60 pledges for Penangites if BN wins

SEBERANG JAYA: In its bid to recapture Penang, Barisan Nasional (BN) has announced several goodies for the people in its manifesto for the 14th general election (GE14).
State BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the manifesto themed "Save Penang: Pledges of Penang Barisan Nasional", includes six main points, namely to solve flood and hillslope development, people's housing, traffic congestion, economic development, people's welfare and tourism and heritage.
The six core points also comprise 60 pledges for Penangites if the coalition wins Penang in the national polls scheduled to take place on May 9.
"We will deliver what we promised if we get the mandate from the people after GE14," he said during his speech at the manifesto launch in The Light Hotel near here.
Among the most attractive promises offered are a special fund for first time married couples, a waiver for land tax and assessment for low-cost, low-medium cost and village houses and also re-introduction of traffic wardens in school areas.
Teng, who is also Gerakan state chief, said BN also promised to immediately stop development on hillsides and highland areas of 250 feet above sea level.
Also in the manifesto is to introduce Rent-To-Own Housing Schemes and setting a price of RM40,000 including free car park for low-cost units.
Teng also vowed to solve traffic congestion issues in the state within three years of the BN administration post GE14.
He also promised that BN will cancel the undersea tunnel project that was mooted by the caretaker DAP-led state government.
Also present during the event were the outgoing Penang Umno chief Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman and BN state leaders from all members of the coalition.
Some 3,000 members of the coalition attended the event.
Meanwhile, in a statement, caretaker Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Teng should not lie about Pakatan Harapan's manifesto promise to abolish highway tolls in phases.
He said Teng instead should explain why BN has not abolished toll on the Penang Bridge as the collection has far exceeded the combined capital investments.
"The people shall decide on May 9 whether the abolition of toll collection on the Penang Bridge for all vehicles is better than only the abolition of tolls for motorcycles," he said.