The Pakatan Harapan election manifesto that was launched recently is merely to fish for votes ahead of the 14th general election, said Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the people at all levels must not be deceived to the “propaganda” deliberately to gain the people’s support.

“What is important now for us is to evaluate the promises of Harapan especially in Penang, as we can still remember that promises in the 13th general election have not been fulfilled until today.

“As such, how do we expect to believe it (manifesto) can be realised,” he said after launching the Labuan BN election machinery today.

He said the soon-to-be-unveiled BN manifesto would be the genuine one that would gain the people’s confidence and trust, as it can be turned into reality.

Commenting on the sovereignty of Sabah as listed in Harapan’s manifesto, Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, said those who are not “well-versed” about security might easily believe it.

“That is why I’m coming down to Sabah later today to explain to the people there that there is no other party except in the BN government that can preserve the security and sovereignty in Sabah.

“I will be with the armed forces personnel in Sabah to let the people there be aware that we will continue to strengthen our military strategy to protect every inch of the state from being intruded,” he said.

He said the Lahad Datu’s intrusion was proof that the government was able to protect the state and the people from the terrorists despite being accused of being an “Umno drama.”

Hishammuddin urged the people to be rational in evaluating every single pledge in the manifesto, so as not to be easily tricked into believing unfulfilled promises.

- Bernama