JOHOR BARU: The Barisan Nasional manifesto is realistic and something that can be implemented and are not based on populist measures, said Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad.
The incumbent Johor Baru member of Parliament said the promises made in the manifesto were based on the country's capability and competence.
"It is also based on the BN government's experience and knowledge in administrating the government with the aim of taking the country forward," said Shahrir.
He said in comparing BN's manifesto with the one announced by Pakatan Harapan (PH), the promises they made for Johor seemed to have been 'copy-pasted' and a lot them were copied.
"They always claim that Malaysia is bankrupt, so how would they know how to bring the country forward.
"BN's advantage is that we look at the country's ability in detail and with knowledge. What we promise can be implemented. For Example, we can raise the amount for Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) because we know that the country's income from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will continue to rise every year.
"The opposition cannot see all these benefits because they are ruled by emotion. To them, everything is Najib's (Prime Minister Najib Razak) fault," said Shahrir.
He said the opposition also failed to come up with a manifesto that people can take seriously, as they do not pay attention to the people's needs and requirements.
"The opposition talked about replacing the GST with the SST (Sales and Service Tax) and firing civil servants. For me this is all a drama.
"For BN, administrating or running this country is not a drama. The rakyat want a responsible, experienced, knowledgeable and adaptable government," said Shahrir.
He was speaking to the media after closing the Science and Mathematics Olympiad organised by Gagasan Pendidikan Melayu Malaysia at SMK Bandar Baru Uda.
Shahrir, who is also Felda chairman, said the manifesto will also continue with the changes that were started in 2017 which would make Felda more inclusive.
"The focus will be on the settlers income and the question of the settlers' debts, especially the excessive ones. For the next five years starting this year, Felda has allocated a total of RM300 million to help settlers settle their debts so that their income will not be affected," said Shahrir.
He said in BN's manifesto, Felda settlers would also be eligible for the replanting grants that was announced in the 2018 Budget.
"The grant, which provides a fund of RM7,500 per hectare, was initially provided for other smallholders but under the manifesto, we will include Felda settlers so that they too can enjoy the grant," said Shahrir.