BN Confident With Strong Track Record - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Armed with a strong track record in the past four years that shows the country's impressive economic, social and technology advancement, the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) is seeking a fresh mandate for continuity with promises to take the nation to greater heights.

BN, which started the 13-day campaigning for the March 8 general election by winning seven parliamentary and two state seats uncontested on the nomination day yesterday, unveiled its progress report and election manifesto today, with the theme "Security, Peace and Prosperity".

A day after nomination, more than 1,500 candidates have begun the gruelling 13-day campaign period with house-to-house visits and endless "ceramah" to canvass for votes and win the hearts of over 10.9 million eligible voters.

Launched by Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the manifesto contains among others the 14-party coalition's pledges to raise the country's productivity, revenue and competitiveness, as well as generating more than two million jobs in five years.

Abdullah, who took the helm in 2003, also reiterated BN's promise to address the people's concern over price increases for essential goods, citing the RM43.4 billion spent in the form of subsidies last year alone.

"We promise to continue to work with the people. We promise to manage and expend the country's finances prudently," said Abdullah, adding that BN's promises were realistic.

[More at http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=316441]