[GE15] How Does PH, PN, And BN Plan To Tackle Sustainability And Climate Change?
Climate change and sustainability are a small part of each coalition’s manifesto, though the decision and execution by the incoming government will affect us all.
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Party manifestos are the guide book for what issues a political party is hoping to tackle and what methods they plan to employ in order to solve it.
Consequently, it also helps voters to make the decision of which party to vote for, based on whether or not they agree with the issues tackled and solutions proposed.
Sustainability and climate change have become huge concerns over recent years, especially as Malaysia struggles with extreme weather such as constant floodings and scorching hot days.
So what does each coalition say about tackling these issues?
Pakatan Harapan (PH)
Of the 10 Priorities of the Harapan Action Plan, #10 is preserving the environment for our future generations.
They have outlined their plan under a few key issues: Disaster Resilience, Environmental Protection, and a Sustainable Economy.
PH’s plan for Disaster Resilience includes prioritising current infrastructure, sustainable development to mitigate reoccurance of flooding, and focus on preparedness for speedy response. Additionally, they will also provide cash assistance for households affected by natural disasters.
(Credit: TRP readers)
As for Environmental Protection, they want to continue tabling the Climate Change Act which will set targets for carbon emissions and forest coverage by 2040. This act was formerly put forth by Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Yeo Bee Yin in 2019 and was put on hold after the change in government.
The manifesto also outlines issues such Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) incentives, the increase of Marine Protection Areas to 30% by 2030, and the transboundary haze.
(Credit: Malay Mail)
Additionally, the manifesto also outlines PH’s plan to encourage a sustainable (MADANI) Economy, focusing on nationwide renewable energy and reducing carbon footprints in public premises, including measurable goals.
Perikatan Nasional (PN)
According to the Perikatan Nasional Manifesto, their #6 pillar is the preservation of the environment and promoting tourism.
PN focuses more on the response to floods, as their plans include creating a special Natural Disaster and Climate Change Agency (Badan Bertindak Bencana Alam dan Perubahan Iklim) to manage such disasters.
Additionally, they also plan to empower agencies involved in disaster management (KASA, NADMA, JPS, MET, and PBT), plus improving basic facilities at temporary evacuation centres.
As for environmental issues, they are looking to incentivise the education and preservation of educational activities and environmental preservation.
On the government side, they promise to increase the use of green and energy efficient technology within both the government and the private sector, focus on the preservation and conservation of our marine ecosystem and forests, and to enforce the law regarding environmental protection.
PN also promises to increase government spending to better manage solid waste disposal.
They did not mention any measurable goals for these plans.
Barisan Nasional (BN)
Barison Nasional’s GE15 Plan lists Environmental Preservation as one of their core pillars.
BN aims to devote proactive attention to the environment with a target of 30% renewable energy generation by 2030. Additionally, they aim to enforce existing environmental goals and environmental laws with a fine of up to RM10 million for offenders, increase accessibility to affordable eco-friendly vehicles, ensure the environmentally-friendliness of public transport and government vehicles, and increase our forest cover to 60% of the land surface.
(Credit: Prasarana Malaysia & Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail)
They also aim for Malaysia to be the key driver of the “Debt-for-Nature” initiative in ASEAN, which lets richer countries offer funds as compensation for us to reduce and stop environmental exploitation.
As for natural disasters, they will establish a special fund to help victims of such disasters that happen due to environmental pollution.
Who To Vote For?
Climate change and sustainability are a small part of each coalition’s manifesto, though the decision and execution by the incoming government will affect us all.
To learn more about each coalition’s full manifesto, visit the website for Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN), and Barisan Nasional (BN).
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