Employment Prospects for Disabled Persons: Consider the Ability, Not the Disability

A Speech Delivered At the National Conference on Disability
Reaching Out to Empower All Malaysians with Disabilities

2 December 2008

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First, I wish to thank the organizer - the Asia Executive Programmes - for their invitation to me to share my thoughts with you at this conference.

Before I begin, I would like to state that I would prefer to use the term "physically challenged" instead of "disabled". The change in the use of the terms has to with the subject I am to speak on this afternoon. The term "physically challenged" would reflect the extra effort that these people have to make each day - both physically and mentally - to get themselves respected and recognised not only in the working world, but also in the social world. This, I believe, will do justice to their incredible strong spirit and resolve.

I will share my thoughts with you today, both as a former Minister of Human Resources and as a father of a child who is physically challenged.

Ladies and gentlemen,When we think about people with disabilities, there are certain reactions that we take without a second thought, more out of reflex. As an example, if you come across a man in a wheel chair at the lobby of this hotel, our instinct is to help him up a ramp or open a door for him. We do that out of politeness and our civic consciousness. But upon reflection, are we doing that because we are focussing on his disability and not his ability? Please don't get me wrong, I am not against anyone helping a physically challenged person - please do go on doing that. What I want to highlight here is, society's focus and haste in recognising that person's disability and not his ability. Translate this action into a bigger picture - the job market for example - and you will see why we are where we are today in terms of giving jobs to the physically challenged. The government is doing its best to help the physically challenged. As a commitment, the Public Services Department has set aside a quota of at least one percent of government jobs for the physically challenged. I may be wrong, but I think the take up rate is rather slow. Unfortunately, I do not have any statistics with me today. I think I am not wrong to say the same of the private sector. Either the take up rate not very encouraging or if there are jobs for the physically challenged, they are confined to the lower category of jobs. Maybe my friends from the relevant NGOs may be able to provide the statistics to reflect the true picture. However, available statistics from the International Labour Organization indicate that the unemployment rate among workers with disabilities tends to be at least twice or three times that of other workers. ILO data also show that physically challenged workers are generally concentrated in low-level, low-paid jobs, and are not adequately represented at higher levels. When we talk about changing people's perception on employing the physically challenged and changing such perceptions to focus on the "ability and not the disability", it has to be done through a multi-prong approach. Essentially, it should involve four main players: · the physically challenged person himself· his immediate family and friends· society as a whole, both in terms of employment as well as acceptance and recognition as part of the social fabric.· and of course the government in terms of assistance I will take up the first three areas. As a former Minister of Human Resources and a member of the Cabinet, I believe the government is very committed and is doing its best to help the physically challenged in terms of giving them the opportunities both in terms of jobs and business opportunities. It is our perception that we have to work on. First, the physically challenged person himself. During my days as a Minister, I have come across the disabled person himself adopting a defeatist attitude. That is the first step to closing the door on you. He views himself as a person who is incapable of doing anything for himself and seeking assistance for the rest of his life. This attitude unfortunately is very often accentuated by members of his immediate family who encouraged this kind of outlook. Thus if there is a physically challenged child in the family, he finds himself locked up in the house the whole day instead of getting a decent education or training so that we will be independent and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge that will make the child a better person. How many times have we heard excuses like, "ah he is fated to be like that" or "how can he go to school, his friends will laugh at him". Well, my answer to that would be, "have you even given him a chance to prove himself". I read a story in an English Daily not too long ago, about this mother who has a physically challenged child and who refuses to send him (or her, I can’t quite remember) to a special school because she believes that by sending the child to a normal school she will encourage the child not to focus on his/her disability. During the course of preparing this paper, I met up with a physically challenged person to get his views on this issue. Among the many points he raised is ‘discrimination’. The physically challenged are somehow judged by a different standard. He raised as an example, how we praise a physically handicapped child for getting 3As in the UPSR. Society seems to think that getting 3As is very good because he is handicapped. If he is a normal kid, would society say 3As is good enough? In his own words, it is the person’s as well as his immediate family and society’s perception of what more that child is capable of that is limiting his ability and ambition of doing more. Being born disabled, or getting disabled through accidents or illness is not a ticket to doomsday. We have ample examples that can serve as role models - our disabled athletes and stories we read about in the newspapers almost every week of physically challenged people who are doing well in businesses and who refused to allow their disability to deter them from fulfilling their ambitions. One of the misconceptions among employers is that employing the physically challenged meant implementing workplace adjustments which would mean incurring extra costs. However, a survey conducted by the US Labour Department’s Job Accommodation Network showed that half of the nearly 780 employers surveyed reported that workplace adjustment came at no expenses and about 43 percent reported only a one-time cost that averaged around $600. The survey also indicated that many employers of people with disabilities found little cost and great benefit. Thus, stereotypes and discrimination present greater hurdles to employing workers with disabilities than the cost factor. In addition to employer misconceptions, people with disabilities are also hindered by their own apprehensions about the employment process and doubt about their ability to handle a job and the confidence to do the job. The Ministry of Human Resources has a very successful "Return to Work Programme” to rehabilitate those who had sustained injuries while at work. Over RM1 million has been spent on the programme since its inception in 2005 to get these workers to resume work after an absence due to injury or illness. The programmes has been very successful in terms of providing the affected workers with the rehabilitation, the counselling and training to get them back into shape – perhaps not 100% capability, but as best as we can. But, the problem still lie in getting either their former employers to take them back and maybe relocate them to a job that is more suitable, or getting new companies to employ them. Also, a key concern of many physically challenged workers is that their eligibility for disability benefit or pension may be adversely affected if they find a job and subsequently lose it for any reason. A number of countries have taken steps to ensure that such concerns do not act as a disincentive to persons with disabilities in seeking employment. Maybe, the Ministry may like to look into this. Ladies and gentlemen,From my experience, I think we still have quite a journey as far as shaping employers' perception of physically challenged workers is concerned. Having said that, this problem is not unique to Malaysia. The International Labour Organization, in a report released for the International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3 last year, said that despite significant progress in recent years in improving their livelihoods, new efforts are needed to break down barriers that still prevent millions of people with disabilities from working and contributing to the economic growth of their societies. The ILO estimates that about 650 million people - or one in every 10 people in the world - have a disability. Of this number, 470 million are of working age. On the local front, it is estimated that close to 200,000 people with disabilities have been registered with the Welfare Department, but many believe the actual figure is significantly higher than this. However, the good news is, we are making progress, albeit slowly. The ILO acknowledged that countries around the world are increasingly recognizing that disabled people represent enormous potential which are frequently untapped and that disabled people have a valuable contribution to make to the national economy. We will have to do this in a slow and coordinated way. Which brings us all to the relevance of this Conference? This National Conference on Disability is a giant step in dealing with this issue. Allow me to congratulate Asia Executive Programme for organizing this conference. I am confident that with more outreach programmes like this, it will help to hasten our efforts to get people in general, and employers in particular to focus on the ability and not the disability of the physically challenged. Information and awareness raising campaigns and conferences such as this one is important in generating and sustaining interest in creating job opportunities for physically challenged people. Persuasion measures should be encouraged and intensified. To borrow the words of Andrew Imparato, the President of the American Association of People with Disabilities, "Most disabled people would tell you that the bigger concerns they have around the workplace are not around physical accessibility. They're more around attitudes. I think it's easier to legislate and see change around bricks and mortar than it is around attitudes" This, I believe, is the bigger battle for us in our efforts to nurture a job market that will seek to see the ability rather than the disability of the physically challenged. I would like to end on a positive outlook. Our efforts are slowly getting the desired response. Big companies have cooperated with the Ministry in opening up jobs for the physically challenged.Ladies and gentlemen,If I am not mistaken, tomorrow (3 December) is International Day of Disabled Persons? Perhaps it is timely to revisit our efforts in helping the physically challenged in the job market by acting cohesively in the Ministry of Human Resources' spirit of tripartism - involving the Ministry, the Employers and the Unions. Thank you for your kind attention.

