KEPALA BATAS, August 8 – The Perikatan Nasional (PN) Penang has launched its manifesto with eight cores and 33 offerings for the people of the state if they succeed in taking over the state government on August 12. PN Deputy President, Datuk Dr. Dominic Lau Hoe Chai, stated that the eight cores outlined are aimed at driving economic integrity and addressing the cost of living, ensuring the welfare of the people, enhancing homeownership, guaranteeing quality healthcare services, and preserving the environment.
In addition, he said PN aims to strengthen transportation networks, boost the tourism sector, and cultivate mature politics. “To ensure the development and well-being of the people of Penang, the first offering PN will present is to create more job opportunities for school leavers, university graduates, and the unemployed. “To encourage more involvement of the youth in the industry, PN will allocate RM 1.5 million as a subsidy to state government and private sector subsidiaries involved in the Penang Industrial Training Program,” he said at the PN manifesto launch event at a hotel here on Monday.
Also present were Penang PAS Commissioner, Penang PAS Deputy Commissioner, Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff, Penang Bersatu Leadership Committee Chairman, Zulkifli Bakar, and Penang Gerakan Chairman, Oh Tong Keong. Meanwhile, Dominic, who is also Gerakan President, said to stimulate further economic growth and increase residents’ income, PN will provide Micro Capital Grants valued up to RM10 million. He clarified that these grants target those involved in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) activities, including digital entrepreneurs.
He said that licensed fishermen, who risk their lives daily in the sea, are not forgotten. A total of RM5 million will be provided as incentives for net assistance, fiber boats, and boat engines. “Penang is known as one of the top ‘food hunting’ destinations in Malaysia. In line with this, if given the mandate, PN will create and implement the Food Hawker-Friendly Policy. “In addition, the hawker license fee for small vendors will also be exempted to ensure that Penang’s efforts as a leading international food tourism hub can be successful,” he added.
To encourage further improvement in the education of young children, Dominic said PN will provide RM1,200 to all Penang children enrolling in higher education institutes (HEIs), including teacher education institutes (IPGs). He added that all new students in matriculation and Form Six will receive RM500 each. “We also do not neglect religious schools; a total of RM14 million will be allocated for Sekolah Agama Rakyat, Sekolah Mubaligh, Sekolah Cina, and Sekolah Tamil.
“In line with this desire, a total of RM1 million will be provided as the PIBG Caring Fund for all government schools in Penang,” he said. Meanwhile, the PN candidate for the Bayan Lepas seat said that senior citizens and those less fortunate will continue to be the main focus of PN’s struggle through the RM60 million Mutiara Prihatin Aid. He clarified that the aid will target senior citizens, single mothers, persons with disabilities (OKU), taxi drivers, and school bus drivers.
