Speaking at the MCA-organised Chinese Economic Congress here, he said the Malaysian Chinese have been and still are loyal citizens who cannot remain globally competitive unless the country heads towards a merit-based direction.
And to make his case for change, he quoted Confucius: “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.”
Chua added: "Failure is not an option for the government and we are one with an intent to change for the better and do what is right.”
In his candid speech to the 500-strong crowd, he said, "We must promote a caring society in which the poor must be looked after. It is clear that preferential treatment must be given according to needs rather than race."
Chua also urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to be more flexible in implementing the 30% Bumiputera equity in other sectors of the economy.
"Rather than enforcing the 30% Bumiputera 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," he said.
Chua said Malaysia is heading towards a knowledge-based economy, and as such entrepreneurs must be given assistance to carry out their business.
Earlier this year, Najib relaxed the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for initial public offerings when he tabled the 10th Malaysia Plan.
Chua praised the initiative but urged further relaxation of the race-based policy.
On government-linked companies (GLCs), he said, "It is important to open up the companies' board of directors to include more non-Bumiputeras...”
"In Malaysia, GLCs make up nearly 40% of the value of Bursa Malaysia and they dominate the private sector in the economy.”
As such, he urged the GLCs to take a bold step and venture regionally.
Open tender system
Chua also called for greater transparency in the government's tender system.
He said the closed tender system has been associated with corruption and kickbacks and thus compromising the quality of projects in Malaysia.
"By having an open tender system, it will help lower costs besides removing accusations of corruption."
"Public procurements should also be open to all small medium enterprises (SMEs). All SMEs must be given equal access and opportunities. Procurements should not be given based on race or equity requirement," he said.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia, there are about 600,000 SMEs in the country, making up 35% of the GDP.
By doubling their value, SMEs will account for over 50% of the GDP.
Chua also said for the country to achieve accelerated growth, it needs to liberalise its economy.
He cited the oil and gas and telecommunications sector where the multi-national companies have become well established on the global stage.
"Unfortunately, opportunities for SMEs are still limited...opening up this sector (giving SMEs more opportunities) will boost the country's GDP manifold," Chua said.
Calls for more vernacular schools
On scholarhips, Chua praised Najib's decision to offer Public Service Department scholarships to all students obtaining 9A+ in SPM.
However, he urged the prime minister to build more vernacular schools, saying that Mandarin commands a global trade worth US$2.5 trillion a year.
He said Malaysia's share of the global trade accounted for only 2%.
"With more schools generating more vernacular students, we will be able to generate a workforce conversant in Mandarin in order to seize the opportunities offered in the global market," he said.
The Congress in its 12-point declaration at the end of the event echoed Chua's view amid pledging its support for Najib's reform efforts.
FMT
15/08/10
And to make his case for change, he quoted Confucius: “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.”
Chua added: "Failure is not an option for the government and we are one with an intent to change for the better and do what is right.”
In his candid speech to the 500-strong crowd, he said, "We must promote a caring society in which the poor must be looked after. It is clear that preferential treatment must be given according to needs rather than race."
Chua also urged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to be more flexible in implementing the 30% Bumiputera equity in other sectors of the economy.
"Rather than enforcing the 30% Bumiputera 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," he said.
Chua said Malaysia is heading towards a knowledge-based economy, and as such entrepreneurs must be given assistance to carry out their business.
Earlier this year, Najib relaxed the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for initial public offerings when he tabled the 10th Malaysia Plan.
Chua praised the initiative but urged further relaxation of the race-based policy.
On government-linked companies (GLCs), he said, "It is important to open up the companies' board of directors to include more non-Bumiputeras...”
"In Malaysia, GLCs make up nearly 40% of the value of Bursa Malaysia and they dominate the private sector in the economy.”
As such, he urged the GLCs to take a bold step and venture regionally.
Open tender system
Chua also called for greater transparency in the government's tender system.
He said the closed tender system has been associated with corruption and kickbacks and thus compromising the quality of projects in Malaysia.
"By having an open tender system, it will help lower costs besides removing accusations of corruption."
"Public procurements should also be open to all small medium enterprises (SMEs). All SMEs must be given equal access and opportunities. Procurements should not be given based on race or equity requirement," he said.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia, there are about 600,000 SMEs in the country, making up 35% of the GDP.
By doubling their value, SMEs will account for over 50% of the GDP.
Chua also said for the country to achieve accelerated growth, it needs to liberalise its economy.
He cited the oil and gas and telecommunications sector where the multi-national companies have become well established on the global stage.
"Unfortunately, opportunities for SMEs are still limited...opening up this sector (giving SMEs more opportunities) will boost the country's GDP manifold," Chua said.
Calls for more vernacular schools
On scholarhips, Chua praised Najib's decision to offer Public Service Department scholarships to all students obtaining 9A+ in SPM.
However, he urged the prime minister to build more vernacular schools, saying that Mandarin commands a global trade worth US$2.5 trillion a year.
He said Malaysia's share of the global trade accounted for only 2%.
"With more schools generating more vernacular students, we will be able to generate a workforce conversant in Mandarin in order to seize the opportunities offered in the global market," he said.
The Congress in its 12-point declaration at the end of the event echoed Chua's view amid pledging its support for Najib's reform efforts.
FMT
15/08/10
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