15/08/2010

The Malaysian Chinese Economic Congress passed 13 resolutions, including one calling on the Government to show greater political commitment and support for the development of genuine Chinese-bumiputra business partnerships.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the resolutions, passed unanimously by leaders from various sectors and non-governmental organisations at the congress here yesterday, would be submitted as a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The congress called on the Government to practise inclusive policies by liberalising government-linked companies (GLCs) to have multi-ethnic boards of directors and workforce.

The Government should award contracts to the best qualified local companies in their tenders, regardless of equity composition, it said.

Another resolution called for an increase in government funding for SMEs to allow them to sustain their linkages to the growing international market.

The congress also urged the Government to strengthen the public delivery system by implementing a more transparent and rapid decision-making process in accordance with the needs of the people.

In line with the Government’s efforts to reduce budget deficits, the congress supported the gradual rationalisation of subsidies and removal of price controls together with having sufficient safety nets for the poor.

The congress urged the Government to practise an open tender system in government procurement to achieve a level playing field in the local business environment, and the gradual removal of 30% Bumiputra equity in all sectors of the economy.

-The Star-