PAKATAN Harapan launched the second phase of its “new deal” manifesto aimed at rural folk in Sabah with a pledge to give RM15 billion in annual allocation to boost infrastructure development in East Malaysia.

Sabah Pakatan chairman Christina Liew said it would give 30% of the federal’s development allocation to ensure Sabahans, especially those in rural areas, can enjoy treated water, electricity supply and better roads.

“The roads will be upgraded in stages… the Pakatan government will also encourage more investments in telcos and improve existing train services,” she said during the launch of the manifesto in Keningau today.

With her was PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu and Sabah DAP chairman Stephen Wong.

The manifesto is an extension of the Pakatan manifesto for Sabah and Sarawak launched two months ago, which is aimed at boosting development in rural areas in Sabah and covers education, health, infrastructure, native customary laws, sustainable development, job opportunities and sustainable development.

On education, Liew said Pakatan would, among others, restore education back to the state in accordance to the special rights of Sabah and introduce a local syllabus that includes Sabah history and culture.

“Pakatan believes the development of rural education is a catalyst for progress and aligned to the coalition’s national education policy,” she said.  

Liew said Pakatan would also introduce a special incentive to improve the teaching profession and push for the use of English as a medium of instruction.

Pakatan also plans to revive flying doctor services and set up hostels to accommodate patients from rural areas and their families when they seek treatment in the state’s main medical facilities, she added.

“We will also encourage research and development in alternative or traditional treatment intensively, alongside modern medicine,” said Liew, adding Pakatan would also introduce an insurance scheme, similar to one implemented in Selangor, in Sabah.

Liew said Pakatan would also respect native customary rights, revise the Felda scheme in Sabah, introduce a special fund to assist natives, set up a special land tribunal to resolve land disputes and institutionalise the representation of natives in the state assembly for direct representation.

“We will also abolish the communal grant scheme used at present to ensure sustainable development of native land.” 

Liew also said Pakatan plans to create 100,000 new jobs through sustainable development in a bid to stop the migration of Sabah youth out of the state.

Among others, she said priority would also be given to hire locals to fill vacancies in the teaching and medical sector in the state. – December 22, 2017.