MELAKA: Perikatan Nasional has finally unveiled its election manifesto known as Perikatan Pledge for Melaka, outlining its promise of good governance in administering the state should it win the polls.

       “Perikatan promises to bring a huge change in terms of administering the state. Our administration will be based on the principle of integrity and good governance,” said its chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       The coalition is providing an inclusive offer involving six main thrusts, based on 11 strategies as well as 74 approaches, to the voters in the state.

       To ensure that the pledges will be implemented, a special monitoring implementation task force will be formed comprising locals and experienced professionals.

       Speaking at the manifesto launch, Muhyiddin announced Perikatan’s promise to develop the state economy by giving special focus to high-tech and strategic industries.It will also give attention to the digitalisation and the development of micro businesses in the state.

       Perikatan, Muhyiddin said, promised to give a one-off RM200 aid to tahfiz, kafa (religious) teachers and kindergarten teachers registered with the state religious body.

       It also plans to form a Dewan Undangan Negeri Belia Melaka to identify new leaders among the locals.

       To reduce the impact of Covid-19, business licences and site rental for small businesses will be lowered.

       “This is to alleviate their financial burden and give space to them to continue their operations,” he said.

       Perikatan also promised to give a one-off RM200 payment to all children born in Melaka in 2021 if it wins the state election.

       It also plans to address tourism and traffic congestion issues.

       “In order to ease traffic, especially during peak times and holiday seasons, the Perikatan government plans to set up a multi-storey carpark at tourism hot spots.

       “This will be coordinated with a park and ride system,” Muhyiddin said.

       It also promised to prepare infrastructure to give 5G Internet coverage and free WiFi hotspots in selected areas.

       “This is the manifestation of Perikatan’s commitment to ensuring all of its pledges for the people of Melaka are implemented through strong and determined efforts,” said Muhyiddin.