KOTA KINABALU: Parti KDM has added two more ambitious promises if it assumes power after the upcoming Sabah election, this time pledging to establish a bank and airline for the state.
Its president Datuk Peter Anthony announced these as part of the KDM manifesto for the 17th state polls due next year during the party’s Kudat division launch at Kampung Kalipuon in the northern Pitas district on Saturday (Nov 16).
The Melalap assemblyman said having the state’s own bank will make it easier for Sabah residents, especially in rural areas to conduct their transactions.
“We know that all the banks in the state currently have their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
“I also want to announce the establishment of a Sabah airline.
“We are aware that flight ticket prices are very high, reaching RM5,000, RM3,000, or RM2,000, to the point where some of our students cannot even return to their hometowns due to a lack of money.
“Although airlines offer lower prices, such as RM200 or RM300, the prices can still surge, especially during festive seasons or holidays,” Anthony added.
Previously, the former state minister had announced five other KDM manifestos should the party win the next state polls.
These include scholarships for education, monthly assistance for the elderly, providing homes for the poor, reinstating dividends for the Saham Amanah Sabah and focusing on improving land management in Sabah.
Anthony had previously said the native-based party was going solo in the Sabah election and targeting to contest 30 to 35 seats but at the same time did not discount that number could rise.