2

TOWARDS A MALAYSIA OF EXCELLENCE, GLORY AND DISTINCTION

BARISAN NASIONAL is for everyone.

BN ensures that no group is neglected or left behind, and that each citizen has a stake in nation-building. BN ensures that each community is represented in line with the practice of genuine power sharing. BN will continue to promote peace, prosperity and harmony among all Malaysians. BN gives priority to national unity and will ensure one system of government for all Malaysians.

Sharing power means sharing a future together.

BARISAN NASIONAL supports you.

BN addresses your needs by combating corruption and enhancing the quality of government services. BN cares about your needs and will seek your views on important issues. BN recognises all groups including young people, women and rural folk as national assets. All must be involved in nation building.

I am the No.1 public servant.

BARISAN NASIONAL for a better, peaceful and prosperous future.

BN will continue to implement economic growth strategies to achieve Vision 2020. We will enhance national competitiveness, foster a business-friendly environment, and pursue prudent fiscal management. BN will explore new sources of wealth and income by realising the potential of rural areas. BN will develop a knowledge-based economy through progress in science and technology. BN will eradicate poverty, continue to develop low-cost housing and enhance healthcare facilities. BN will upgrade and empower national education. BN recognises Islam as the official religion of Malaysia and will continue to build a progressive and modern Islam Hadhari. BN upholds the diversity of religious practice, language and culture. BN will nurture humanitarian values and civic consciousness. BN believes in the younger generation who will inherit and build upon the nations successes to achieve Vision 2020. BN will defend the Constitution and laws of the country. BN will combat crime and social ills. BN will ensure that Malaysia continues to play an influential role in international affairs, particularly as Chair of OIC and NAM.

Its true that the hereafter is important, but we should not live on this earth as paupers. We should not allow others to put us down.

BARISAN NASIONAL has never been satisfied with its excellent track record. We constantly look for ways to renew and improve. BARISAN NASIONAL has the vision, planning and implementation capability to lead the nation in todays challenging world. You have the choice to determine the future of the nation. The Government you choose should be able to protect and advance the interests of all citizens. Believe in BARISAN NASIONAL. We will pursue comprehensive and balanced development, based on first-class governance, management, service, mentality and noble values among all Malaysians. This new leap in development, while giving meaning to our past successes, can bring our beloved nation towards EXCELLENCE, GLORY AND DISTINCTION. Selamat Mengundi, ABDULLAH HAJI AHMAD BADAWI

BARISAN NASIONAL IS FOR EVERYONE

Everyone has a stake and a voice in Malaysia under BARISAN NASIONAL.

BARISAN NASIONAL is strongly committed to Parliamentary democracy, which gives each citizen a say in the administration of this nation. BARISAN NASIONAL safeguards the interests of all citizens. We listen to and act on the hopes and aspirations of all groups regardless of age, gender, ethnic background and religion. BARISAN NASIONAL calls upon all groups to participate in nation-building. Young people, women and rural folk in particular, make up a large proportion of the population. They must be given the opportunities to participate and contribute.

BARISAN NASIONAL will continue to promote peace, stability and harmony among all Malaysians.
All ethnic groups are represented in the BARISAN NASIONAL. Power sharing is genuine, along with a strong spirit of togetherness and give and take. Islam is accorded its rightful position as the official religion of Malaysia. We believe in a tolerant and progressive Islam. Freedom to worship other religions is guaranteed by the Constitution. There will be one system of government for all people. We will not tolerate divisiveness from extremism. We respect the separation of powers provided under the Constitution, with each institution - the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary - playing their respective roles to ensure a system of checks and balances and the rule of law. We believe in fair and equitable sharing of the fruits of economic growth. Development must benefit all areas of the country and all groups. Those in need will continue to receive support. No group will be left behind.

BARISAN NASIONAL is unique because it represents all ethnic groups in Malaysia. All groups have a stake in Malaysias development. This makes BARISAN NASIONAL the best and most effective power sharing formula today.

BARISAN NASIONAL SUPPORTS YOU

Continue the all-out campaign against corruption, without fear or favour. Seek a higher level of performance and integrity among your elected representatives. Set performance targets for good governance in the public and private sectors. Reduce bureacracy and increase transparency in government.

I am adamant that my agenda not be mere sweet promises or election promises. The government and party that I lead have proved that we work for the rakyat and not for votes.

