）馬華總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷促請首相拿督斯里納吉逐步開放經濟領域，包括石油與天然氣領域、通訊領域予非土著，讓非土著成為政府相關公司的董事局成員，並彈性處理30%土著股權的政策。
他今日（週六，8月14日）在華人經濟大會上致歡迎詞時說，為了確保新經濟模式與第十大馬計劃的成功，他建議從船運、天然氣分銷、石油化學、教育及技職培訓做出開放，讓更多的非土著成為聯營伙伴、承包商及二手承包商。
他也建議政府開放政府相關公司董事局，讓更多的非土著及國際專才加入董事局，同時開放採購系統，讓中小企業以服務和產品素質來競爭。
在政府撤銷27個服務業次領域30%的土著股權限制後，他也促請首相考慮彈性其他領域30%土著固打股權的政策，以加倍促進國內的生產總值，使人民對政府更具信心。
“我們希望“一個馬來西亞”不會只是一個政治口號。”
星洲互動‧2010.08.14
Wednesday, August 18, 2010蔡细历：民调不影响本分
（吉隆坡17日讯）马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历表示，有关他仅获9%华裔支持的民调并不会影响他的工作，最重要的是他做好本身的任务，为华社谋取利益。
「我每次竞选都在都不被人民看好的情况下取得胜利，因此这件事（民调偏低）不会影响到我的工作。」
他是在今午拜访精武体育会时，受询及民调指他只9%华人支持率的问题时，表示本身的政途历经大风大浪，相较之下，此调查报导不足为道。
蔡细历在前年元旦因「光碟事件」黯然下台，并辞去官职及党职，仅保留普通党员；但在数月后的马华党选中，在署理总会长三角战激战中取胜；但在去年826遭马华纪委会革除党籍，并通过去年的「双十特大」翻身，进而在今年328重选中，击退时任总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰，以及前总会长丹斯里黄家定而当上马华总会长。
询及副首相的言论时，蔡细历表示，他已通过文告来回应，并指许多事情无需通过媒体展开骂战，因为口水战无法解决问题，反而导致问题更加复杂化。
蔡细历今天也宣布马华拨10万令吉给精武体育会，充作筹建基金。他也认为，尽管武术拥有数千年的历史，但是它流传下来并非理所当然的事，需要靠有组织及系统化地去推动，而社会不仅要给予精神上的支持，更需要有物质上的支持才能成功。
曾担任过柔佛州行政议员（掌管旅游与文化）的蔡细历也感叹，国人去旅游时，不太重视参观他国的文化与博物馆，反而重视购物及饮食。
東方新聞網 17-08-2010
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 12:10:00 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, August 17, 2010MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s statement – MCA is sensitive of its role in BN but it has its role to play as a Chinese-based party
MCA is disappointed with Deputy Prime Minister and Umno Deputy President Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin bin Mohd Yassin for raising the specter of May 13 incident.
If Malaysia wants to achieve the target set up in the 10th Malaysia Plan and New Economic Model to become a high-income nation by 2020, it has to attract domestic and foreign investment.
In order to attract RM115 billion of private investment per annum under the 10th Malaysia Plan, we must ensure that our economy is competitive and vibrant.
We can only achieve the target by liberalizing sectors such as oil and gas as well as telecommunication; rationalizing subsidy and opening tender with price preference to Bumiputras.
An expanding economic cake is like rising tide that lifts all boats, so that all Malaysians will have a fair share of wealth distribution.
In a multi-racial country, growth should not be a zero-sum game as there are reasons to worry that we will continue to be trapped as a middle-income country if we do not liberalize our economy and boost investment.
At no time, we talk about the special rights of the Malay community.
We reaffirm that affirmative action should be based on needs, merits and be market-friendly.
We advocate that Bumiputras should be given price preference in certain economic sectors when the economy is liberalized for open tender.
