Kinabatangan: Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election, Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, today launched his manifesto featuring 10 pledges for the constituency.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the manifesto was uploaded on Mohd Kurniawan's official Facebook page. It includes a pledge to establish the Kinabatangan Strategic Development Council (MPSK) to oversee development plans for the constituency, with opposition representatives included to ensure a process of checks and balances.
The Kinabatangan UMNO Youth chief also committed to presenting financial reports every six months, creating a collection centre for marine and river produce to enhance fishermen's income, and providing public transport services in Kinabatangan.
The manifesto further outlines the establishment of the Kinabatangan Foundation (Yakin) for education, welfare, and emergency aid; the development of a tourism and cultural hub; and the transformation of Polling District Centres (PDM) into 'Laman Stay Belia' hubs.
Additional initiatives consist of the introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, the implementation of free e-tuition, and the provision of periodic free health screenings.
'Today, I do not come with sweet promises. I come with a work plan that can be audited, monitored, and questioned by the people. I may be young and new, but I am confident that sincerity coupled with clear planning will overcome repeated empty promises.
'I want Kinabatangan to move forward through work, not rhetoric. Employ me for the job, reprimand me if I stray, and judge me by the results,' he stated.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election presents a three-cornered contest between Mohd Kurniawan Naim, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman (Warisan), and Goldam Hamid (Independent).
Meanwhile, the Lamag state seat will witness a straight fight between Mohd Ismail Ayob (BN) and Mazliwati Abdul Malek (Warisan).
The twin by-elections are prompted by the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, 66, on Dec 5 last year.
The Election Commission (EC) has designated this Saturday (Jan 24) as the polling day for both seats.