Economists praise BN manifesto for 'clear direction'

Economists have lauded Barisan Nasional's (BN) 2013 election manifesto as it shows how serious the party is in wanting to take the country's economic progress and achievements to a higher level.

Institute of Strategic and International Studies chief executive Datuk Dr Mahani Zainal Abidin said the manifesto was economically comprehensive with a wide range of economic and social initiatives, indicating BN's clear direction to elevate the country to a greater economic growth.
Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute's centre of public policy studies chairman Tan Sri Dr Ramon V. Navaratnam said the manifesto was cleverly crafted, comprehensive and covered extensive public and community interests and wellbeing.
"The manifesto addresses basic concerns and issues, the projects announced are doable... the whole manifesto lends itself to the whole concept of trustworthiness," Navaratnam said.
Mahani said the manifesto this time around recognised urban economic issues due to the high cost of living compared with the previous manifesto which focused more on rural development.
"There is a shift in urban economic issues and BN also recognises that it has to make the economy more competitive," said Mahani.
Navaratnam said BN was quantifying rather than making general plans.
"The one million affordable homes is a good example. You should quantify rather than make a general statement such as building affordable housing.
"The public and the non-governmental organisations will be able to monitor when you build 1,000 homes and then 10,000 homes. If you don't deliver, then the rakyat will hold you accountable."
Manokaran Mottain, senior economist at AmResearch Sdn Bhd, said BN's manifesto appeared to have been planned carefully and contained realistic and logical promises.
"Other manifestos promise some things which are quite a challenge to achieve in view of the current global economy.
"In making promises to the rakyat, we have to be careful not to stretch our budget in order to please everyone because we are in deficit all this time.
"We have to be mindful of the fact that international rating agencies are looking at what we are doing."