To enable the Bumiputras to compete on a more equitable basis, hence, we propose for gradual reduction of the 30% Bumiputra equity and the introduction of price preference.
MCA is sensitive of its role within the Barisan Nasional but we have a role to play as Chinese-based party so that we can continue to be relevant.
The loyalty of the MCA towards Barisan Nasional should not be questioned as it has gone through good and bad times when Umno suffered setbacks. Back then MCA had delivered support to ensure its victory in the general elections.
The socio-economic condition in Malaysia today is totally different from that in 1969 as Malaysians are capable of having rational discussions without beating the racial war drum.
All we ask for is fair share. Rest assured the MCA has no plans or interest to deprive other communities of what is rightfully theirs.
MCA President
Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek
/ENDs
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 11:11:00 PM 0 comments
遗憾慕尤丁重提513事件言论 蔡细历否认马华质疑土著特权
（吉隆坡17日讯）马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生今日强调，马华从未质疑我国各族群的权益，马华也不曾因为捍卫华裔权利而质疑土著特权。
他说，马华是基于国家经济发展和前景，为达到高收入经济国家的目标而提出建议，这是不能被诠释为触及他族敏感性，或被指抵触其他族群的权益。
蔡细历今日发表文告，针对副首相丹斯里慕尤丁提醒马华，不要为本身族群的奋斗而触及他族权益的问题，作出上述的反驳。
他也对副首相重提513事件感到遗憾，并指出今天我国各族人民的经济状况和社会地位，和1969年的情恍是不可同日而语。
“今天的情况和40年前已是截然不同，如今各族人民都能更理性的看待和讨论过去被视为敏感的课题，他们更了解国家的需求和现实情况。
” 他强调，华人经济大会通过的宣言也没有质疑土著特权，我们重申和关注的是，我国必须调整和采取与时并进和更开放的政策，以适应及配合全球市场自由化的脚步，这也经济大会通过逐渐收回土著拥有30%股权的硬性规定的原因。
“为确使土著有能力竞争和参与投标，马华建议为土著投标商家提供一定数额的折扣价格，这也反映马华正视和了解土著的情况；在多元种族的社会里是不能存在'零和游戏' ，我们必须扩大经济蛋糕，让每一个族群都有机会分享，这才是治国之道。
” 蔡细历指出，如果我国要在2020年成为高收入国家，每年必须吸引高达1千115亿令吉的私人投资，这才能达致第十大马计划及新经济模式所预订的目标。
他说，为确保我国经济保持竞争力，诸如开放能源及电讯领域是有必要的，此外调整物价津贴和公开招标工程也应付诸实行，同时采取积效和亲商的政策。
蔡细历表示担心，如果我国无法吸引更多外资，经济领域也缺乏自由化，结果无法达致即定的国家发展目标，那么我国将继续的陷入中等收入国的困境。
“马华了解国阵精神和所扮演的角色，我们也一直保持敏感度，但马华作为一个华基政党，它必须负起维护族群利益的任务，这样马华才能适合时宜的继续进行政治奋斗。
” 他声称，马华对国阵的忠心是不应受到质疑，因为是巫统过去在面对问题时，马华对国阵是不弃不离，马华在过去多届的大选中，也协助国阵取得耀煌胜利。
“马华要求的是公平的对待，马华绝无意剥削任何一族群所应享有的权益。”
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 6:50:00 PM 0 comments
蔡细历：缺乏创意革新思维‧大马教育只培养“书虫”
---->森州行政议员萧进平（左起）、大马武总会长纪永辉、森精武体育会会长张金发、蔡细历、大会名誉总顾问郑金炎、大会名誉顾问李础雄和森州中华总商会会长陈维年为森精武体育会晚宴主持鸣锣礼。 （图：星洲日报）
（森美兰‧芙蓉）马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历说，尽管政府发展教育的拨款很多，可是，大马的教育制度却出现问题，造成学术水平低落，只培养“书虫”，而不是有创意及革新思维的青年。
毕业生无法达到市场要求
他指出，教育制度出现问题导致高等教育文凭至大专水平低落；根据市场评估，这些毕业生无法达到市场要求。
他建议政府全面检讨考试制度，包括小六评估考试（UPSR）、初中评估考试（PMR）及大马教育文凭考试（SPM），再以校际评估考试来找出平衡点，才不会造成学生面对太大压力，也不会只栽培出“书虫”。
