VIDEO|2.10min

Several months after the BN bitterly licked its wounds over the desertion of Chinese voters, MCA has urged the ruling coalition not to implement policies seen to be punishing the minority community for its lack of support.

Outgoing MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek directed the plea to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak who was present for the opening 60th MCA annual general assembly today.

"Sir, it is also a challenge to you, as the BN chief and Umno chairperson that there will be tremendous pressure to reward voters who voted for BN.

"In short, BN must not only be seen to be fair, but to work and improvise policies that are inclusive and not interpreted as punishing the Chinese," Chua said in his opening address.

Chinese-based MCA was the biggest casualty in the 13th general election where its parliamentary haul was halved from 15 to seven and state seats slashed from 31 to 11.

Najib on Sept 14 announced the Bumiputera Economic Empowerment (BEE) programme following pressure to reward the ruling coalition's support base, which largely comes from the bumiputera community.

‘Need-based policies’

Today, Chua made no mention of the BEE, but urged Najib to move to need-based policies instead of race-based ones, pointing out that the majority of households earning less than RM2,000 were mostly Malays anyway.

"If affirmative action is based on needs, the bumiputeras, who form the majority in the country will still benefit the most.

"Therefore, the new measures by you, sir, to strengthen the economic position of bumiputeras as well as financial and commercial sectors should be target-oriented," Chua told Najib.

He also urged for a review of the current affirmative action policies to determine their strengths as well as failures, particularly on why it has failed to uplift the bumiputera's economic state after 40 years of implementation.

"MCA believes that the continued handouts (to the bumiputera) will not solve the problem.

"All right thinking Malaysians will not grudge the government for helping the socially and economically disadvantaged groups, but there will be strong resentment if handouts are given to the rich," he said.

‘Gov’t cannot be silent on racism’

He also urged the well to do in the Chinese community to help bumiputeras in the private sector.

Chua added that the country's races should not blame each other for their discontent.

"No race should blame each other for their shortcomings and no race should be jealous of the success of other races," he said.

Chua called on the government not to remain silent and act against leaders who fan racial and religious sentiments.

"The government must come down hard on racial and religious extremists.

"In keeping quiet or adopting a 'tidak apa' (not bothered) attitude will not inspire confidence among the rakyat," he said.

He also called on the government to give the United Examination Certificate (UEC), used in Chinese independent schools, due recognition.

“It is rather peculiar that Malaysia is taking a different stand while the UEC is recognised by universities in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, the US and UK,” he said.