BN pledges to gazette all native customary land

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) will gazette all native customary land in close consultation with state governments should it be returned to power in the upcoming 13th general election.

According to BN's election manifesto launched by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tonight, the coalition is also committed to providing more income generating opportunities within indigenous communities and increasing the intake of indigenous youth into tertiary and vocational education.

In addition, the BN promises to set up special courts with the same status as the high court under the present justice system to deal specifically with native customary rights issues.

Themed 'A Promise of Hope', the manifesto further said that the BN government plans to provide financial assistance and educational opportunities for lower income earners irrespective of race.

Noting that the BN plans to streamline and improve safety net assistance through a unified database system, the document said the coalition intends to provide funds for registered non-governmental organisations and civil society movements.

The concerns of the visually impaired are also being addressed, with the BN committed to turning Brickfields here into a friendly zone for the visually impaired to serve as a model for future zones throughout the country catering to other sections of the disabled.

The manifesto said the BN government has always subscribed to a welfare system that caters to all sections of the community regardless of creed or colour.

It alluded to the government's introduction of KAR1SMA (1Malaysia People's Welfare Programme), whereby RM3.67 billion had been allocated from 2010-2013 to provide assistance to the elderly, children and disabled workers as well as those with chronic diseases.

The coalition had also allocated RM138 million to provide facilities and employment opportunities for the Orang Asli this year, and increased the monthly safety net assistance from RM80 to RM300, the manifesto added.