifesto, with the theme “Prihatin, Bersih, Stabil” (Caring, Clean and Stable), was launched by Perikatan chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

For the youth, Perikatan has pledged to lower loan repayments by 25% for those who graduate with upper-second-class degrees.

“We will also appoint two senators in Dewan Negara to ensure the voices of the youth are heard in Parliament,” it added.

Efforts will also be made to develop sports talents with the introduction of a stadium for esports.

Perikatan plans to introduce an interest-free home financing scheme, create a special fund to assist young couples, and provide starter care packs for mothers who are having their first child.

Women are not forgotten in Perikatan’s manifesto, as the coalition has pledged to dignify women as the catalyst for the country’s development.

“We are planning to expand the “DanaNita-Wanita Bangkit Berniaga” fund to assist new female entrepreneurs by providing up to RM20,000 in interest-free loans for them.

“We will also introduce the Care-Economy agenda to streamline the system for the care of senior citizens, children and the disabled through MyPrihatin,” it said.

For the disabled, Perikatan has pledged to increase the participation of the disabled in forming the government’s policies.

“We will also make it mandatory for disabled-friendly facilities to be available at all public buildings and privately owned premises.

“We are also planning to introduce a RM20mil ‘Dana Niaga Khas’ to assist disabled entrepreneurs and a training and career programme for disabled athletes in preparation for their retirement,” the coalition said.

To reduce development gaps between regions, Perikatan has pledged to expedite the development of the Pan Borneo Highway, the East Coast Expressway Phase 3 (LPT3), and the Central Spine Road.

“For this purpose, we plan to ensure better distribution of development in six states, namely Sabah, Sarawak, Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu.

“We also propose the setting up of special funding to improve and resolve the issue of water supply nationwide,” it said.