IPOH: Party unity must go beyond a slogan or lip-service but be translated into action, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president told delegates at the Perak MCA Convention 2024 that each member plays an important role in regaining the party’s strength.
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“Focusing all the party’s strengths and each member’s efforts will enable us to play a significant role in the political arena, win seats with strong public support, and champion the interests of people, society, and the nation,” he said in a post on Facebook yesterday.
Also present at the event were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
Dr Wee said the government should also have the political courage to reintroduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
He said he believes the Sales and Service Tax (SST) is not a solution and that the hike from 6% to 8% was causing significant trouble and inflation.
“They can always start (GST) from a lower rate, maybe 4%,” he said, adding that collecting more from GST does not mean increasing the tax for everyone.
He added that GST could reduce tax evasion because it was a better taxation system compared with others and even the government acknowledged that GST was more efficient.
Dr Wee made these remarks to reporters after launching the convention at the Ipoh Red Crescent Hall.
He added that certain policies needed improvements.
“As a political party, we should commend the government when it makes the right decision.
“However, when there are policies that we think need improvement, we must voice out.”
He said the party provides constructive ideas to improve policies and, if necessary, to make prompt decisions to help the nation.
Dr Wee praised the government’s decision on visa-free travel for tourists from China and India as a move that would boost the economy by stimulating the tourism sector.
He also commended the recent announcement by the Home Ministry on addressing issues related to the MyKid identity card for Malaysian children living abroad.
Dr Wee said he helped a delegation from the Malaysian Association of America resolve the issue by arranging a meeting with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
“He (Saifuddin) resolved it, and I must say that is a job well done. Policies that help Malaysians deserve 100% support.
“But when there are policies that need improvement, such as the debate on SST and GST, we need to voice that out as well,” he added.