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Workers Retrenchment Fund

I urge the Ministry of Human Resources to expedite the setting up of the Workers Retrenchment Fund to provide temporary reprieve to those who have been retrenched due to the closing down of their companies. The Fund is all the more urgent and relevant now with the current global economic conditions and many companies were reported to be cutting down on costs and downsizing. The six-month wait for the results of an actuarial study by the International Labour Organization on the proposed Fund, as reported by the Human Resources Minister, Datuk S. Subramaniam, is too long. The Fund was first proposed a few years ago and should have got off the ground by now. In view of the high prices of consumer items triggered by the recent rise in petroleum prices, the Fund is indeed necessary to relieve the burden of the workers. I hope the Ministry will short circuit the process and seriously look into the realization of the Fund in the short term as the current assessment is that Malaysians will feel the brunt of the economic slowdown within the first half of next year.
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Remove Hindrances to Make Malaysia More Attractive

I welcome Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak's comments that there will be a gradual liberalisation of some of the elements of the New Economic Policy. I urge the government to again seriously consider liberalizing the economy by relaxing the 30% Bumiputera quota to make Malaysia attractive to both domestic and foreign investors. We just have to ask ourselves two questions. First, in the current global market, do we want to encourage local investors and attract foreign investors. Second, do we want to make Bursa Malaysia the premier regional bourse? If the answer to both questions is YES, then we have to seriously remove any restrictions and hindrances, including the removal of the 30% Bumiputera quota. Can we force any local company to list on Bursa Malaysia? Obviously not. We must not forget that in this days of globalization, companies have a choice to list on other regional bourses like Singapore, Hong Kong and even London, if there are restrictions. So, unless the government prohibits companies from listing overseas, which is impossible, we should look at relaxing all conditions to make Bursa Malaysia attractive.
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Package of Economic Incentives a Timely Move

The package of economic incentives announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak is indeed a very good and timely move by the government. It reflects the government's seriousness in cushioning the impact of the current global recession. Among the measures announced by YAB Dato Sri Najib is a relook at incentives to attract foreign investments. As part of the package, I urged the government to relax, if not abolish, the Foreign Investment Committee guidelines. Other countries have opened up their countries to attract FDIs and we should look at removing any requirements that can be viewed as obstruction or hindrances by foreign investors. Also, I urge the government to seriously introduce further measures to expedite the approval of licenses for the setting up of new businesses by both domestic and foreign investors as well as work permits for expatriates to work in Malaysia.

Furthermore, the government should also look at removing the Bumi quota for housing projects. The quota increases cost and delay in implementation of housing projects. The 30% quota for companies that which to be listed on Bursa Malaysia should also be abolished. The quota is not consistent with global developments and it will push companies to chose to be listed on other regional bourses instead of Bursa Malaysia.
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I Will Continue To Serve The Party

I wish to thank all party comrades who had given me their support during the just concluded Party Election. I accept the decision of the delegates and I pledge to work closely with the newly elected Party leadership to further the cause of the Party. I will continue to serve the Party to the best of my ability and will continue to give my utmost as a Member of Parliament.
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Government's Move to Guarantee Deposit 100% Should be Lauded

I commend the government's move to guarantee all bank deposits placed with financial institutions with immediate effect. This move is consistent with regional initiatives to preserve confidence in the country's financial systems, which have been affected by the global financial crisis. I urge the government to review the interest rates structure with a few of lowering interest rates to make it consistent with global developments.
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How the turmoil started

Q&A with Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn

Please explain in simple terms the financial crisis now strangling America.
The cause of the turmoil had its beginning in the aftermath of Sept 11, 2001. After the incident, consumers were in a state of gloom and there was loss of confidence. The Federal Reserve (Fed), in order to stimulate the econo­my, went on a policy of a low-interest rate regime.
Before Sept 11, the Federal Reserve discount rate (interest rate that banks pay to borrow directly from the Fed) was 3.7%, with cost of fund for prime rate (a reference interest rate used by banks) at 6.5%. By the end of 2002, the federal discount rate was 1%, with the prime rate for loans at 4%. This low interest rate regime went on until mid-2005 and, because of these low-cost funds, banks were aggressively lending, especially for housing.
Mortgages were given to those without good record — no employment, no credit rating and no stable income. The banks were doing that because by 2005, there was a steady appreciation in house prices. Banks were treating houses as very good collateral; in case of foreclosure, the price of houses were more than the mortgages. Unfortunately, inflation went up. By 2006, the Federal Reserve had to increase the rates. In June of that year, the federal discount rate was 4.95%, and the cost of funds for prime rate was 8%. This resulted in heavier mortgage payments for many house owners and they could not pay. Many had to forego their properties. The banks took over the houses and this created a slump in the market. By 2007, banks were facing difficulties, including Citibank and UBS, which sought injection of funds. That was the initial stage. The property market kept on slumping and even good paymasters couldn’t pay. This escalated and Lehman Brothers as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the primary organisation for housing loans, were in deep trouble. It must be noted that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had packaged their loans and resold them to buyers, including sovereign countries like China and Japan.
For the foreign countries, buying these financial products were akin to buying US treasury bills because they were implicitly guaranteed by the US government. As for AIG, it became problematic because it provided insurance for many mortgaged properties. In a nutshell, even the final protector also collapsed.
Some say the current American crisis is akin to the Great Depression. The Great Depression was also due to loss of confidence. Investors lost faith in the stock market back then. But there is a major difference: in 1929, the US government did not have the power to spend because laws restricted them from overspending, so it had no capacity and no hindsight to act. Although the effect this round is considered not as severe as the Great Depression, there is only a small consolation - the Depression took 10 years and the Second World War to stimulate the economy.Is the Government doing enough to minimise the impact of the crisis?Competition vis-a-vis the regional countries is tough. Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand are trying their upmost best to attract the slowing foreign investments. And for the past seven months since the general election, the perception is the Govern­ment is not making concerted efforts to resolve issues because they are too caught up with politics.

