KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s (BN) special manifesto for youths, to be presented on Tuesday night, will encompass all the needs and wants of the group without discriminating between urban and rural populations.
BN Youth chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, said the manifesto was formulated to improve the lot of the youths and help them become more productive.
The pledges contained in the manifesto, he said, provides equal attention to all sections of youths, whether they are single, married, career women, graduates, disabled, young entrepreneurs, and others.
He said all of BN’s efforts over the last five years will not grind to a halt; instead, BN has a big plan in store to benefit the youths over the next five years.
Khairy, who appeared in a 3:31-long video, said the manifesto this time contains pledges to help youths own their first home, provide job opportunities, secure pay increase, training incentives, entrepreneurial aid, healthcare, broadband internet, transportation and many others.
“My promise is, if you are looking for a job, we will secure a job offer or training opportunity within only six months. Those who want more money, we’ll help them get a raise or provide incentives for skill training.
“We will also ensure flexible working hours for women. Women empowerment forever! After that, we will help all segments.. both civil servants and the private sector.
“We will not forget the rural folk. I will ensure that we create many economic opportunities for them. This is my guarantee, that we will help everyone,” he said.
Khairy said there is also a pledge for youth entrepreneurs, with BN promising to continue all existing aid, while at the same time, eliminate the bureaucracy in securing loans.
He said the youth entrepreneurs, through the Youth Entrepreneur Network (YEN) portal, can go online and easily apply for loans, grants and training.
“We will uphold the youth entrepreneurs. Everyone will have access to all agencies in order to help these young entrepreneurs,” he said.
Khairy added that BN’s manifesto this time pays special attention to those about to get married.
“If you’re getting married, let us make it easier for you. When you’re already married and have kids, we’ll continue helping you through funds such as ADAM50 (Amanah Dana Anak Malaysia 2050) for a more productive and stress-free family.
Ownership of homes for youths will also be emphasised, said Khairy, by increasing the number of affordable homes and transit homes to enable the youths to own their first real estate.
He said daily needs such as transportation, cheaper internet access and free health checks will be made available for the youths.
Khairy also pledged to open up opportunities for youths from the disabled community.
“We will ensure that no one is left behind. What’s important is for this next generation to bring Malaysia towards TN50 (National Transformation 2050).
“This is our time. The government is laying out the opportunities, let’s grab and savour them. This is our promise to the youths,” he said.