Tricia Yeoh: A manifesto on the back foot

Excerpt:

"For the first time in BN's history, it unveiled its election manifesto before nomination day, needing to respond to the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto launched more than six weeks earlier. In fact, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced Parliament's dissolution a few days before, he called for peaceful transition should there be a change in government either at the federal or state levels, indicating that this would be indeed possible in his opinion. His deputy has also admitted that PR is a tough opponent.

While these are mere indications, the most telling of all are the contents of the BN manifesto, numerous items of which are plainly either replications of proposals in the PR manifesto, or following in the footsteps of policies adopted by PR-led state governments."

"As for items that seem mysteriously similar to the PR manifesto, this is because they are. These include the proposal to revisit constructing the Pan-Borneo Highway, revamping the National Automotive Policy to gradually reduce car prices by 20-30%, as well as increasing payments to oil-producing states in excess of 20%, on top of many others. A quick reference to the PR manifesto would reveal these exact proposals..."

"Finally, the manifesto stated that "we abhor the politics of hatred and division", while it believes in "social justice and being inclusive, touching and improving the lives of all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion". Numerous contradicting public statements by BN leaders notwithstanding, it is the very nature of BN political parties formed along ethnic lines that will make it impossible to exit the game of playing the race card to its own benefit."

More:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/657511

Update:


"Is Barisan Nasional also copying Pakatan Rakyat leaders' accusation that their election manifesto has been plagiarised?

Despite PR having launched its general election manifesto much earlier, BN deputy chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said it was PR which has copied it..."


“When PR introduces its proposal to lower car prices, BN and UMNO leaders had attacked saying the policy would bankrupt the nation. Now, they introduced similar things and said we copied them.

"So, have they endorsed a policy which they believe will bankrupt the nation?” asked PAS information chief Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Tuan Ibrahim, who earlier poked fun on BN’s manifesto describing it as ‘moneyfesto’, said it was strange that after 55 years, the BN has suddenly thought of lowering car prices.

“It’s a panic response and they are talking nonsense. That is the most logical explanation for the whole episode,” added Tuan Ibrahim.

More:
Now, Muhyiddin says 'You copied us'
http://en.harakahdaily.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7023:now-muhyiddin-says-you-copied-us&catid=36:headline&Itemid=70

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