Page 93 - PH Manifesto English

Promise 42: Create more employment opportunities for Sabahan

and Sarawakian youths

The East Malaysian states have not enjoyed equal economic

development with the Peninsula. Jobs do not offer adequate income for

many. The median salary in Sabah is the lowest in Malaysia, which is 31

percent below the national median salary. Sarawak is the third lowest, 21

percent below the level of national median salary. This is unjust for

Sabahans and Sarawakians.

Since 1965, in every election, BN has promised the Pan Borneo Highway but

this project has never been completed even though it has been over 40 years

since it was first mooted. More unfortunate is their cronies have already

begun a move to profit from the promised contracts.

The Pakatan Harapan Government will ensure the connecting highway is

built. Up to 30 per cent of the budget allocation for each year will be

devoted to Sabah and Sarawak and priority will be the completion of this

highway project. Through this provision, the Pakatan Harapan Government

will ensure that contracts and good salaried jobs are first offered to locals.

The Pan-Borneo Highway project and projects related to it have the potential

to create at least 2,000 jobs for locals. Sabah and Sarawak have local talent

and resource that have not been not exploited by Barisan Nasional

government. Instead, the ruling regime has a practice of sending officials

from the Peninsula aimed at changing the demographics of these two

states.

Therefore, Pakatan Harapan Government will give priority to Sabahans and

Sarawakians to fill vacancies at every level, especially the upper level in all

central and state agencies.

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