But the Cabinet has been proactive in reacting to the high oil prices, preventing a runaway inflation, and making sure the poor and the public get some relief. The hike in oil price was also external in nature, but the Government got blamed too.The small- and medium-scale industries, for instance, are still facing difficulties when seeking co-operation from local municipalities. MCA recently had a dialogue with fishermen as well, and they complained about a host of problems. As for other issues - simple things like the recent road tax rebate for cars: it excluded certain cars, such as those with 2000cc engines because they were deemed for commercial use, or owned by a wealthier class of folks. But many are not.These are things that bog the public down and make them feel as if the Government is not looking at their problems in totality. As for the onslaught of this economic crisis, we do not see the Government coming out to clearly explain to people the source of the problem and how we can withstand the negative impact. On foreign investment, what is not being done is to further liberalise the economy - fast. For example, are there improvements in processing of work permits for foreigners and their spouses? Has the Government made it more attractive for them to work here? In a ministerial statement made during the 9th Malaysia Plan mid-term review, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Foreign Investment Committee guidelines would be announced. This is the crucial information that investors want to know.Until now, though, there is no word yet. We have not made any clear policy statement to announce to investors that we want their investment. This is a glaring aspect that we have not done.
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Weathering a financial storm

The Star - 12 Oct. 2008
In the context of a global financial meltdown and fears of a recession, the guiding principle for now should be capital preservation - how do I protect what I have? IT is said that when America sneezes, the rest of the world will catch a cold. Now, America is sick and the rest of the world “could end up in the intensive care unit (ICU) if no steroid injection is given urgently”. Expressing his concern, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, MCA economic policy bureau chairman, says that “Like it or not, America is the bedrock, the ground zero - the world’s financial institutions evolved from Wall Street and the Federal Reserve.” He believes that the current economic turmoil had its beginning in the aftermath of Sept 11, 2001, and that we are heading for choppy times because the severity of a global financial meltdown has not been fully played out yet. Despite announcements of government intervention across the US and Europe and bailouts amounting to trillions of US dollars, the world saw stock markets tumbling down and falling for seven consecutive days in anticipation of a global recession. The message is the same everywhere: investors do not think the end of the problem is in sight yet and what is plaguing the markets is a “loss of confidence”.

The question Malaysians are asking is not whether the financial tsunami will hit us but when and how badly. Are our deposits in our banks safe, what about our jobs and our businesses, and our investments in the stock market? Last week, it was reported that the US lost 160,000 jobs.
“This is another indication that the economy is in stress. If the economic downturn is severe, consumption will be reduced and the US will import less from Asia,” says Dr Fong in an interview. The former Human Resources Minister and dean of Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Economics and Administration adds that Malaysia exports a high volume of electrical items and other goods to the US. When America tightens its belt, investments to other countries will slow down. Although Malaysia has diversified its investment sources to other countries, the Middle East, for instance, America and Europe remain the major markets for world production.
“We cannot underestimate their effect on us,” says Dr Fong.
Dr Fong: 'Malaysian banks too should offer 100% guarantee'
“Unfortunately, the Government and the public have not taken cognisance of how severe this economic tsunami can be,” says Dr Fong. “In 1997-1998, investors lost confidence in the Asian currency but we had the US and China to support us through. “Now, it is the apex, the rock of Gibraltar, that is in trouble. The epicentre in New York is spreading to Europe and other markets have also tumbled. “It is also going to affect China because China has US$520bil locked in US treasury bills. So do Japan (US$600bil); Hong Kong (US$60bil) and even Thailand (US$32bil). “For a massive loan mortgage of US$2.5tril, more than a few banks will be involved. Unless all declare their bad loans, we will not know the extent of the problem.
“In the Lehman bankruptcy filing, for example, it was disclosed that Citibank owed US$1.5bil. Another example: HSBC headquarters in London has an outstanding obligation of US$20bil within six months. “My personal feeling is we are heading for choppy times because the severity has not been fully played out yet. “It will take a much longer time to recover. Our exports would slow down, orders may reduce, and factories may have to reduce staff, freeze new employment...”
Everyone agrees that the good that came from the 1997 crisis is that the Government imposed a lot of instruments and regulations on our financial institutions. They need to be locally incorporated; are compelled to abide by guidelines on the amount of investment they can make overseas;have to get Bank Negara clearance for investment overseas; and are generally limited to 10% of their deposit.
“On the whole, our financial institutions are not that adversely affected. However, many individuals are affected by this turmoil because they have invested in shares and many other financial products offered by these financial institutions,” says Dr Fong.

In this region, Malaysia’s coverage per depositor per bank is one of the most comprehensive, eclipsing that of even Singapore (US$13,808) and Hong Kong (US$12,872).One way around this RM60,000 insurance limit for the man on the street is to spread his deposits around the 36 member banks or set up a range of joint accounts in a bank or several banks. “But banks also should make it a point to tell customers that their deposits are guaranteed up to RM60,000 only, to allow depositors to make appropriate decisions to safeguard their capital. Ireland offers 100% guarantee and Germany has pledged to do the same. Malaysia should also look at doing that,” says Dr Fong. If our deposits are relatively safe, how do we nevertheless prepare for the hard times ahead? Says Dr Fong: “The guiding principle for now should be capital preservation. This is the time for folks to think ‘what steps should I take to preserve what I have?’ It is definitely not the time to think of how much profit one can make.“This is not the time to be foolhardy and enter the stock market, this is my opinion. Do not use borrowed money hoping to go in and making a killing within a year.“We still do not know and understand fully the exact nature of damages from this mega crisis.“It is too risky to venture into the unknown. Even the smartest professional investors can make mistakes, what more individual investors with their hard-earned money.”He cites the example of the Government of Singapore Investment Corp, which bought a slice of UBS for 10bil francs in December only to find a few months later, that it was holding on to merely half its value.“It has the financial strength to hold on to the shares but many individual investors do not,” he says.“If one really wants to pick up stocks, look at the dividend yield. At the present price, if it gives a dividend yield of 10%, which is higher than for fixed deposits, one can consider. Also, make sure the stocks are recession-proof, such as counters in health, education and food.“As for properties, well, if you need a home, you need to buy. But in any economic situation, people will look at locality. Properties in good locations can easily be resold or rented out. You can look around but again, the principle should be capital preservation.”Good foundations: The Malaysian banking sector is expected to be stable in 2008 despite the global financial crisis as the old-style model of conservative banking is now holding us in good stead.
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Fong: Why I prefer to be a veep

Exclusive Interview with Malaysiakini
Stanley Koh
The MCA poll on Oct 18 can hold little trepidation for vice-president Fong Chan Onn, for this will be his fifth outing in a contest that he has comfortably won twice before.Having held the post for 11 years now, he explained why he has chosen not to aim higher, despite rampant speculation that he would do so.“The MCA is currently at the crossroads. With my experience and economic background, I can serve the party in specific areas,” Fong had written in his blogspot after declaring his candidacy for one of the four elected vice-presidential slots. During the interview, he elaborated on this: “My strength is in the area of economics. I believe that, with my knowledge, experience and expertise, I can help the party leaders to formulate an economic roadmap which in turn can contribute to our nation’s efforts in facing prevailing economics-related challenges.“….and this explains why I am not contesting the No. 1 and 2 posts. I truly believe that I am able to play a (better) role as a vice- president, contributing to economic development.”However, he is critical of the MCA policy to restrict the presidency and various top posts to a three-term tenure, saying this must be reviewed.Fong, 64, argued the policy creates more disadvantages than advantages: “While it creates more opportunities (for younger leaders), the disadvantage is that the party will lose more experienced leaders.”Asked why he had endorsed the policy when it was proposed, he said this was “because I was a minister then….with vested interests”. “There should be more flexibility in implementing it. In the past, it was an unwritten understanding (that a leader cannot hold a government post for a long time), but there was never a written guideline.“For example, hypothetically, if Ong Ka Ting (right) serves his third term until it expires in 2011 or 2012, a change in president will be necessary. (Since this will coincide with the next general election, it could) affect the party’s performance.”He agreed that the leadership profile should be representative of all age groups to ensure continuity and gradual renewal, and that “delegates will look at the leader’s capability and not the age factor”.

