Future ready: Dr Wee (centre) with past and present MCA leaders at the anniversary celebration. — LOW BOON TAT/THE STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA has proposed that the party hold a series of joint strategic economic meetings over the next six months to find collaborative solutions aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundation and improving competitiveness for the benefit of all Malaysians, says party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He added the party will invite academicians from different ethnic groups and sectors, corporate and business leaders, as well as senior management from government-linked companies (GLCs), and representatives from all parties to address the country’s economic challenges.
“The discussions and plans formulated during these meetings must break away from old frameworks and focus on actual solutions, not just superficial projects.
“We need to move beyond traditional thinking and concentrate on growing the economic pie for everyone rather than arguing over its division,” he said in his speech at the party’s 75th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Dr Wee stressed the importance of enhancing national competitiveness while ensuring that economic development benefits all Malaysians.
He pointed out the recent economic hardships faced by Malaysians due to various factors, like the depreciation of the ringgit and rising costs.
“It’s crucial to address the flaws in our economic system to promote overall revival and help Malaysians overcome financial difficulties,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of effective government policies for national prosperity and urged the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at a lower rate of 4% to improve the tax refund mechanism.
“Reintroducing the GST at this rate has been advocated by many, including experts and the business community. The government must prioritise the interests of the people and the nation to ensure economic growth,” he added.
Dr Wee also emphasised the importance of harnessing China’s strengths to promote mutual benefits between Malaysia and China.
Notably, he said MCA and the Communist Party of China (CPC) have developed strong ties, fostering exchanges and mutual visits between representatives from both parties.
“Communication technology, the digital economy, electric vehicles, high-speed rail, infrastructure and other fields are all China’s strengths.
“China is a global leader in these sectors. If Malaysia can leverage China’s strengths in these areas, including learning and bringing in China’s technology and models, it will undoubtedly benefit us greatly.
“At the same time, our country also makes it convenient for Chinese enterprises to invest and enter the market, ultimately achieving the goal of mutual benefits,” he said.
To ensure these ideas can come to fruition, Dr Wee suggested visits be carried out to China by the party leadership.
These visits would involve dialogues with key government representatives, business and civil society representatives from China, establishing a platform for the exchange of views, mutual learning and cooperation between the two countries.
Dr Wee also called for planning and organising a series of celebratory activities in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Among the party leaders who attended the celebration were deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, and vice-presidents Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Datuk Lawrence Low Ah Keong, and Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
Also present were former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, former vice-president Tan Sri Chor Chee Heung, former deputy president Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek, and former secretaries-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Datuk Wong Foon Meng.
