KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Barisan Nasional (BN) has made women’s rights and uplifting their economic status as one of its top priorities in its election manifesto launched tonight.

With a special focus on women entrepreneurs, BN planned on forming a Women’s Economic Council chaired by the prime minister to look into women’s economic agenda.

Business loans shall also be made easier enterprising women through various means such as easing the micro-credit conditions, easing loan process for single women, and the creation of a Women’s Cooperative offering savings and financial loans.

To expand women’s business network, the manifesto also planned on creating a Women Entrepreneurship Transformation Centre.

BN also has promised to train single mothers, particularly those from the Below-40 group through Asuhan Permata Course as well as increase their participation in vocational training.

Legislation to protect women’s right was also part of the manifesto with its promise to draft a Sexual Harassment Act to safeguard women in the workplace.

The prime minister shall also chair a proposed National Shariah Judiciary Council acting as a committee in order to discuss and standardise Shariah judiciary and legislation.

Plans for a Special Court on Marriage, Hadhanah and Nafkah beginning from the Federal Territories will also be in the works should BN retain its rule over the country.

The manifesto also guaranteed that 30 per cent of Dewan Negara membership will consist of women, while also expanding the role of women as decision makers.

Under BN’s rule, tax incentives for women returning to the job market shall be expanded to 24 months.

It shall also encourage the private sector to allow pregnant mothers to leave an hour early as part of its Work-Life Balance Policy.

BN also promised that a special service counter will be provided only for women at all Urban and Rural Transformation Centres.