{
  "id": 19647403,
  "title": "BN’s manifestos never about a particular race, says Asyraf",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/bns-manifestos-never-about-a-particular-race-says-asyraf",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T11:37:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/12/bn-s-manifestos-never-about-a-particular-race-says-asyraf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 6, the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) parties launched their manifestos for the upcoming Melaka state polls. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the Umno secretary-general, stated that the BN's manifestos have never been centered around a specific ethnic group. He emphasized the inclusiveness of the election pledges for the Melaka polls, which were prepared jointly with PN and aimed to cater to the multiracial community of the state.\n\nAsyraf, speaking to reporters after campaigning for BN in Peringgit, highlighted that the manifesto addresses the interests of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and minority groups such as Indian Muslims, Thais, and Orang Asli. The party's promises include providing free water for households using up to 20 cubic meters per month, eliminating land tax increases, and constructing 25,000 affordable homes over five years if the alliance wins the state election on November 14.\n\nThe joint manifesto, themed \"Building Melaka's Future, Prospering the Nation,\" also sets a target of RM30 billion in investments over five years and pledges 25,000 job opportunities for young people. Asyraf further mentioned that BN and PN demonstrated greater coordination in their campaigning efforts for the Melaka polls compared to the Negeri Sembilan state election. He mentioned that the two coalitions would integrate their election machinery, with party wings working together during door-to-door campaigns and public rallies. The state election on Saturday features 28 contested seats, with BN aiming to secure 23 seats while PN will target five seats.",
  "summary": "The Umno secretary-general also hails the inclusive manifesto for the Melaka polls.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}