The Barisan Nasional federal government's decision to defer two projects in Penang, which is ruled by Pakatan Rakyat, has not gone down well with a senior MCA leader.

mca melaka egm on pig 260907 fong chan onn Vice-president Fong Chan Onn has echoed the Penang government’s repeated calls to reinstate the RM1.5 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (Porr) and RM2 billion monorail projects.

In a recent interview with Malaysiakini, he urged the federal government to implement as least the first half of the projects, if indeed the government is running low in funds.

“For example if the initial monorail route is 50km and the allocation is not sufficient, we could build the first 25km. At least we need to start the project to benefit half of the population,” said the economist turned politician.

Penangites need the two projects more now, after the drastic petrol price hike, because these are closely related to public transportation, stressed Fong.

However, he did not buy the idea that the decision was made to retaliate against Penang for having voted in a Pakatan government.

malaysia budget 2007 2008 live abdullah ahmad badawi pak lah On the Ninth Malaysia Plan mid-term review report tabled in parliament by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (right) , Fong was disappointed that the government has again emphasised the increase in equity holding for bumiputeras in public listed companies.

“I'm disappointed that the government did not reduce the limit. Instead, it proposes to apply the limit to new sectors. I think this will affect national unity,” he said.

In the report, the government is proposing to extend the controversial criterion on equity holding in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

He also expressed disappointment over the proposal for public-listed companies to provide details of employees based on race, in their annual report.

‘Plan was incomplete’

Fong described the 41 percent hike in petrol price as a “brave decision” but admitted that the government did not have a complete plan in hand before announcing the decision.

He urged government to develop better approach in assisting low-income groups because the cash rebate system does not adequately address the problem.

“In some countries, citizens receive an ‘inflation subsidy’ from government agencies via their identity card. This is (an example that our government could follow).”

mtuc minimum wage protest 250607 Fong, who was once human resource minister, rejected the introduction of a minimum wage system as a way of reducing the burden on the poor.

"We have over two million of foreign workers who would enjoy the same wage if the proposal is implemented,” he explained.

“The core problem is still with foreign labour. Two million foreign workers not only affect job opportunities for Malaysians, but also pull down the wage (potential) of local workers. We need to study how to reduce the intake of foreign labour.”

Fong suggested that a wage council be formed. It could consist of representatives from diffferent sectors and it could prepare a 'wage guideline' to standardise the pay scale in each sector.

‘If the party needs me…’

On MCA president Ong Ka Ting's decision not to defend his post in the October polls, Fong said he does not know whether this is because Ong has found it hard to carry out his duties after relinquishing his ministerial post after the March 8 general election.

Fong was commenting on former vice-president Chua Soi Lek’s view posted on his blog-site, after Ong's decision was reported. Chua is speculated to be a candidate for the post.

ong ka ting and mca 140508 Ong (left) had declined a cabinet position, in order to take responsibility for the party’s severe losses in the election.

However, Fong agreed that if the party president does not sit in the cabinet, it would be harder for him to resolve issues because there would not be regular meetings with the premier.

Fong said he has not made any decision on contesting the party polls. He had secured the highest votes among the four elected vice-presidents in the last party election in 2005.

“Of course if party needs me, I can continue to serve. I have been in this party for many years. I think I have the responsibility (to serve). If there is a need, I won't run away.”

Fong has been the parliamentary representative for Alor Gajah (known as Selandar before 2004) since 1990. He was appointed deputy education minister the same year and promoted to human resource minister in 1999.

Since the 12th general election, he is no longer eligible for a ministerial post because of a new MCA policy that caps the maximum term of service in the cabinet at two parliamentary terms (or a maximum of 10 years).