Harapan manifesto: Pledge to lower Plus highway toll charges

Pakatan Harapan today unveiled its manifesto wherein it pledged to lower the North-South Expressway (Plus) toll charges if the coalition returns to Putrajaya in the forthcoming general election.

This is part of the follow-up effort by the former Harapan administration which reviewed all highway concession agreements when it first claimed federal power in 2018.

"The Harapan administration has shown commitment in reviewing all highway concession agreements and negotiating to get the best prices, leading to toll rates being reduced by 18 percent for the Plus highway and the East-Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT 2).

"We are determined to continue reducing Plus tolls gradually with the ultimate goal of eliminating tolls and returning Plus highway to public ownership," read the Harapan manifesto called "Tawaran Harapan PRU15".

The coalition also promised to vet the nomination process for the post of MACC chief commissioner.

"The nomination of MACC chief commissioner must be vetted by a bipartisan Parliamentary Special Committee. This will ensure the nomination of a truly neutral candidate who will not protect the interests of any specific party," the manifesto stated.

The same goes for the nominations of the public prosecutor, primary positions in the Election Commission (EC), and the inspector-general of police (IGP).

Harapan said it will also continue the practice of asset declaration for all ministers, MPs, senior civil servants, GLC chairpersons, as well as all spouses and close family members aged 18 years old and above.

Meanwhile, the coalition also pledged to introduce the Fixed Parliament Term Act to ensure the dissolution of Parliament and state assemblies will only happen at the end of their respective terms to minimise political instability.

"Looming uncertainty arising from endless speculation in regards to the sudden dissolution of Parliament and state legislative assemblies before the end of the five-year term will negatively affect investor confidence and economic stability."

Economy first, then reforms

Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim, who attended the manifesto launching ceremony, told a press conference later that the coalition will first focus on resuscitating the country's economy before pushing their reform agenda.

"The committee behind the Harapan manifesto has taken into consideration the financial implications and our manifesto reflected the demand of the people.

"It is not quite right to describe the Harapan manifesto as unrealistic and populist," he said.

He also personally assured that the manifesto will be implemented within five years of Harapan helming the government, but will be subject to the country's financial ability.

When asked what is the guarantee that the coalition's manifesto can be implemented, the incumbent Port Dickson MP said, "It's chairperson, Anwar Ibrahim."

Managing the cost of living and combatting corruption are among the priorities outlined in the Harapan manifesto.

Other pledges include:

• Eliminate cartels in the sectors of food and essential supplies to encourage competition while also eradicating profiteering.

• Reform farmlands through partnerships with the National Land Council to help farmers request or lease land for the purpose of farming and breeding livestock.

• Facilitating tax exemptions for investments in the farming sector.

• Further increase Skim Subsidi Harga Padi (SSHP) from RM360 per ton to RM500 per ton. Subsidy cards or e-wallets will be introduced to provide farmers with the freedom to procure farming inputs.

• Continuing the Bantuan Sara Hidup programme to help overcome living costs. Targeted free breakfast programmes for pupils in schools will also be enhanced to ensure those from poor households are not left behind.

• Building up more Klinik Kesihatan in high-density areas and areas with high poverty.

• Set up community kitchens to prepare food for children and help impoverished families.

• Extend special allowance to those who lost their jobs as contract workers. Applicable to those who are actively seeking new employment.

• Expand the 100 percent stamp duty exemption for first-time homeowners for properties below RM500,000 to also cover subsale unit ownership.

• To resolve the issue of stunted growth among children, every newborn will be given cash benefits that will be deposited monthly to the parents’ account up to the age of six.

• Amending Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution to guarantee citizenship for any child born in Malaysia to either a Malaysian mother or father regardless of race and religion.

• Amend Article 14(1)(b) of the Constitution to confer citizenship to children born overseas to a Malaysian mother with a foreign spouse. Amendments will also be made to provide automatic citizenship to adopted children.

• Establishment of a children's department or agency to better protect children.

• Resume efforts outlined in the National Strategic Plan in Handling Causes of Child Marriage 2025, as implemented in January 2020.

• Free public transportation rides for senior citizens, improving on the current policy of offering a 50 percent discount.

• Enacting a Senior Citizens Act and emphasising the importance of an Active Aging Policy.

• Automatic citizenship for elderly (60 years) Malaysian citizens who have at least one child who holds Malaysian citizenship.

• Introduce the Freedom of Information Act and limit the implementation of the Official Secrets Act (OSA) except only for matters that can potentially threaten the security of the nation.

• Open tender will be carried out in public procurement, direct negotiations will only be allowed for matters pertaining to national security but subject to the Special Committee which will be led by members from the opposition.

• Establishing an ombudsman system to address issues of misconduct by politicians and civil servants including the enforcement authorities.

• Limit the terms for prime ministers, menteris besar, and chief ministers to a maximum of 10 years.

• Separating the roles and responsibilities of the Public Prosecutor from the Attorney General to reinforce the freedom of public prosecutors.

• Introduce the Political Funding Act.

• Provide equal Constituency Development Funds (CDF) for Members of Parliament regardless of party.

• Reviewing and repealing draconian provisions of acts that can be abused to restrict free speech such as the Sedition Act 1948, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Printing Press and Publications Act 1984.

• Revive efforts to establish a Media Council.

Related reports

• Anti-discrimination pledges a major theme in Harapan manifesto

• Harapan promises 40pct revenue entitlement for Sabah

• Give us clear majority for GE15, Anwar appeals to fence-sitters

• Harapan manifesto: Pledge to lower Plus highway toll charges

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