Vocal response
On the party’s relationship with Umno, Fong cited the existence of ‘inbuilt understanding’ by way of “body language” among the three major ethnic-based parties in the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN).“I was deputy education minister for 8 to 9 years. Whenever we mention Chinese education, they (Umno) know what the community needs,” he explained.“Although MCA is Chinese-based, Malaysians want the leadership to be more vocal on many other national issues affecting them, for example on issues like public safety, corruption and use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).“We spoke out in all sincerity against the ISA detention of (DAP parliamentarian) Teresa Kok. I am of the opinion that even (blogger) Raja Petra (Kamarudin) need not be detained under the ISA. He has written a lot. If the government thinks that these materials violate provisions of the (Sedition) Act, then charge him under this law.”On public perceptions of reform within MCA, Fong disagreed that the party’s vocal stand since the March general election was merely to project a new image. “This is what the people want to see. They do not want the party to react to issues in a week or two but immediately.”
Economic pie 'shrinking’
Fong, who is also the party’s Economics Bureau chairperson, has been a strong proponent of liberalising restrictive policies and reviewing outdated guidelines, to respond to globalisation.This, he said, would, improve the environment for trade and commerce, as well as enable more effective competition with neighbouring countries.On the New Economic Policy, Fong warned that the “shrinking economic pie” from year to year will affect bread-and-butter issues, especially with worsening inflation due mainly to higher petrol prices.“We cannot waste any more time. We must liberalise (our economy) from the quota system, relax this restriction and be competitive with China, India and other Asean countries like Vietnam,” he said.“If I am re-elected vice-president, I will help the party to draw up an economic blueprint. I will conduct a nationwide roadshow to explain (this to the grassroots) and obtain their feedback for consensus on economic-related decisions (and submit it via the party’s leadership) to the government.“Another important area is the government’s role in assisting small- and medium-scale enterprises. MCA will continue to contribute to this.”Fong further said Malaysia must be prepared for the fallout from economic and financial turmoil in the US, among other countries.“We must be prepared. We must explain to the ground and the government must prepare contingency plans to face these challenges just as we did during the 1997 financial currency crisis.”Another major challenge for the nation, he said, is to deal with the impact of the brain-drain. He cited Singapore’s success in stemming corruption and financial leakages by improving salary and wage structures. Fong, an electrical engineer by training, later obtained a doctorate in business administration. He was dean of the faculty of economics and administration at Universiti Malaya when former MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik ‘helicoptered’ him into the party in 1990.(The term refers to a party candidate being recruited to a political post without undergoing the tedious process of rank-and-file promotion.)He was appointed deputy education minister (October 1990-December 1999), then promoted to cabinet minister with the human resources portfolio (December 1999 to March 2008). However, he was dropped from the cabinet following the general election in March, although he was one of only 15 successful MCA parliamentarians - he retained the Alor Gajah seat. During Ling’s tenure, he played a key role as party representative in the National Economic Consultative Council and in the Tunku Abdul Rahman University Council.

Fong is a blogger and a prolific writer on socio-economic issues like poverty, industrialisation and population. He has authored eight books and written 43 chapters for international journals
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Molotov Cocktail Attack on Kok Despicable

The Molotov cocktail attack on Seputeh MP Teresa Kok is a despicable act. We should respect other people’s views and opinions even if they do not agree with ours and showing our anger by resorting to such acts as hurling Molotov cocktails into the house of YB Teresa Kok should not be condoned. We may not all agree or see eye-to-eye on certain issues, but everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and should be allowed to express that opinion freely. If we do not agree with what a Wakil Raykat does, then the proper way to voice your objection is through the ballot box and not through any form of violence. I urge the police to investigate this incident swiftly and arrest those responsible. We need to condemn such acts before it becomes part of our culture.

( Mand version click "more" )

以汽油弹攻击郭素沁，行为卑鄙

以汽油弹攻击士布爹区国会议员郭素沁，是一项卑鄙的行为。虽然我们应该尊重其他人的意见和看法，即使他们不同意我们的意见，但是，采用向抛掷汽油弹到国会议员郭素沁的家里，以发泄愤怒的行为，是不能受到宽恕的。也许，我们不可能完全同意某些问题，不过，每一个人都有权利表达自己的意见，他们应该获准自由表达他们的看法。如果我们不同意一名国会议员的做法，适当的方法是，通过投票去表达他们的反对，而不是通过任何形式的暴力行动。我促请警方迅速调查这起事件，并且把应该对这项攻击行动负责的人绳之以法。我们必须谴责这些行为，以免今后成为我们的文化的一部分。


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Fong for VP MCA

I am glad to announce that I will be offering myself to continue to serve as a vice president in the MCA in the October 18 Party Elections. I have served four terms as a vice president since I was first elected in 1996. Since then, I have served the Party diligently in various capacities, including the Presidential Council, the MCA Economic Bureau and state liaison heads. I wish to continue to serve the Party as I am confident that I still can contribute significantly to the Party.

The MCA is currently as a crossroad. The current political situation in the country requires the MCA, which is the second largest party in the Barisan Nasional, to be strong to face up to the challenges. To do this, the MCA must act as a united front to project itself as a strong voice, not only in the Barisan Nasional, but also in representing the Chinese community and Malaysians as a whole.

With my experiences and my economics background, I can serve the Party in specific areas, as I had when I first entered politics – the various national economic plans, the consultative councils to draw up national development plans, inputs to various government economic and business policies and Party and government educational, economic and development blueprints.

I hope that Party grassroots and central delegates will continue to give me their support – as they had during the past four Party elections – so that I can carry on with my responsibility in serving the Party.

Thank you.

( Mand version click "more" )

冯镇安攻打马华副总会长

我欣然的宣布，我会在10月18日的马华党选中竞选马华副总会长的职位，以便继续提供服务。自我于1996年第一次中选为副总会长以来，已经担任4届的副总会长。在任期间，我勤勉的执行各种职务，包括会长理事会、马华经济局以及州联委会主席的职务。我希望能够继续为党服务，因为我相信，我仍然可以对党做出显著的贡献。

马华现在走到了十字路口。目前的政治局势，使得作为国阵第二大政党的马华必须强大起来，以面对各种挑战。要实现这个目标，马华必须充当一个团结的阵线，使得它不但能够在国阵内，而且也能够为它所代表的华社，以及所有的马来西亚人，发出强大的声音。

以我的经验和我的经济学的背景来说，我可以在一些特定领域为党提供服务，因为我介入政坛以来，曾经先后落实各项国家经济计划；参与协商理事会，制定国家发展计划；为政府的各项经济和商业政策，以及党和政府的教育、经济和发展大蓝图，提供意见。

我希望党基层和中央代表，将继续给我大力的支持，就像他们在过去4届党选中给我的支持一样。这样，我才可以继续履行我的责任，为党提供服务。


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Najib’s Experience Will be an Advantage

I welcome YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak’s move to the Finance Ministry. I am confident with his vast experience and background, he would be able to steer the country out of the current economic situation. I appeal to Dato Sri Najib to take all the necessary steps to liberalize the economy. For example, relooking at FIC requirements to encourage more foreign direct investments as he stated in his Ministerial statement during the tabling of the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. I also hope Dato Sri Najib will further relax equity conditions – like requiring 30% Bumiputera equity before listing on Bursa Malaysia ‑ to bring Malaysia forward to the global era. I also hope that Dato Sri Najib will initiate steps to ensure speedier approvals for investment proposals. Vietnam, for example, takes just a week to approval investment proposals and we have to improve ourselves in this area or lose out to other regional countries.