蔡细历周日（8月15日）晚上出席森美兰精武体育会举办的百年精武，印象精武纪念晚宴时致词说，大马要在2020年成为高收入国，最大的挑战是有没有足够的人才。
经济措施须朝向开明方向
“根据调查，大马的技术人员只有23%，比韩国、新加坡、香港及台湾少，加上新经济政策没有提供平等机会，行政上的偏差导致人才外流。”
他认为，今日（周一，8月16日）已不是族群之间的竞争，而是面对全世界的竞争，要吸引外资就必须确保经济措施朝向开明的方向，而且只有平等的教育机会，各族群才能在不分肤色下进入国立大专，栽培更多人才。
人民无法接受民联执政两年半就腐败
蔡细历表示，国阵政府执政53年出现一些腐败情况，但是，民联政府执政两年半就出现腐败情况，这是人民无法接受的。
他坦承国阵政府不是一个完美的政府，确有腐败、贪污和滥权情况，不过，民联政府两年半就出现腐败，只要有支持信就可拿到工程。若没有错误为何要开除自己人，还要开听证会？
一个大马不是空喊口号
他说，首相纳吉提倡的一个马来西亚理念不是空喊的口号，政府会公平对待各民族，在这理念下接受多元种族，和睦共处，国家才能稳定发展。
他说，只要领导人民度过经济难关，有正确的方向，人民感受到希望，就会对政府存有好感，也会信任国家领袖所引领的方向一起迈进。
星洲日报‧2010.08.16
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 8:51:00 AM 1 comments
马华不逃避反映华社意愿的责任
MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's statement - MCA will not run away from speaking up for the Chinese community
Umno Vice-President Dato' Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein's statement yesterday that MCA should not forget the struggle of Barisan Nasional when fighting for the Chinse's demands, shows that some Barisan Nasional leaders have yet to learn from the 308 General Election and do not understand the urge of the people to reform.
The results of the 308 General Election had clearly reflected the change in people's thinking, the new MCA leadership also understands that it must change to regain the people's support and trust. If some Barisan Nasional leaders continue to live in their own world, they will certainly push MCA to its doom and it will not bring the ruling coalition any good.
MCA respects the view of Dato' Seri Hishammuddin but he cannot blame MCA for deviating from the objectives and struggles of Barisan Nasional simply because MCA has a different voice from him or other component party leaders.
The new MCA leadership strongly believe that its political struggle is totally reasonable and legal. MCA will not be afraid for sharing similar views with DAP in terms of the benefit of the community and choose to run away from making a stand.
MCA will push hard for the implementation of the 13 resolutions passed during the Chinese Economic Congress held on Saturday because the resolutions are not only related to the Chinese community but also the future of the country's economic development.
MCA reckons that it has the responsibility to reflect the wishes of the Chinese community due to globalisation.Otherwise, not only MCA will lose the community's support, it will not be able to also justify its political existence.
