BUTTERWORTH: The Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional coalition tonight launched the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023 for the upcoming state election.
The Penang Unity Manifesto was tabled by its committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
It comprises 16 main themes, 15 highlights and 50 manifestoes.
The 16 main themes include concern for the people's welfare; advocate socioeconomic well-being; boost high-skilled employment; uphold the Islamic faith based on the Malaysia Madani principle; essential infrastructure development; rural development balance; human capital development; and housing for all.
Others include women and youth employment; food supply security; strengthening the tourism and service sector; traffic management initiatives; promoting multicultural harmony; upholding democracy; protecting Penang's rights; and environmental resilience towards climate change.
The 15 highlights include:
* to establish a State Social Development Fund from the collection of medical health fees on foreigners to benefit the needy;
* to attract high-impact investments through the development of the 'Silicon Island' project designed according to ESG principles, expected to generate RM7 billion for the local economy during the construction period. and the GBS By The Sea project (RM100 million) to achieve 'Global City' status;
* to develop the 'Meditech City' in Batu Kawan and the GBS By The Sea Project (RM100 million);
* to provide a one-off RM1,000 assistance to each Hajj pilgrim from the B40 group;
* to commence the construction of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Bukit Bendera Cable Car;
* to provide assistance of RM600 per year to e-hailing drivers and personal accident insurance for p-hailing (motorcycle) riders, as well as to continue assistance of RM600 per year to taxi and school bus drivers;
* to allocate RM60 million for sekolah bantuan by the year 2030;
* to achieve 220,000 affordable housing units of which up to 100,000 units will be offered through the 'B40 Affordable Housing' scheme at a price of RM100,000 to RM150,000 as well as 22,000 rent-to-own units by 2030;
* to introduce a Special Rental Housing Scheme for youth or single individuals;
* to provide livelihood support for farmers and vegetable growers, as well as assistance for fishermen;
* one-off RM500 Golden Couple Programme for newly married couples;
* to construct the Tanjung Bungah - Teluk Bahang Dual Carriageway, a diverging diamond interchange at the Juru Interchange, the Sungai Bakap Bypass Road, and to complete the construction of the Ayer Itam Bypass Road to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway;
* to allocate RM10 million for Non-Islamic Places of Worship (RIBI) until 2028;
* to provide an annual grant of RM2 million to NGOs; and
* to provide free laptops to B40 students who receive offers to IPTA.
Penang PH chairman and caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech, said tonight marked an important history when both PH and BN came together as a unity government to fight for the future of Penang and Malaysia.
"Tonight also proved that the unity government has placed the interest of the people at the forefront.
"What is certain is that we want to prove that we have never and will never misuse the trust and mandate given by the people to us.
"We are aware and we are certain that this unity knot will continue to benefit the people through our Penang Unity Manifesto," he said.
Chow said he was committed to continue with all the efforts started since 2008.
"In fact, if given the mandate to lead Penang as the Chief Minister, my administration will represent unity values and not friction, development and not decline, wellbeing of the people as well as good governance." he added.