KUALA LUMPUR, June 24- MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek today called on the Chinese community to rid themselves of the perception that all programmes including the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) are for the interest of the Malay and Bumiputera community only.
He said this perception was wrong and inaccurate because whatever programme implemented by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government was for the benefit of all Malaysians regardless of race.
He cited the Sundry Shop Transformation Project (TUKAR) and Automotive Workshop Modernisation Project (ATOM) under the ETP which were also participated by many Chinese business operators through KOJADI (Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Berhad), which is owned by MCA.
“KOJADI’s effort through the TUKAR and ATOM programmes is proof that all of the government’s programmes are for all entrepreneurs and traders regardless of race,” he said after opening KOJADI’s 31st annual general meeting at Wisma MCA, here, today.
Dr Chua noted that the Chinese in this country lacked interest and confidence in the cooperative movement although it could actually create wider business networks.
“The Chinese community should realise that involvement in cooperatives would enable the members to obtain capital to finance their business, besides expanding business networking, especially in today’s more challenging climate.” In another development, Dr Chua said the Chinese community should not fall for the persuation of certain quarters that they were capable of changing the government as it would be futile.
“The Chinese community alone cannot change the government. If they fall for the slogan “ubah” (change), there will be chaos,” he said.
Asked to comment on MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen accepting the appointment of chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Board, Dr Chua said he had never proposed any of the party’s top leaders to hold any high government post.
“We’ve never recommended them. People should know how to differentiate what is recommended by the party from the appointment by people at the top,” he said.
Chua also said that he had appointed MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha as the chairman of a special committee to ensure that the party election would be smooth and peaceful.
MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai was meanwhile appointed to head a special committee to go down to the grassroots to listen to their grouses and views on strengthening the party and winning back the support of the Chinese community for BN.
– BERNAMA