I also call on Dato Sri Najib to remove subsidies and ceiling prices which are hindrances to economic growth. Subsidies and ceiling prices give a false picture of the current situation ie. they suppress the actual inflation rate and result in wages being kept low, thus encouraging a migration of workers to other countries. Removing these hurdles will put the country in tune with real economic conditions and in line with global development.

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纳吉的经验将是一个优势

我欢迎副首相纳吉接替财政部的职务。我深信，以他的广泛经验和背景，他将能够领导我国摆脱目前的经济情况。我敦促纳吉采取一切必要的措施，使我国的经济自由化。例如，重新检讨外来投资的条例，以鼓励更多的外来直接投资，就好像他在提呈第九个马来西亚计划中期检讨发表的部门声明中所说的一样。.我也希望，纳吉将进一步放宽股权的条件，例如公司在马来西亚股票交易所挂牌之前必须拥有 30% 土著股权的条例。这样才能使我国迈向全球化的时代。此外，纳吉也应该采取步骤，确保投资建议能够更迅速获得通过。以越南作为例子，这个国家只用一个星期的时间就批准了投资建议。因此，我们必须在这方面作出改善，否则外资将流到本区域其他的国家。

我也敦促纳吉撤销一些补贴和实行顶价的措施，因为它们会妨碍我国的经济成长。补贴和顶价措施令人对目前的情况产生错误的看法，也就是，这些措施抑制实质的通货膨胀率，同时导致工资被压低。这样会造成工人转移到其他国家打工。只有撤销这些障碍，才能反映出国家的实质经济情况，同时符合全球的发展。


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No Need For Race Relations Act

I personally do not see how the adoption of the proposed Race Relations Act will strengthen race relations in the country in the long term. I think we are looking at it from a wrong angle. Any law does not foster good relations. All it does is punish those who are found to have violated it. What we need is some form of social engineering. We should not adopt a “hard” stance in our long term objective to foster better relations amongst Malaysians. Instead, we should use the “soft” approach ie. educating and nurturing Malaysians to appreciate the values of respecting each other and enjoying each other’s friendship. Such values must be imbued in every young Malaysian so that they will grow up accepting other races as Malaysians. Instilling and not enforcing such values should be the focus of the government's effort.

I feel the situation is not as bad as we all assume it to be. Malaysians, in general, can mix well with each other. More often than not, it is the callous comments from some people, including political and community leaders, that spark off “tensions”.

So let us tackle race relations from the correct perspective.

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不需要种族关系法令

我本人不认同，接纳建议中的种族关系法令，长远来说将加强我国的种族关系。我觉得，我们是从错误的角度看待这个问题。任何的法令都不能促进良好的关系。法令只能用来惩罚违反它的人。我们需要的是社会关系的加强。对于促进马来西亚人民之间的关系的长远目标，我们不应该采取“强硬”的立场。相反的，我们应该采用“软”.的方法，例如教育，以及向马来西亚人灌输鉴赏互相尊重和享受彼此间友好关系的价值观。这些价值观更应该向每一名年小的马来西亚人灌输，以便在他们成长后，能够接受其他种族为马来西亚人。 灌输这些价值观的工作，应该成为政府做出努力的重点项目。

我认为，目前的局势并非人们所想象的那么坏。马来西亚人民一般上可以很好的相处。很多时候，由于一些人，包括政治人物和社会领袖的无情批评，而引发了“紧张”的局面。

且让我们从正确的观点来克服种族关系的问题。


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Decision Not to Review the ISA a Complete Disregard for Public Opinion

The recent spate of detentions under the Internal Security Act have sparked negative reactions from the people, including those in the government. It showed how a law, which was enacted during the Emergency in the 1960s, could be abused and is totally irrelevant in modern day. Following the recent detentions, there were calls from various groups – including myself and the MCA, several Cabinet ministers and the Bar Council - for the government to repeal or review the ISA as the country is no longer facing the threat of terrorists or communists.

I feel the government should not just brush these comments aside. Instead, it should do the right thing by relooking at whether there is still a need for such an Act, and if so, how to set up a mechanism to ensure that the ISA will not be used on civilians – as during the recent detentions. The country has legislatures which the government can use to prosecute those who were found to have broken laws and thus there is no need for the ISA which allows detentions without trial.

In the light of this recent development, I find Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar’s comments that the ISA will not be reviewed and repealed to be a complete disregard for public opinion. Syed Hamid was also quoted as saying that the various groups who have spoken out against the ISA “were entitled to their own views”. It shows that he is either out of touch with the people’s sentiments or he has total disregard for the basic human rights of the Malaysians.

As a senior minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid should realize that the government’s existence is based on the people’s support. Continued disregard of the people’s sentiments will further jeopardize the government’s position and the opposition will continue to ride on this diminished support to further their cause and destabilize the government.

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不检讨内安法令的决定，完全漠视舆论

最近发生一连串在内安法令下进行逮捕的行动，引发了人民，包括政府人员的负面回应。这显示，一项在上个世纪60年代紧急状态时期制定的法令，是如何的被滥用，而且在现代实行已经不恰当。随着最近发生的几项逮捕事件之后，好几个组织，包括我本人和马华，一些内阁部长和律师公会致电给政府，要求政府撤消或检讨内安法令，因为我国已经不再面对恐怖分子或共产党的威胁。

我认为，政府不应该对这些批评置之不理。相反的，它应该正视这个问题，重新检讨和确定，这样的法令是否仍然需要实行。如果仍然需要，要如何制定一项机制，以确保内安法令不会被用在老百姓的身上，就好像最近的逮捕事件一样。我国拥有各项法例，政府可以援引它们去提控那些触犯法令的人，而不需要援引只有扣留而没有审讯的内安法令。

鉴于最近的事态演变，我发现内政部长赛哈密发表有关内安法令不会受到检讨和撤销的评论，完全是漠视舆论。赛哈密也被引述说，发表反对内安法令的各组织，只是发表他们自己的意见。这说明，赛哈密如果不是不熟悉人民的情绪，就是完全蔑视马来西亚人民的基本人权。

身为一位资深的部长，赛哈密应该了解到，政府是依赖人民的支持，才得以生存的。如果继续漠视人民的情绪，将会进一步破坏政府的地位，而反对党就会乘机会利用这些已经被减弱的支持，进一步展开它们的斗争，以及颠覆政府。


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We should get down to business of governing

The political situation now is unprecedented in the country. The situation over the past few days will be uncertain – dogged by the opposition claims that they will take over the government within the next few days and the government’s pooh-pooh over the suggestion. But the greatest losers will be the common people. Over the past few months, leaders on both sides of the political divide have been caught in little battles of their own, diverting them from the attention of much bigger issues at hand – governing the country and winning back the confidence of the people and more importantly, the investors. And the sad thing really, is that this situation is threatening to drag on. And this happening over the period where we are supposed to be celebrating 51 years of independence is very unfortunate and shameful. It would seem that that the story of how our forefathers struggled to achieve independence was furthest from our minds now. 51 years and we are supposed to be reaping and enjoying the fruits of our labour – and here we are pushing back years of progress and development our former leaders had so painstakingly acquired over the decades.

