I refer to the Malaysiakini report BN manifesto: Security, peace, prosperity.

Once again it seems the environment has been forgotten in the government's plans for development.

I must admit I have not read the entire BN campaign manifesto, but the lead headings and main points highlighted in the papers give no indication of that the environment has been considered as a major point or as a priority issue that transects all other topics.

The environment is what sustains us all, and given the current conditions of global warming, waste generation and flooding, how can our leaders keep forgetting this essential point?

I would like to see some sincere pledges:

• to increase green areas in all housing estates;
  
  
• that local and city councils will be bound to follow the structure plans they ratify;
  
  
• that state governments will better manage our parks and protected areas so that they are not just ‘paper parks’ or parks for wealthy visitors, but managed for sustainability and bio-diversity;
  
  
• that all Malaysians have access to clean, safe drinking water;
  
  
• that our rivers are not treated like giant sewers to be built over and cemented up;
  
  
• that corporations are forced to play an active and financial role in waste reduction, pollution prevention, recycling and residential hazardous waste management and;
  
  
• that the country pushes for the use of safe alternative energies and becomes a world leader in solar technology.

I could go on, but if these points could be upheld, that would be a fantastic start.

Let all the candidates, and later the elected officials, not forget that all our money, wealth and livelihood depends on a healthy, sustainable environment. Let's hear some pledges to that effect.