Harapan unveils economy, welfare-focused N Sembilan manifesto

N SEMBILAN POLLS | Pakatan Harapan has unveiled its Negeri Sembilan state election manifesto, pledging to grow the state’s economy, create 30,000 high-quality jobs, and build 20,000 affordable homes over the next five years.

Titled “Eight Years of Building, Five Years of Progress - Towards Negeri Sembilan Maju 2045”, the manifesto sets out 10 key commitments to make the state more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive by 2045.

Among its pledges is an expansion of the Skim Sejahtera Rakyat, which assists citizens at different stages of life, including education, marriage, healthcare, and cost of living.

The coalition proposes raising the existing one-off National Education Savings Scheme deposit for newborns from RM100 to RM200, increasing annual school aid from RM550 to RM770, and providing a free laptop and RM2,400 annual living aid for public university students from households earning below RM8,000.

Graduates with first-class degrees would receive RM5,000, while newlyweds would receive RM500.

Harapan also pledged RM200 annually for single mothers earning below RM4,000 and senior citizens aged 65-69, with those aged 70 and above receiving RM300.

Cancer patients would receive RM1,000, while dialysis patients undergoing fistula surgery would be eligible for RM3,000.

Measuring true progress

Launching the manifesto, state Harapan chairperson and caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun said it was aimed at positioning Negeri Sembilan as a key corridor for Malaysia’s economic development.

“My vision is not merely to make Negeri Sembilan a wealthier state. It is not just about attracting more investments. It is not just about constructing more buildings.

“Because true progress is not measured by numbers alone. True progress is measured by the lives of the people.

“Are our young people able to secure good jobs? Can young families afford to own their own homes? Are local entrepreneurs thriving? Are our farmers and livestock breeders earning higher incomes? Are our senior citizens enjoying a better quality of life?

“And most importantly... Are our children choosing to build their future here in Negeri Sembilan?” he asked.

Education and culture

Harapan pledged free technical and vocational education and training at Kolej Yayasan Negeri Sembilan, as well as free tuition for students from B40 and M40 households.

It also promised continued support for national, religious, and tahfiz schools, Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, independent Chinese secondary schools, and other educational institutions.

Besides building 20,000 affordable homes, the coalition vowed to resolve land ownership issues and continue converting leasehold land titles to freehold.

It also pledged to open local councils’ full meetings to the public and livestream state legislative assembly proceedings.

For tourism, Harapan said it would strengthen “adat perpatih” as Negeri Sembilan’s cultural heritage, continue organising Perpatih Fest, and enhance support for cultural institutions, including allowances for cultural leaders.

The manifesto also pledged to strengthen Islamic institutions, upgrade religious school infrastructure, and expand the role of mosques and suraus as community development centres.

It promised to continue the Non-Islamic Affairs Fund, support multicultural celebrations, and improve the socioeconomic welfare, education, and preservation of Orang Asli customs and heritage.

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