I urged all political leaders – myself included no doubt – to refrain from saying or doing anything that will worsen the current situation – events have still to unfold over the next few days – and instead to undertake measures that will put back some form of sanity into the political scenario. I think what the people really want to see now is the government of the day getting back into their actual businesses of governing the country. What they really want, for us now and for their future generations, is a Malaysia that is united and progressive and dynamic, a place where we can celebrate (not tolerate) our multi-racial and multi-religious mix, somewhere we can all call home and be regarded as true Malaysians (not referred to by any other terms). We are ONE country, ONE people.

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我们应该认真看待监管事务

我国目前的政治局势是空前的。过去一些日子的局势非常不稳定- 反对党宣称，他们将在今后几天内接管政府，而政府认为，这个说法不可能实现。然而，最大的输家将是老百姓。 过去几个月来，政治分歧的双方领袖不时发生争执，而没有把注意力放在更重大的问题上，那就是，好好治理国家，以赢回人民的信心，而更重要的是，争取恢复投资者的信心。 然而，令人遗憾的是，双方的争执情况依然持续，而且是在我国庆祝独立51周年期间发生，这是不幸和令人感到可耻的事。我们的先辈为争取独立而展开斗争的故事显然已经远离我们。 51 年来，我们理应获取和享受到我们艰苦努力所取得的成果 – 如今，我们却把前任领袖过去几十年来煞费苦心取得的进展和发展往后推。

我促请所有的政治领袖 – 当然也包括我在内 – 应该避免发表或采取任何足以使目前的局势恶化的言论和行动。 一些事件可能会在今后几天内陆续发生，因此，他们应该采取一些措施，使我国的政治局势恢复正常和健全。我认为，人民现在真正要看到的是，现今政府恢复监管国家的实际任务。实际上，为了我们这一代和子子孙孙，人民希望看到的是一个团结、进步和朝气蓬勃的马来西亚，一个可以让我们感到非常庆幸（非容忍）的多元种族和多元宗教信仰的地方，也是我们大家可以称为家园，以及可以被视为真正的马来西亚人（没有附带任何条件）的地方。我们是 “一个国家，一个人民”。
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Release RPK and Teresa Kok

I strongly urged the government to release Raja Petra Kamaruddin and YB Teresa Kok from the Internal Security Act. The ISA should not be used against civilians. If the government strongly feels that the two had broken any laws of the country, then let them be tried in the open court. Detaining them under the ISA is not consistent with Malaysia's profile as a well developed democratic country.

Both RPK and YB Teresa Kok have written extensively on many issues in the country and if the government feels they have violated provisions of the law, including the Sedition Act, then the government and the police should have enough evidence to charge them.

Using the ISA to detain the two paints a very negative and bleak picture of the government and the investigative intelligence of the police.

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释放拉惹布特拉和郭素沁

我强烈促请政府释放在内安法令下被扣留的拉惹布特拉和郭素沁。内安法令不应该被利用来对付普通人民。如果政府强烈认为，这两个人违反了我国的任何法例，那么，就让他们在法庭上接受审讯。在内安法令下拘捕他们，不符合作为一个民主相当发达的国家 - 马来西亚的国情。

拉惹布特拉和郭素沁广泛撰写了有关我国的问题，如果政府认为他们触犯了法例，包括煽动法令，政府和警方应该拥有足够的证据提控他们。援引内安法令拘捕这两个人，只能让人对政府和警方情报局产生非常负面和失望的形象。
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Syed Hamid's Explanation on Detention of Sin Chew Daily News Reporter

I find Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar’s explanation that Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was detained under the Internal Security Act as police believed that her life was “under threat” to be totally unacceptable. It was a feeble attempt to justify the use of the ISA on Tan. By detaining her under the ISA, police has turned her into a “victim” of circumstances. By doing so, the police have caused added emotional distress and mental agony to Tan and her family.

Moreover, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid’s explanation that the detention was made by police without his knowledge is also not consistent. As the Home Minister, he should be responsible for any actions undertaken by the police, especially when it involves the sensitivities of the people. As a former member of the Cabinet, sensitive issues are discussed at the weekly Cabinet meetings before any decision is taken. As a senior Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid must be very familiar with these procedures. Also, an important decision such as detention under the ISA should be referred to the Prime Minister for his advice.

In view of the recent developments, the government should abolish the ISA or relook at the ISA to put in place a rigorous system of checks and balances before any decision is taken to detain someone.

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赛哈密对星洲日报记者被扣留事件所作的解释

内政部长赛哈密对星洲日报记者陈云清在内安法令下被扣留所作的解释是，她的性命面对威胁，我认为，这种解释完全不能被接受。以这个理由援引内安法来逮捕陈云清是站不住脚的。警方利用内安法拘捕她，使她成为了大环境的牺牲者。警方这么做，令她和家人的情绪和精神都感到痛苦万分。

此外，赛哈密解释说，他并不知道警方采取这项逮捕行动。这个解释也不符合事实。身为内政部长，他应该对警方所采取的任何行动，尤其是涉及人民的敏感问题的行动负责。我担任内阁成员时，所有的敏感问题在做出决定之前，必须先在每周的内阁会议上讨论。身为一位资深的部长，赛哈密必须非常熟悉这个程序。 此外，援引内安法令进行扣留这么重要的事件，应该先向首相请示才能做出决定。

鉴于最近的事态演变，政府应该废除内安法令，或者重新检讨这项法令，以便实行严格的调查和衡量体系，才可以做出逮捕任何人的决定。
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Act Decisively on the Perpetrator!

The government should act against Ahmad Ismail and not on the reporter who was merely carrying out her duties assigned to her. Arresting Tan under the ISA is tantamount to taking action against the person carrying the message and not against the messenger himself. The people have registered their disgust at this recent arrest and I personally share their feelings. Ahmad Ismail should not be allowed to escape with just a three-year suspension from UMNO for making sensitive remarks while Tan has been "victimised" This goes against the tenets of democracy as espoused by the Barisan Nasional in the 8 March General Election and not consistent with the spirit of the Barisan Nasional coalition.

Similarly, the government should not detain YB Teresa Kok and Raja Petra. If the government feels strongly that they have broken any laws, then charge them under the relevant laws.