马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历医生文告（16-8-2010）
马华不逃避反映华社意愿的责任
（吉隆坡16日讯）马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历今日严词驳斥巫统副主席希山慕丁，指一些国阵领袖时至今日仍不明白308海啸大选的启示，更不了解人民强烈求变的心态。
他说，308大选成绩清楚的反映人民思变，马华新领导层也了解必须彻底求变以挽回人民的支持和信任，如果国阵成员党领袖还采取依然故我的态度，不但牵累马华，也会让国阵继续流失选票。
蔡细历今日针对希山慕丁提醒马华，不要忘记国阵成员党达致的协议的言论发表文告。他强调，如果马华在关系到华社权益课题上不敢明确表态或据理力争，这将导致华裔选民对马华不再寄以任何希望，在来届大选也不会给予马华一个机会。
“希山慕丁可以有个人的看法，但不能因为马华的看法，和希山或其他的国阵成党领袖有所不同，就被视为是偏离了国阵奋斗目标。”他说，马华新领导层坚决认为，马华秉持的政治斗争，是合情、合理也合法，马华不能为了避免在一些课题上和行动党的看法相似，结果为了避嫌而选择保持缄默，这样的马华还能获得华裔支持吗?
蔡细历强调，马华坚持和争取落实大马华人经济大会通过的13项宣言，这些宣言不只是关系华裔族群的权益，它实际上是关系到整个马来西亚的未来经济发展和国运，马华了解华社在全球化大趋势下的诉求，马华是不能逃避反映华社意愿的责任，否则马华将失去它作为一个政治团体的存在价值。
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 2:37:00 AM 2 comments
Monday, August 16, 2010蔡细历：助继续深造‧马华力争7A生奖学金
---->多名马华领袖出席汇报会，与代表针对选民登记、干部训练及新媒体应用课题进行交流。左起：魏家祥、曹智雄、廖中莱及蔡细历；右起：颜炳寿、林祥才及江作汉。 （图：星洲日报）
（吉隆坡）《星洲日报》探悉，马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历今日（周日，8月15日）在全国马华区会汇报会上透露，马华也极力为逾160名考获7科A以上的SPM优秀生争取奖学金，以协助他们继续深造。
他说，马华已提呈相关名单给首相拿督斯里纳吉。
据出席汇报的基层领袖透露，蔡细历也告诉他们，在之前，马华已成功为大约50名独中优秀生争取到奖学金，赴海外深造。
除了教育课题之外，在这项汇报会上，各区会领袖也受促要加强网络，如善用推特、面子书等，因为来临全国大选将是朝野展开“电子选战”。
在汇报会上，各区会领袖也再次被提醒须根据党员名册寻找选民，协助他们登记为选民。目前全国共有430万名国民未登记成为选民。
星洲日报‧2010.08.15
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 9:39:00 AM 1 comments
Sunday, August 15, 2010蔡细历不担心引土著不满 国家发展非零和游戏
（吉隆坡14日讯）马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历不担心经济大会提到废除土著30%股权政策，会引起土著的不满，因为国家发展不是零和游戏。他在闭幕后记者会上，以谨慎的态度回应一名马来报章记者的询问。
他说，国家发展不是零和游戏，不是华人得到，就代表马来人得不到。“我们要知道，国家经济好时，有竞争力时，全民都会受惠，相反的，全民不会得到好处。”
●南洋商报 15-08-2010
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 9:34:00 PM 0 comments
华人经济大会‧蔡细历诉求‧废30%土著股权
---->蔡细历（右）在华人经济大会上赠送纪念品给首相纳吉。 （图：光明日报）
（吉隆坡）马华在事隔10年后，再次举办华人经济大会，马华总会长拿督斯里蔡细历在首相拿督斯里纳吉的列席下提出多项诉求，包括要求政府逐步开放上市公司的30%土著股权，以及考虑弹性处理其他领域的30%土著股权。
他也要求政府开放官联公司给非土著参与，让首相领导下的新经济模式和第10大马计划更有效落实。
蔡细历今日（周六，8月14日）在华人经济大会开幕礼，在致词时提出以上的要求之外，也要求政府自由化27个服务领域、实行公开招标政策和最低薪金制，以及增建华小等。
对于蔡细历提出的各种诉求，首相纳吉在致词时并没有具体作出回应，惟蔡细历较后透露，首相答应会尽快召见马华领袖商讨有关的诉求。
首相没具体回应
蔡细历在记者会上指出，马华领袖发现马华已超过10年没有举办经济大会，所以他在马华重选并当选总会长后，决定举办今次的华人经济大会。
