DAP's bonus promise part of party long-term policy

GEORGE TOWN, Tues

The DAP said its promise of a RM6,000 bonus per family for households earning RM6,000 or less a year is part of the party's long term policy and vision.

Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said this when he was asked why the party was making such a promise even though it had conceded that the Barisan Nasional would win the general election.

Lim said the RM35 billion bonus promised in the party's manifesto unveiled on Monday was a superior and effective policy which could solve the country's economic problem in the long run.

"Yes, we are not going to win in this election, but does it mean we are going to lose in other elections?

"As a political party, we have our own vision. We are presenting a vision of nation building and good governance," he said after unveiling the state's manifesto, entitled 'A Dynamic Penang for All' yesterday.

Lim said the RM35 billion fiscal stimulus can help ease the financial burden of households earning less than RM6,000 a year. 

He said the plan, which has also come under fire from second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, would help stimulate the economy and bring in higher income for businessmen.

"We are saying that families what are not earning much will have their financial burden reduced," he said. "At the same time, it can stimulate the economy as people can spend the money in the local retail market."

On the state manifesto, Lim said Penang had not been dynamic for the past 80 years due to poor local government services.

He said Penangites should vote in the Opposition to ensure equal social and economic justice, to protect their rights, safeguard the future and have a voice.

The manifesto spells out eight points for Penangites to consider in voting for DAP. 

They cover such issues as curbing Umno's political dominance, restoring local government elections, respect for human rights and the law and reducing the traffic congestion.

--NST