KUALA LUMPUR: BARISAN Nasional’s manifesto, which will be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Najib Razak on April 7, is not meant solely to win the hearts of voters in the 14th General Election (GE14).
Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the manifesto, which was far more superior than the opposition’s, particularly Pakatan Harapan’s, was an offer to the people to plan a brighter future for Malaysia.
“BN’s manifesto isn’t meant to win the hearts of voters. Our concept is to present our plans for the nation to the people.
“If there are those who want to choose Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) for a year or two, they can choose Pakatan Harapan, but if they want a better future, they need to choose BN.”
He was speaking after moderating a discussion titled “Anda Tanya Kita Jawab” Diskusi Umno-Online at Menara Dato Onn here yesterday.
The discussion included former Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malay-sia founding member Anina Saadudin.
Annuar was asked to comment on an exclusive report by the New Straits Times Press, which stated that BN was expected to launch its manifesto on a grand scale on April 7, indicating that GE14 could be held in late April or early May.
The report, quoting a source, said the launch was set to be held at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil, which was a bigger venue than the Putra World Trade Centre.
Annuar declined to elaborate on the manifesto.
“The manifesto is under the scrutiny of the (Umno) president (Najib, who is also BN chairman). It wouldn’t be right for me to give hints. We need to be patient.”
On Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto, he said the opposition’s promises aimed to fish for votes without having any sense of responsibility for the country.
He said if all the points in the opposition’s manifesto were to be carried out, the country would go bankrupt.
“Not many people realise this. What Pakatan Harapan is saying in its manifesto is attractive, but that is not the way to run a country. We cannot make a populist manifesto to the extent that it destroys the foundations of the nation’s economy.
“A manifesto that doesn’t take into consideration a country’s economic fundamentals is an irresponsible manifesto. We can promise anything, but the economy has to expand and grow.”
On GE14 candidates, Annuar said BN had resolved candidate issues and was waiting for the right time to announce the names.
“The list of candidates is ready, but, usually, we do not announce the candidates before Parliament is dissolved.
“In principle, the candidates can already be announced as the names have been confirmed.
“In the previous election, we released the names of candidates three days before the announcement date, but this time, I think the candidates list can be announced earlier as they have all been finalised.”