他称，他们特别邀请首相亲自来开幕，并把大会上通过的数项议案拟成备忘录提呈给首相，而首相也一口答应在接过备忘录后，将会尽快召见马华领导层进行商讨。
他说，他致开幕词时提到多项政府必须逐步开放的领域和落实的措施，而政府应根据各领域的需求和绩效提供帮助，而非以种族区分。
“虽然政府在各行业和领域已逐步开放30%的土著固打，但为了让国家有更好的竞争条件，政府更需要再逐步开放。”
他强调，他并非要求政府开放所有领域的土著股权，而目前需要开放的领域是发展商和承包商。
F级发展商应开放竞标
马华总会长蔡细历提到，在国家经济逐步开放的同时，政府也要落实土著享有“价格优先系统”（Price PreferenceSystem）的措施，以避免发生“阿里峇峇文化”；即土著发展商标获发展工程后，却因为没有能力及财力等问题，而转让给非土著发展商。
他说，此措施可使土著获得竞标优势，而土著企业也有机会参与竞标，进而避免许多发展工程遭展延，而且没有公道的售价。
“目前最好的例子就是F级发展商（土著），我们认为应该同时开放给土著与非土著竞标，而土著发展商招标的价格可以比非土著发展商具有优势，价格优遇系统需经讨论后制定。”
受询制定土著享有“价格优先系统”遭人滥用的问题时，蔡细历认为，只要政府制定良好的监管系统，就不会发生此事。
“我们只要公平竞争，只有各族都发财，这个国家才能拥有财富。”
他声称，落实“价格优先系统”的同时，也必须拥有透明的基制，让有意竞标的非土著发展商，甚至各族人民确知当中的差额。
应允非土著涉石油电讯
马华总会长蔡细历说，首相纳吉应该考虑开放石油、天然气及电讯领域，让非土著参与，成为研究、建筑平台、物流、油台等的投资伙伴、发展商及承包商，协助中小型企业的发展，并使电讯领域获得全面的开发。
他在致词时指出，目前经济开放最好的例子是石油与天然气领域，包括运输、燃料供应、燃油化学研究、教育及技术的培训，这也促成大马的石油与燃料领域发展至国际水平。
“可是，比起非石油生产国如新加坡，大马中小型企业的商机还是很微小，所以需要使有关领域成熟地发展，并开创有关领域，把大马的生产总值推上高峰。”
他提到，全面开放电讯市场可使竞争增加，使电讯服务的收费降低，并提供外资更好的商业环境，尤其跨国企业可以在大马设立公司。
他称，提高电讯业的竞争力对电讯业和消费者都有利，但目前在固打制度下，电讯服务的收费非常昂贵，而国内的宽频使用率未达到预期目标。
“我们好不容易才达至40%的渗透率，相比之下，其他国家有更高的渗透率。”
光明日报‧2010.08.14
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 10:19:00 AM 0 comments
蔡細歷促首相逐步開放經濟
(吉隆坡）馬華總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷促請首相拿督斯里納吉逐步開放經濟領域，包括石油與天然氣領域、通訊領域予非土著，讓非土著成為政府相關公司的董事局成員，並彈性處理30%土著股權的政策。
他今日（週六，8月14日）在華人經濟大會上致歡迎詞時說，為了確保新經濟模式與第十大馬計劃的成功，他建議從船運、天然氣分銷、石油化學、教育及技職培訓做出開放，讓更多的非土著成為聯營伙伴、承包商及二手承包商。
他也建議政府開放政府相關公司董事局，讓更多的非土著及國際專才加入董事局，同時開放採購系統，讓中小企業以服務和產品素質來競爭。
在政府撤銷27個服務業次領域30%的土著股權限制後，他也促請首相考慮彈性其他領域30%土著固打股權的政策，以加倍促進國內的生產總值，使人民對政府更具信心。
“我們希望“一個馬來西亞”不會只是一個政治口號。”
星洲互動‧2010.08.14
Posted by Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek 拿督斯里蔡細歷 at 3:18:00 AM 0 comments
Saturday, August 14, 2010WELCOMING SPEECH BY YANG BERHORMAT DATUK SERI DR CHUA SOI LEK IN CONJUNCTION WITH MCA’S CHINESE ECONOMIC CONGRESS
14 AUGUST 2010
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul RazakThe Right Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia;
Distinguished Guests, Distinguished Speakers, Ladies and Gentlemen; and a very good morning to all of you.
