BN Manifesto To Reduce Cost Of Living Can Be Achieved - Lecturer

The Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto to reduce the people's cost of living is seen as more realistic and can be achieved in five years, said Prof Amir Hussin Baharuddin of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

The economic lecturer said the government could fulfil the promise as the economy was growing rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who implemented economic transformation to bring prosperity to the people and country.

"For example BR1M (1Malaysia People's Aid) which will increase spending by the low income group. When they shop, it will contribute to cash flow and create market demand, create jobs and new businesses," he told Bernama today.

As for the implementation of toll on highways, he said it did not burden the people who were spared from paying for the consturction of the highways.

"Some quarters want the government to take over operation of all toll highways but its not a good idea as the PWD (Public Works Department) is incapable of operating them.

"Its good that the highways are run by the private sector while the government monitors the operation. Moreover, the toll charges are not that high and have not risen."

Amir Hussin said the opposition was not serious in fulfilling promises made in its election manifesto as those made in 2008 general election were still unfulfilled.

"The most obvious is in Selangor where the PKR-led state government failed to give allowance to all single mothers as stated in the election manifesto.

"They can't even resolve a small issue, what more keep bigger promises? " he asked.

Chief activist of Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association Datuk Nadzim Johan said the BN manifesto to reduce cost of living is more objective and shows the seriousness of the Prime Minister in championing the low income group.

"The government that we have is credible and Datuk Seri Najib's commitment is seen in the BN manifesto. As such, there is no harm for us to give him the opportunity to work for the people," he added.