Pakatan Rakyat in Penang may have a fight on its hands in retaining the government, now that Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) has unveiled all-encompassing promises in its ambitious plan to capture the state.

NONE PCM vice-president Heng Cheng Guan presented a 28-point manifesto in Butterworth today, outlining an aggressive ‘political direction’ for the party.

“This manifesto will touch the lives of ordinary people,” he said, taking a dig at DAP’s recent announcement of its "sweeteners" should Pakatan Rakyat seize Putrajaya.

“We (PCM members) were all born in Penang. We have hands-on (connection with) local issues, be it in Penang or in Seberang Perai,” said Heng.

The manifesto says projects in Penang will be given to local contractors; that those awarded projects will be publicly identified to ensure transparency; and that a Penang Business Council would be formed to listen to the business community’s views.

In addition to issuing freehold land titles to "legal" new villages, PCM pledged to cancel all summons issued by the two municipal councils as it “does not want to burden the rakyat”.

Similarly, hawker licences would be abolished to promote the state as a food haven, while the collection of parking fees would be confined to Mondays through Fridays.

NONE The manifesto said 60 percent of the municipal councillors would come from NGOs and professional groups, while 30 percent of posts would be reserved for women in state agencies.

The party also upped the DAP offer by pledging that senior citizens would receive RM1,200 (or RM200 more), even if they were not registered as voters.

Journalists too are set to benefit - those who have worked more than two years in the state will be entitled to free parking for life.

Media rooms with proper facilities will be set up at the state secretariat and two municipal councils, to facilitate coverage of news.

“This is because some of our media friends have to cover more than five functions a day, rain or shine,” explained Heng.

‘Outsiders’ not welcome

The party further intends to provide jobs for Penangites by enforcing a ruling that only those born in the state can fill posts in state agencies

“Ther NONE e are too many outsiders who cari makan in Penang, especially in Komtar. Just go to the 28th floor,” said Heng, hitting at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (left) who is from Malacca.

He said the party, which has about 10,000 members nationwide - 2,000 of them in Penang - is prepared for the next general election even if called next year.

PCM already has a roomful of election paraphernalia such as banners, T-shirts, caps and safety jackets.

As for potential candidates, the search is on for those interested in committing to politics - those in the media will also have opportunities to contest on a party ticket.