A minimum wage of RM1,250, the restoration of local council elections, 30 percent top government posts to be reserved for women, a freedom of information act, the public declaration of assets and a cut in car prices are some of the promises made by the opposition Barisan Alternatif coalition.

Its yet-to-be-released 'Together with a new Malaysia' manifesto - a copy of which was obtained by malaysiakini - outlined 10 pledges for the coming general election and promises a 'just, peaceful and prosperous' Malaysia.

Among others, the 10 assurances encompasses individual rights, security, government, education, healthcare, business, environment and religion.

According to its manifesto, BA will introduce a minimum wage of RM1,250 for public and private sector workers should it come to power.

The opposition front said employers will be given two years to implement the policy.

The opposition front also pledged to enact a Freedom of Information Act to ensure press freedom and the citizens' right to know.

"This act will ensure responsible dissemination of information and will not result in any negative social impacts," read the manifesto.

It also stressed that 'inhumane' laws such as the Internal Security Act, Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act, Police Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Universities and University Colleges Act and others will be repealed.

Public declaration of assets

BA stressed that under its administration, 30 percent of policy-making government posts will be reserved for women.

It will also restore local council elections while cabinet ministers, state executive council members, parliamentarians, top government officials and private institution executives will be required to declare their assets annually.

Apart from these, the manifesto stated that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and state-owned oil giant Petronas would be made answerable to Parliament.

It also suggested that a constitution court be formed to protect the 1957 social contract.

BA also promised to reduce car prices from Jan 1 next year in correspondence with the Asean Free Trade Area agreement.

It will also impose a 50 percent reduction in toll charges and a 20 percent reduction for telephone and water charges.

On education matters, BA said it will build six public universities by 2008 and abolish the three percent interest of government study loan.

The opposition front also pledged that places of worship will not be demolished.

BA will also amend Article 43 and 55 of the federal constitution which requires the cabinet to function as caretaker government after Parliament is dissolved.

This, the manifesto said, is to impose restrictions on the government and avoid abuse of government machineries during the election campaign period.

To be launched soon

BA's first election manifesto - 'Towards a just Malaysia' - was launched in 1999 when the front consisted of four parties PAS, Keadilan, PRM and DAP.

DAP left the coalition in 2001 after crossing swords with PAS over the latter's intention to set up am Islamic state while Keadilan and PRM have merged.

The new manifesto is expected to be jointly endorsed by PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang and Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail tomorrow.

It is learnt that the PAS central working committee endorsed the manifesto last week.

The manifesto is expected to be officially launched three days after the Parliament is dissolved.