Your opinions and views continue to matter as BARISAN NASIONAL endeavours to implement peoplecentred policies. To address your need for better services and more accountable government, BARISAN NASIONAL will:

Make a pledge to yourself in the name of God that Ill not accept bribes, Ill not be bribed.

BARISAN NASIONAL will continue to actively seek your views on important issues, as we have done by:
Holding open forums to get public feedback on important social issues such as preventing rape and reducing road accidents. Establishing a Special Commission on the Police Force where the public is invited to submit concerns and suggestions.

BARISAN NASIONAL recognises that people-centred policies must not be short-termist. We understand that Malaysias future depends on responsible management of the countrys resources. We believe in:
Prudent and responsible financial management. Sustainable management of our natural resources.

Work with me, not for me.

BARISAN NASIONAL FOR A BETTER, PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE

ECONOMY
Malaysians from all walks of life can be proud of the economic achievements we have accomplished by working together. Some indicators of our success include:
Better than expected economic growth of 5.2% for 2003 with low inflation. Strong business and consumer confidence, as shown by rising domestic consumption and investment. Significant rise in monthly household income from RM1,167 in 1990 to RM3,011 in 2002. Strengthening international reserves which currently stands at RM184 billion. Modern infrastructure and a skilled labour force.

The agenda that has been set is something I want to see implemented and not just promises uttered to gain applause. Be it improving public services; eradicating corruption; reducing bureaucracy; strengthening the police force; improving the education system; maintaining transparent and responsible economic management; or creating new sources of wealth and income particularly for rural areas; my commitment to realise these aims is firm and unwavering.

In order to face future economic challenges, BARISAN NASIONAL will: Pursue economic growth strategies to achieve Vision 2020. Enhance competitiveness in order to build a resilient and performance-based economy. Nurture a business-friendly environment. Cultivate new sources of wealth and income in areas such as agriculture, bio-technology and Islamic financial services. Develop a culture of innovation through research and development (R&D) in science and technology. Develop rural areas as new centres for economic growth. Increase the competitiveness of Malaysian companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Expand markets for Malaysian products and services. Exercise prudent and responsible fiscal management.

BALANCED DEVELOPMENT
BARISAN NASIONAL understands the complexity of developing Malaysia in a fair yet extensive manner. Despite the historical difficulties, our achievements have been encouraging:
Reduction of poverty from 17% to 5% since 1990. Provision of more low-cost houses by the Government, with more housing loans and free housing to the needy. Increased spending on health, with more basic healthcare facilities in rural areas.

Ensuring balanced socioeconomic development is an ongoing effort. We will:

Fully eradicate poverty and reduce income disparity. Ensure balanced regional development in all states throughout Malaysia. Improve access to and quality of low-cost housing and healthcare. Improve the effectiveness of social programs to help marginalised groups such as orang asli, the disabled and elderly. Improve working conditions to increase womens participation in the economy. Enhance measures to protect our heritage and environment.

10

EDUCATION

Our future success depends on the knowledge and capability of our younger generation. In the past, BARISAN NASIONAL has worked hard to provide universal access to education:
Funding for education is consistently the largest component of government expenditure. There are now 7,515 primary schools, 1,902 secondary schools, 18 universities and colleges, and 16 polytechnics. Financial assistance is provided to needy pupils at all levels of education. There has been a large increase in students completing Form 5, from 65% in 1988 to 80% in 2000. Enrolment rates in pre-schools and universities have doubled since 1990.

To become a knowledge society, we need to focus on improving the quality of education. We will advance our present education system as follows:
Ensure quality teaching and learning at all levels of education. Enhance teaching of communication skills including English, ICT skills, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Make National Schools the school of choice through quality improvements, including better teaching of mother tongue languages, as well as safeguard the position of national-type schools today. Foster student interaction to enhance national unity. Improve the working environment for teaching professionals. Enhance higher education institutions to produce highcalibre graduates.

11

RELIGION

Religious freedom and tolerance is a key foundation of national unity.

While Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, Malaysians are free to worship and practice other religions as enshrined in the Constitution. The Government allocates more than RM300 million a year to improve the knowledge and practice of Islam. We have exemplary Islamic institutions such as Bank Islam, Lembaga dan Urusan Tabung Haji and the International Islamic University. BARISAN NASIONAL will enhance the understanding and practice of Islam. We will: Continue to build a progressive and modern Islam Hadhari. Improve the application of Syariah law in the country, and ensure Muslim women have recourse to a fair and just legal system. Upgrade Islamic education through syllabus improvements, compulsory Arabic Language courses for Muslim students and completion of Quran recital during primary school. Promote internationally competitive Islamic financial services. Enhance the welfare of imams and other religious officers. Ensure Haj pilgrimage services are conducted efficiently and at reasonable cost.

12

DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIC, MORAL AND ETHICAL VALUES

Under the BARISAN NASIONAL government, Malaysians have benefited from rapid and sustained economic and social development. We enjoy first class infrastructure that is equal to that of developed countries. To become a developed country in our own mould, we must also ensure that Malaysians have positive values, strong character and high ethical standards. As such, BARISAN NASIONAL will instill first class mentality among Malaysians. We will:
Continue to promote a culture of zero-tolerance for corruption. Introduce a code of ethics and integrity for the public and private sector, political parties and civil society. Strengthen civic consciousness through the teaching of civics and ethics in schools. Foster high moral values, self-confidence and the courage to face challenges among youth through the National Service, Rakan Muda and other community service programs. Improve driver attitude to reduce road accidents and fatalities. Foster a strong culture of appreciation and maintenance of amenities and natural resources. Nurture a more open and participative society, working together with NGOs.

13

LAW AND ORDER

Malaysia is widely acknowledged as a safe and peaceful country. BARISAN NASIONAL will continue to govern democratically, abiding by the rule of law. We will:
Uphold the Constitution and laws to maintain national peace and stability. Ensure the independence of the judiciary and provide modern infrastructure to facilitate the administration of justice. Defend our nations borders from any threat or breach. Improve the level of personal safety for every individual. Enhance the efficiency and integrity of the Police Force through an independent Special Commission on Police. Improve the gender sensitivity of the police force. Ensure the welfare of the countrys security forcesl.

PUBLIC SERVICES
The Malaysian civil service has recorded many achievements and continues to improve its efficiency. Computerisation has reduced waiting time for many processes. Several common procedures have been improved such as bill payment and license renewal at post offices, as well as passport and IC applications. BARISAN NASIONAL will continue to upgrade the public service delivery system, in partnership with the civil service, to meet rising public expectations. We will:
Improve efficiency and access to all frontline agencies. Re-engineer land and district offices as well as local authorities. Improve responsiveness to the publics complaints and concerns. Implement e-Government to improve access and efficiency. Enhance the welfare and performance of civil servants by improving work environment, career prospects and human resource development.

14

FOREIGN POLICY
Malaysia has become a respected voice in international affairs and is a leader of the developing world. BARISAN NASIONAL will strive to ensure that Malaysia continues to play an active role in international relations. We will: Maintain peaceful relations with all countries regardless of economic level, ideology and political system. Adopt an independent, non-aligned, and principled stance in regional and international diplomatic affairs. Forge close relationships and economic partnerships with all nations, particularly with our ASEAN and other regional friends. Promote peace and stability in the region through capacity building and conflict resolution measures. Play an influential leadership role as Chair of the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) and Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). Participate actively and meaningfully in the United Nations, especially in efforts to end injustice and oppression, and to uphold international law. Project Malaysia as a leading example of a tolerant and progressive Islamic nation.

15

BARISAN NASIONALS PLEDGE

We in BARISAN NASIONAL wishes to record our gratitude and appreciation to all citizens for the support and mandate given to us to lead our beloved nation. Recognising this, we in BARISAN NASIONAL hereby pledge: To defend the independence and sovereignty of Malaysia and to uphold the principles of the Rukunegara, in order to ensure peace, stability, harmony and unity for all Malaysians. To continue to develop Malaysia through plans, strategies and implementation of policies that will enhance the well-being of all Malaysians, in line with the objectives of Vision 2020. To fight all forms of racial intolerance, extremism and terrorism to secure a better future for all Malaysians. To raise the stature of Malaysia so that it continues to be respected and admired internationally for its progress and capacity to face the challenges of globalisation. With this resolve, we will convince the people, through example and concrete proof, to continue to support the BARISAN NASIONAL government towards realising the hopes and aspirations of the Malaysian people.