Welcome to the “Chinese Economic Congress” with the theme “Role of the Chinese community in achieving the NEM and 10th Malaysia Plan targets”. We are honour that YAB Dato’ Sri Najib is with us today to officiate this event. His presence here says a lot about the importance of the matters that will be discussed in this economic congress.
The NEM and the 10 Malaysian Plan are two of the 4 pillars of national transformation that will enable Malaysia to achieve the goals of Vision 2020, that is, to be a high-income economy and developed nation by 2020. The other pillars are the 1Malaysia concept and the Government Transformation Programme.
Much thoughts and efforts has gone into crafting the NEM and 10MP, and, of course, far more work needs to be done for the actual implementation.
Let us bear in mind that these are national plans, and not just the Government’s plans. This means the nation as a whole has to come together and pull in the same direction in order for the NEM and the 10MP to succeed. Our immediate priority is to jointly grow the economic pie, instead of noisily debating over which slice we deserve. Make no mistake, failure is not an option.
Sir, you have in the launching of the NEM in which you have clearly stated that the nation is need of a dramatic transformation in order for all Malaysians to achieve the next level of growth driven by innovation and competitiveness. And, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister for his vision and far sightedness in wanting to make a better future for all Malaysians for generations to come.
We are here to ensure that the transformation is successful and the targets for both the NEM and the 10th Malaysia Plan are met. The end result will be beneficial to the rakyat in general and in the process to further improve the rakyat’s confidence in the Government.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1)Liberalization of the economy
For a country to achieve accelerated growth, one needs to liberalize the economy. One of the better examples of sectors is the liberalisation of the oil and gas sector which encompasses areas as such shipping, distribution of gas, petrochemicals, education and vocational/technical training, and so on. Our oil and gas sector has reached a stage in which we are already an established player in the global stage. Yet the opportunities for the SMEs are still small compared to other countries including non-oil producing nations like Singapore. Therefore, given the maturity of the sector, the opening up of the sector will boost the country’s GDP by many folds.
As such, sir, I sincerely urge you to consider liberalizing the Malaysia’s oil and gas sector, and allow many more of our non-Bumiputera investors to be joint-venture partners, contractors and sub-contractors in areas such as exploration, platform constructions, logistics, deep-sea operations and others.
Another area that needs to be liberalized is also the telecommunication sector. The incumbent players have been operating for a few decades now. With the full opening of the sector, increased in competition actually augurs well for both the operators and the consumers. With protectionism, rates of telecommunication services offered are high. Thus the country’s broadband usage is less than desired. We are hardly touching the 40% penetration rate as compared to the higher levels achieved by other countries. Full liberalisation of the market will see competition bringing down telecommunication services’ rates. This provides a better business environment for foreign companies especially the MNCs to set up their businesses here.
2)The Role of the GLCs in the NEM
The GLCs make up nearly 40% of the value of the Bursa and there is no denying that they dominate the private sector in the economy terms of their assets and capitalization. GLCs has been instrumental in helping the Bumiputera Business Community to flourish – to give them a head start to form a core cluster of Bumi entrepreneurs to which it is to spin off, mentor and nurture others to be equally competitive and to be confident in the global stage.
