Barisan Nasional unveiled its election manifesto today, pledging the ruling coalition's commitment in ensuring inclusive multiculturalism and tolerance for all races and religion.

The 19-point manifesto - themed"Excellence, Glory, Distinction"- which was announced by Barisan Nasional chairperson Abdullah Ahmad Badawi this afternoon, carried points which stressed the main message several times.

"The Barisan Nasional has never been satisfied with its excellent track record. We constantly look for ways to renew and improve," said Abdullah in the manifesto launched at the Putra World Trade centre. The event was carried live over television.

For its top two pledges, the coalition said it would ensure that no groups are neglected and that all races would be represented.

"BN pledges to guarantee peace, success and harmony for all rakyat ," it said.

Quranic studies

The coalition also pledged to respect the various religions, languages and cultures observed in Malaysia, while reiterating that Islam is the official religion of the country.

According to AFP, the BN decreed in its election manifesto that Arabic and Quranic studies would be introduced as compulsory subjects for Muslims in primary schools.

Abdullah also pledged at the same time that there would be equality for all races and vowed to fight Islamic extremism and terrorism.

"We will concentrate on how to make Muslims better Muslims. They are not going to be a threat to others," he said.

Islam is Malaysia's official religion, but more than a third of the population of 25 million are ethnic Chinese and Indians.

The manifesto said the government would not tolerate extremism, but would upgrade Islamic education, introduce compulsory Arabic language studies for Muslim students and Quanic recitals during primary school.

The move is an apparent response to Muslim anger over the closing of Islamic schools run by the opposition, which the government said were hotbeds of militancy.

Emphasis is also placed on eradicating corruption and poverty in the country. The fifth point in the manifesto said that the coalition would work towards battling corruption.

During his short address, Abdullah made a personal pledge that he "will not bribe and will not be bribed".

He added that the people should have faith in the BN as the coalition has the vision, planning and implementation capability to lead the nation in today's challenging world.

Humanitarian values

On the economy, BN said it would continue implementing an economic development strategy which would enable the country achieve its vision to become a developed country by 2020.

It further promised to build the economy based on a wealth of knowledge and to explore new sources of wealth and income.

Not forgotten in the manifesto was a statement expressing confidence in the young. "BN will foster the observance of humanitarian and civic values," it added.

The final-point in the manifesto said that Malaysia will strive to ensure that it remains influential in the international arena.

Also present at the launch was Abdullah's his wife Endon Mahmood, Umno acting deputy president Najib Tun Razak, MCA president Ong Ka Ting, MIC president S. Samy Vellu and leaders of the other BN component parties.

According BN secretary-general Khalil Yaakob, three million copies of the manifesto in seven versions -- Bahasa Malaysia, Jawi, English, Chinese, Tamil and for the Bumiputera in Sabah and Sarawak, in Kadazan and Iban, had been printed.

The BN is contesting all the 205 parliamentary seats and 497 state seats still up for grabs after nominations yesterday.

The opposition Barisan Alternatif will be launching its manifesto tomorrow. It is expected to include 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.