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果敢地对付滋事者！

政府应该采取行动对付阿末伊斯迈，而不是对付只是执行被指派任务的记者。当局在内安法令下逮捕陈云清，等于是采取行动对付传达信息的人， 而不是对付发出信息的人。人们对最近的逮捕行动感到厌恶和反感，而我本人也有这个感受。阿末伊斯迈由于发表敏感的言论而受到的惩罚，不应该只限于被中止巫统党员籍三年，而陈云清则成为了牺牲者。这是违反国民阵线于3月8日大选时维护的民主原则，而且也不符合国阵联合政府的精神。

同样的，政府也不应该逮捕郭素沁和拉惹布特拉。如果政府强烈认为，他们触犯了法例，那么，就应该援引相关的法令提控他们。

逮捕星洲日报的记者

我万分不同意，而且非常反感政府援引内安法令逮捕星洲日报的记者陈云清。身为一名记者，陈云清只不过执行指派给她的任务。此外，她所写的新闻稿，在刊登以前已经被编辑审阅过。

援引内安法令逮捕陈云清，不但违反了言论自由的本质，而且也让民众觉得，政府封锁资讯，进而引起人民的不满，可能还会导致谣言满天飞。这也将造成人民从阅读传统的主流媒体，转为浏览部落格和互联网，而有些部落格和互联网，则可能被某些集团所利用。如果政府认为，陈清云触犯了任何法例，当局应该援引相关的法令提控她。
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Arrest of Sin Chew Daily News Reporter

I strongly disagree and am utterly disgusted with the government’s use of the Internal Security Act on Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng. As a reporter, Tan was only carrying out her duties as assigned to her. Her story had gone through the due editorial process before it was printed.

Detaining Tan under the ISA would go against the grains of freedom of the press and give the public the perception that the government was keeping information from them, thus further stroke discontent among the people and may spin off rumours arising from the issue. It will also turn the people further away from the mainstream media as a source of information and encourage them to turn to blogs and Internet which may be exploited by certain quarters. If the government feels that Tan had broken any laws, she should instead be charged in court under the those laws.
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2009 Budget: Bolder Measures Needed!

While the proposals of Budget 2009 seek to address the concerns of the people and help them to cope following the increase in fuel prices and goods and services, it lacks punch and most of the measures just trickles at the margin. For example, the reduction of the income tax from 28 percent to 27 percent works out to just RM150 a month. I feel that bolder measures at the micro and macro levels are needed to boost the economy and to pass the benefits of this growth to the people. In the medium term, more incentives are needed to encourage local investors as well as foreign direct investments. These measures should reflect the challenges of an increasingly open and competitive global economy.


At the macro level, the government should remove any hindrances or constraints to economic growth and investments – both domestic and foreign. The Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak mentioned at the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, that the guidelines under the Foreign Investment Committee needed to be reviewed to encourage investments, but the Budget fails to highlight this important aspect. The government should give serious thoughts to removing any hindrances to investments, especially when we are facing fierce competition from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. Such hindrances and obstacles are also not consistent with globalization. The requirements for listing on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, also needs a relook. Companies are now free to list on regional bourses like Singapore and Hong Kong. If the government does not remove restrictions such as the 30 percent requirement on equity ownership, more and more companies will seek to list in these bourses. The local bourse used to be a major stock exchange in Asia after Tokyo and Hong Kong. Now, it has been overtaken by Singapore, Korea and China and Jakarta and Bangkok are fast catching up. Budget 2009 also does not have any comprehensive proposals to help the small and medium enterprises which are the most affected by rising materials and operations costs. What is needed to push the SMEs to the next level are advisory centres or incubators to help them. The government should not just pump in the funds per se but should assist the SMEs in areas such as upgrading of technology, human resource development and marketing. Killing the goose that lays the eggs! The windfall tax on oil palm estates needs a relook. The windfall tax was introduced about 10 years ago when the breakeven was RM600 per tonne. But this has increased to about RM1300 per tonne. If the government wants to maintain the windfall tax, they should consider moving the level to RM2500-RM2700 per tonne. On Human Resources, as a former Minister of Human Resources, I feel that the requirement of having to report ethnicity make-up in the workforce (as proposed in the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan) is a step backwards. This will indeed be a constraint to companies, including multi-national corporations in Malaysia, to employ the best talents and will deter Malaysians from improving themselves to compete on a level playing field. At the people level, the people are still feeling the effects of the rise in prices following the increase in fuel prices. While the government has lowered fuel prices a little, the people are still affected by the increase in prices of commodities and goods and services following the initial increase in fuel prices. Now, the government should look into measures to pass down the reduction in fuel prices to the people. More important is the lack of emphasis on a Social Safety Net. One way is to set up a fund to help the unemployed by providing them with financial assistance over a period of 6 months until they get another job. The government can kick-start the Fund by providing an initial grant of RM200-RM300 million and contributions from both the employers and employees can sustain the Fund. The measures proposed to upgrade private transportation are not comprehensive enough. Assistance should not be confined to Rapid KL or Rapid Penang, but should be more nationwide as an efficient national private transportation system is important. The government should look into problems faced by commuters, including a more efficient feeder service, enough car parks at LRT/commuter stations, besides ensuring comfort and punctuality of services. I am sure that if such facilities are in place, more people will be encouraged to use these services. Toll charges should be reduced by half for all and not just for buses. The government should seek to renegotiate the compensation with Highway Concessionaires as revenue has increased with the increase in traffic volume from the time their compensation were first negotiated. Similarly, the estates should also pay their workers higher wages and provide better welfare services. This way, they will also encourage more Malaysians to work as estate workers and not have to rely on foreign workers. ends
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It's seditious!

Bukit Bendera division chief, Datuk Ahmad Ismail should be charged with sedition for calling the non-Malays "pendatang". What he said was racist. The citizenship of the non-Malays should not be questioned just as some religious issues should not be called into dispute. We are celebrating the 51st year of independence and such statements or comments by an UMNO leader is very damaging to the unity of Malaysians.

It is not enough for Ahmad to just apologize and action should be taken against him to reflect on the severity of his comments. What he said should be viewed seriously as it borders on non-respect to the non-Malays. What is more disturbing is that such remarks from UMNO leaders and members were occuring too often. The remarks had offended the Chinese and also MCA grassroots. I will forward the issue at the next MCA central committee meeting.

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Protest over Bar Council Forum Regrettable

I regret the protest by a group of Malaysians, including PKR members, over the protest which caused the abrupt end of the Bar Council's forum on conversion to Islam. This include the support extended by a PKR MP to the protestors. I wish to point out that in the last General Election, the Pakatan Rakyat candidates were in the forefront in calling for respect for all religions and open debate. The Bar Council forum is an open debate which calls for various groups to engage in peaceful discussions to seek a solution to an issue which is important to Malaysians. The Pakatan Rakyat not only did not register their support for the Forum, but played a great part in protesting it.

