MCA launches its general election manifesto

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has unveiled the party's manifesto for the general election, just some 12 hours after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak revealed Barisan Nasional's manifesto on Saturday (April 7) night.

Party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai outlined MCA's 10 promises and 10 initiatives for the next five years, which will complement Barisan's manifesto.

He said MCA will become the key driver of various initiatives targeting the masses with its main pillar being youth empowerment.

Liow also stressed on the party's commitment towards transforming MCA-established education institutions into a global education hub, the second pillar of MCA's 14th General Election manifesto.

"As MCA's roots still rest with the lower income groups, we must also continue to look after the well being of the people requiring assistance. This is the third pillar, social economic well-being.

"In order for this agenda to succeed, a multi-racial approach must be adopted to tackle various issues that confront the community.

"The party will continue to reach out to understand their needs through active stakeholder engagements," Liow said during the unveiling ceremony at Wisma MCA here on Sunday morning.

This is the first time MCA is having its own manifesto for the general election.

MCA's 10 promises are: 

1. Safeguard moderation

- Uphold the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara 

2. Ensure checks and balances

- Represent the constitutional rights of Malaysian Chinese and other communities 

3. Youth and women empowerment

- New businesses, jobs and training opportunities

- Appoint youth and women into key positions

- Reskilling youths for digital revolution 

4. Enhance the quality of Chinese education

- Committed towards recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

- Systematic approach in construction of new SJK(C)s and allocations 

5. Setting forth education in the world stage

- Modernise and globalise education through UTAR, TARUC and Vtar 

6. Harnessing the Belt and Road Initiative

- Connectivity with China and Asean

- Open up trade opportunities in China 

7. Digital economy and innovation

- Help SMEs ride on wave of e-commerce 

8. Quantum leap in business and finance

- Establish the Kojadi Co-operative Bank

- Enhance the functions of the Secretariat For the Advancement Of Malaysian Entrepreneurs (SAME) 

9. Neo-urbanised townships

- Transforming new villages 

10. Accessible healthcare

- Establish UTAR Hospital with Western and complementary medicine  

MCA's 10 initiatives are: 

1. Establish a Central Monitoring Unit

- monitor fair and effective implementation of government policies 

2. Global and regional connectivity

- MCA Belt and Road Centre to strengthen ties with China

- make Malaysia a gateway to China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Asean 

3. Establish a Digital Economy and Innovation Council

- gather feedback for formulation of policies and legislation 

4. World class tertiary education

- UTAR to set up teaching hospital in Kampar

5. Developing the next generation

- transform TARUC into full-fledged technical university

6. Technical and vocational education training

- expand Vtar Institute into a well-equipped TVET development and training institution 

7. Wealth generation for SMEs and lower and middle income groups

- introduce an investment scheme for Malaysian Chinese 

8. Neo-urbanised townships

- stimulate and modernise new villages 

9. Protecting welfare of women, children and the elderly

- champion the progress of women in Malaysia

- help stateless Malaysians get citizenship

- ensure enforcement of legislation against paedophiles 

10. Continue outreach services for the community through the:

- Public Services and Complaints Bureau

- Chang Ming Thien Foundation

- 1MCA Medical Foundation

- Legal Advisory and Women’s Aid Centre