But at the same time, it must be recognized that Malaysia is just a small market with 26 million people. As such, GLCs must take the bold step to venture regionally and/or globally like CIMB bank. CIMB has expanded its financial wings to Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and is doing very well in South East Asia.
However, to be regionally and globally competitive, we need to make sure that the best talent remains in our shores. I encourage more GLCs to open up their Board of Directors to include more non-Bumiputeras as well as international expertise. It is important also that GLCs open up their procurement system to include competitive SMEs based the quality of their service and products that they offer. Rather than based on race or, equity requirement.
3)Open Tender System
Likewise, we call for greater transparency in our tendering process. Closed tender systems have always been associated with corruption and kickbacks. Quality of projects would also be compromised. This does not go down well with the good governance which the government is trying to project. Vying for open tender system not only remove accusations and talks of corrupted administration but also lowers the cost of projects.
We hold the opinion that all the public procurement should be open to all local SMEs, provided with equal access and opportunities. Under the 9th Malaysia Plan, over RM1 billion was allocated for SME development alone. Bank Negara estimated the number of SMEs in the country at about 600,000.
The importance of the SMEs is recognized by the government. The NEAC report stated that SMEs currently make up 35% of Malaysia’s GDP and 20% of its exports. If the future procurements were to be opened to the SMEs, the SMEs would account for much more than the current 35% of the GDP. If the value of the SMEs were to double, they will account for over 50% of the country’s GDP.
Following upon your decision in relaxing the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for IPOs as well as the liberalization of the 27 services sub-sectors I urge you, sir in similarly consider to be flexible in implementing the 30% Bumiputera equity in other sectors.
Rather than enforcing the 30% bumi equity requirement across the board, a more flexible system in the form of a Margin of Preference system should be implemented on a sector by sector basis.
In the days of traditional economic structure, when capital and land are the major economic input, we can insist upon a certain percentage of equity distribution and still be fairly successful.
But we are now in the age of knowledge economy, where brain power in the forms of innovation and creativity, is the major (if not sole) requirement. If a talented investor, weather local or foreign, wants to start a new venture to design and manufacture a product based on his innovation for the new IT generation consumers in Malaysia, we cannot insist that he shares 30% of his creativity with us. He is talented and can go to any other part of the world to pursue his dreams. Instead we should offer him all the assistance he needs so that he can come to Malaysia, create high-paying jobs and help propel us to being a high-income economy
Ladies and Gentlemen,
4)Merit –Based and Needs – based System
Fundamentally, the Malaysian Chinese have been and still are very understanding and loyal citizens. Globalization has presented Malaysians many opportunities but it has also forced us to continue to be a competitive nation. Malaysians cannot remain globally competitive unless we go a merit-based system.
On the other hand, we must inculcate a caring society in which, the poor must be looked after. The NEM has pointed out that the bottom 40% of households earn less than RM1,500 per month. Thus, it is clear that preferential treatment must be given according needs rather, than race.
5)Retaining and Attracting Talent
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To achieve high income nation status, the NEM sets out a couple of primary thrust and enablers to move the economy up the value chain and also to address the persistent socio-economic inequalities. Amongst the enablers is to develop a quality workforce and reducing dependency on the foreign labour. In order to retain our talent pool in the country, we must recognize their contribution to the nation – to make sure that they are rewarded according to their merits.
Therefore, at this juncture, I would like to applaud Y.A.B. Dato Sri’s recent decision to offer scholarships to all students, regardless of race who scored 9A+ in their SPM examinations. This is truly in the 1Malaysia spirit.
This shows the Government’s efforts to develop human capital. Dont forget high achievers are in fact hidden talents and assets to a nation. Elevating and improving the level of education in the country also mean paying more attention to vernacular schools.
Approximately 20% of Malaysia’s total trade over the last couple of years is with countries that adopt Mandarin as its main language. Total trades of the primary countries that use Mandarin as its mother tongue have been estimated at over US$2.5 trillion per annum. Malaysia’s trade with these countries in turn accounts for only 2% of their total trade. This goes to show that the importance of this potential to date has been way underestimated. Given our multi lingual and multi cultural society, we believe Malaysia has yet to tap into the full potential of these trading nations.
