New Coalition On The Block — 5 Things To Know About PN As We Head To The Polls For GE15
In addition to experienced faces, PN is also fielding fresh candidates with no baggage, while reaching out to youths on platforms they know best.
Published for Perikatan Nasional, 17 Nov 2022, 09:50 PM
Recent polls by several polling outfits have put Perikatan Nasional (PN), the newest kid on the political block, as a party to watch.
At a recent get-together with a Felda community in Kuantan, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin claimed support for PN is increasing.
The PN chairman and prime minister candidate is confident that support for the coalition is growing due to the people's response during the campaigning period leading up to the 15th General Election (GE15), according to Free Malaysia Today.
"Perhaps this is because they want a government that is more attentive and responsible, considering that life is not that good after the COVID-19 pandemic," he told reporters.
1. Championing their manifesto 'Prihatin, Bersih, Stabil', otherwise known as PN BEST, the party promises a clean government and fresh offerings
"PN candidates are clean from any corrupt practices and none of them have been charged in court for corruption," Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali declared at a recent PN ceramah in George Town, Penang on 12 November, Bernama reported.
The PN candidate for the Gombak Parliamentary seat added that people should choose candidates that are clean, in order to form a stable and corruption-free government.
2. With former prime minister Muhyiddin at the helm, PN stands behind experienced leadership, which they believe is needed to face the bleak global economic outlook in 2023
Their manifesto outlines a plan to get Malaysia back on track. This includes allocating a RM5 billion special fund to encourage foreign investment, creating one million high-paying jobs in the digital economy sector in five years, and creating new domestic products and attractions with a RM1 billion special tourism fund.
Meanwhile, to aid the less fortunate, MyPrihatin will become the one-stop centre and database for the delivery of financial aid. Plus, the Prihatin Nasional card will be introduced to provide free access to selected health services at private clinics and government hospitals, free bus services to schools and childcare centres for the poor will be implemented, and more.
3. In addition to experienced faces, PN is also fielding fresh candidates with no baggage, while reaching out to youths on platforms they know best
The implementation of 'Undi 18' and social media has seen all parties go to great lengths to reach the newest, and youngest, voters.
With a catchy campaign — PN BEST, the coalition hopes to reach young voters in a sea of change that's taken the country by storm. Muhyiddin's now-viral TikTok has even made its rounds across news portals.
Their manifesto aims to lift youths by establishing affordable youth micro-housing schemes in major cities, increasing the Senator quota for youths, and introducing a 25% PTPTN repayment discount to second-class graduates and above.
4. Banking on a track record of responsive policies and initiatives that include the COVID-19 vaccination programme, PN asserts their manifesto is responsive, realistic, and inclusive
Previously, the coalition created the Economic Recovery and People's Protection Package (Pemulih) programme, a sweeping economic recovery package in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Part of the programme was the six-month moratorium that allowed both individual and enterprise borrowers to defer payments on their bank loans due to the pandemic.
5. The multiracial coalition is emphasising the need to return towards a values based society, where integrity is upheld and respected
At the unveiling of the PN manifesto in Shah Alam on 6 November, Muhyiddin said PN was serious about integrity. Not only had PN candidates taken anti-corruption pledges, they had also been thoroughly vetted, reported Free Malaysia Today.
He added that anyone with a criminal record, or who is under investigation by MACC, or is facing corruption charges in court, would be barred from candidacy in the coalition.
Asserting a stable coalition that is built on trust and respect between parties, PN touches all bases within Malaysia.
PN is made up of Bersatu, PAS, and Gerakan, as well as Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR). The latter two are also members of coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