The great strategist Sun Tzu has been frequently quoted on this where he said that whoever is first in the battle field and awaits the coming of the “competitors” will be fresh for the fight. Whoever trails behind in the field will arrive exhausted, having to hasten to battle.
Thus, with more schools, we would be able to produce more students from these vernacular schools. Only then we are able to generate workforce conversant in Mandarin, in order to be able to seize the opportunities offered in the global markets.
Not only are additional schools required to cater for future demand and population growth but more importantly to ease the current overcrowding problem which we have been combating exhaustively over the last few years.
To add to the problem, the number of students in the Chinese schools is expected to increase by an additional 65,000 over the next five years.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6)Rationalisation of Subsidy, Minimum Wage and Skilled Workers
In Malaysia, only 23% of workers (11 million) are skilled workers with including those with higher education degree. We are one of the countries with the least qualified workers in the region. Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan have about 40% skilled workers. Lack of skill and qualified workers in Malaysia is impending economic progress and do not attract FDI.
Malaysia is addicted to cheap foreign workers. Study by the Human Resources Ministry show that 34% of 1.3 million works earn less than RM700 per month, below poverty of RM720 per month. What is worrying is World Bank Study on wage trend in Malaysia recorded only an annual 2.6% growth during the last 10 years. The influx of foreign workers depresses the wage increase of local workers.
To accelerate the process of reducing the reliance on foreign labour, MCA here calls for the execution of a minimum wage policy on a sectoral and regional basis. Over 90% of the countries in the world already have legislations in place on minimum wage but Malaysia is still lagging behind.
The setting up of a minimal wage system is in line with MCA’s calls for rationalisation of subsidy. Subsidy cut is a must to prevent distortion in the allocation of the country. Implementation of subsidy reduction schemes cannot stand alone as it needs to be complemented with a minimal wage system, to offset negative impact of the reduction in subsidy.
The activation of the Minimum Wage Council now is therefore looking more and more appropriate as the current situation we are in, seems to be calling for one. At this point, that our businesses can no longer win market share by trying to be the cheapest producers of goods or providers of services. In a globalised world, such an edge is only fleeting.
Lasting competitive advantage today has to come from productivity-led growth and innovation. The 10MP includes Government measures to create an environment in which the creativity, energy and initiative of private enterprises can be nurtured and harnessed.
On that note, I believe the Chinese Economic Congress held today is most timely. We need to ensure we know each and everyone’s role, to be able to tap into each’s forte to ensure that the NEM and 10th Malaysia Plan are executed efficiently to achieve the targets already set out. There is no denying the road ahead would undoubtedly be tough indeed but I have full confidence that under your leadership at the end of the day, we will see bright light at the end of the tunnel.
I acknowledge that the business community has certain expectations of what the Government should and should not do. In the overall scheme of things, 10 years is a mere blink of an eye. But for Malaysia, the next decade may well prove to be a crucial phase in our nation’s history.
As we can see from the audience today that have patronised this Economic Congress, the Chinese community is well represented here with a significant number of Chinese organizations coming out in full force to ascertain its role in ensuring the targets are met as per the theme of today’s Economic Congress.
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before I end, I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you and congratulate the organizing committee and those involved for the hard work rendered in organising this event successfully.
Also, permit me to end with a couple of ancient sayings by Confucius for you audience to ponder. We should “better be a diamond with flaws rather than a pebble without”. Also, “only the wisest and stupidest of men never change” and for one “to know what is right and not to do it, is the worst type of cowardice”.
So we intend to change for the better and to do what is right. We can start off with this Congress where we can brainstorm, learn of our roles and how we can help in ensuring the target of becoming a high income advanced nation can be met.
Once again, thank you.