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My question in Parliament on Monday 7 July 2008 was whether the Ministry of International Trade and Industry plans to abolish the Approved Permit (AP) for the import of cars as the use of the AP is not constistent with the requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Ministry’s reply to my question was that the WTO allows countries to impose control on trade based on requirements or specific interest. The Ministry went on to say that under the National Automotive Policy, the current AP System was still used to monitor and to gather data on the import of vehicles. I feel that the domestic automotive market should not be protected and that the government should allow the free flow of vehicles into the country. This will result in a wider choice of models for consumers and in the long run, will make the local automotive market more competitive. The continued use of APs will jeopardize the welfare and interests of consumers which will result in increased prices of vehicles.
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Mid Term Review, Ninth Malaysia Plan

Speech at the Dewan Rakyat

Thank you, Mr Speaker for giving me this opportunity to present my views on the Mid Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, which was presented by the Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi last Thursday. The review no doubt, comes at a very important and challenging time of all of us – both the government and people. The government is trying to cope with the high price of fuel and the rakyat has yet to come to grip with the full impact of the increase in fuel prices on their everyday lives. As I am speaking now, the ordinary people are still trying to cope with adjustments as a result of higher prices – ranging from food to transportation and others.

First, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on several bold initiatives. The government’s commitment in allocating an extra RM30 billion for development is commendable. I also applaud the government’s commitment in alleviating poverty and for placing emphasis on people-centric projects. On this note, it is also heartening to note that the government has also decided to shelf several projects considered not essential at this point of time. This clearly reflects the government’s concern for the welfare of the rakyat.

Mr Speaker,
In the context of globalization, for the Malaysian economy to remain competitive and efficient, the economy should be free of protection or assistance. In this context, I fully support the government’s move to systematically and gradually reduce the fuel subsidy. However, it is also important for the government to ensure that the necessary assistance be given to the poor. The government must therefore, work out a mechanism to ensure that whatever subsidies are channeled to the targeted groups such as taxis, small and medium scale transport operators and poor individual motorists and motorcyclists and that the subsidies are not abused.

The government should also consider a more flexible wage system. It cannot be denied that the huge number of foreign workers has pushed down wages for Malaysians and had thrown many locals out of jobs. In this context, I urge the government to seriously consider steps to curtail the relatively easy entrance of foreign workers into the country. In line with this, the government should do away with outsourcing companies and allow those companies which are really in need of foreign workers to apply directly to the Home Ministry with justification. At the same time, the government should also set up a permanent Wage Council which can advise employers and the different sectors with respect to the appropriate wage levels.

Mr Speaker,
The government’s continued commitment to alleviate poverty, especially in reducing the overall poverty to 2.8 percent by the end of the Ninth Plan period in 2010 and to wipe out abject poverty should be applauded. The government should be commended for successfully reducing the incidence of overall poverty from 5.7 percent in 2004 to 3.6 percent in 2007.

Having said that, I feel that initiatives to address socio-economic inequalities should not take an ethnic approach. In this context, I urge the government to review its overall emphasis and address socio-economic inequalities where it really exists. Socio-economic inequalities transcend racial lines. The government should therefore reduce its emphasis on programmes based on ethnic groups and instead shift its emphasis on target groups – rural poor, pockets of urban poor - the majority of them being the Malays and other Bumiputera groups in Sabah and Sarawak.

In this respect, Mr Speaker, I disagree with three aspects of the Mid Term Review report.

First, creating new requirements for the non-financial assets such as ownership of commercial and residential buildings to evaluate ethnic participation. Commercial properties were developed decades ago as a result of economic needs. Take for example, Kuala Lumpur’s Federal Hotel, which was build during the time of Tengku Abdul Rahman in time for the celebration of the country’s independence. Emphasis on ethnic origin would be unfair to these past entrepreneurs and retard enterprise. Second, requiring Private Limited Companies, or PLCs, to disclose information on their human resource profile will be a step backwards for the country to be a global player. This will discourage the companies to employ the best talents, which is important to the companies concerned, if they want to compete with the best in the region and globally. Instead, these companies should be encouraged to attract the best manpower, regardless of race, if they are to become world-class companies. It should also be noted that these PLCs are also free to enlist in other bourses like the Stock Exchange of Singapore and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Stringent requirements may push them to seek alternative listing in these regional bourses. My third point, Mr Speaker, is the government’s move to review traditional instruments such as the Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines, public procurement procedures and the Industrial Coordination Act. In the context of globalization, any further tightening of government procedures will grossly retard economic enterprises and affect the country’s overall growth strategy. Instead of making guidelines more restrictive, the government should liberalize the economy to enable Malaysians of all ethnic groups to flourish and be more creative and innovative. In this spirit of encouraging and nurturing entrepreneurship amongst young Malaysians, the government’s provision to graduates with creative and innovative ideas to commercialize their ideas should not be limited only to Bumiputeras. The country should encourage all aspiring graduates to commercialize their ideas as in a global playing field, we want to benefit from the best ideas and creations of young Malaysians. At the end of the day, they will bring untold benefits to the nation. Mr Speaker,The government’s overall objectives as outlined by the ten main initiatives reflect the government’s noble and sincere moves to ensure the continued well being of the people at an economically challenging time. As the Prime Minister duly reminded us, the second phase of the Plan would be a more challenging one and we can all expect to see a new set of challenges. This will require the resolve and commitment of not only the government but the people to tackle. The government and the people cannot be different from their objectives – ie. to see the country’s continued resistance to new global and regional challenges and to ensure the country’s continued growth. Thus, the rakyat would like to see the government putting into action, what has been outlined in the Mid Term Review. The key word here is implementing effectively, this blueprint! At the end of the day, what the rakyat needs is for their bread and butter issues to be looked into. For the business sector, that they be allowed to flourish as entrepreneurs with the least bureaucratic restraints so that their spirit of entrepreneurship would not be curtailed and their enthusiasm dampened and that they can truly stand out tall among their regional and global counterparts. Young Malaysians should be encouraged to unleash their fullest potential, talents, creativity and innovations to make Malaysia proud in the eyes of the world. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
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At the Dewan Rakyat (23 June – 27 June 2008)

Compulsory Service for Medical Students
I asked the Health Ministry why are some medical doctors are subjected to a long waiting period for their evaluation report by the Malaysian Medical Council and the local medical board. The wait is laborious and unnecessary, especially when the country needs the services of these doctors urgently. The Ministry should respect the evaluation done by foreign professional bodies in the United States and Western Europe and the returning Malaysian doctors should not be subjected to the need to undertake another evaluation. The move by the Ministry to exempt only those above 45 years of age from compulsory service should also be revisited as many Malaysian specialists who wish to return to serve are in their mid-30s. Instead of the compulsory service, I suggest that for these doctors, their compulsory service be translated into community service such as 2 days a week at government clinics and hospitals. Or, they can be required to supervise or train new medical graduates. I am confident that doctors will have no objections in participating in these people-oriented programmes. In this context, I am disappointed that the Health Ministry is not making compulsory service more flexible. Medical experts are not against serving the government, just that they are not used to the bureaucracy and general can’t function in a complex bureaucratic environment.

Application for Citizenship and PR Status
Most of those applying for Permanent Resident status are spouses of Malaysians and many are experts in their own rights. The government should grant them PR status automatically as these experts can be of service to the nation. The granting of PR statues or citizenship to spouses of Malaysians would definitely encourage more Malaysians to return to serve the country.

Matriculation vs STPMRegarding my question to the Education Ministry on the number of non-Bumiputera students taken in for the Matriculation Programme each year, I feel it not fair for those whose application into the Matriculation Programme has to wait another six months before they can begin their STPM studies. If students applying for the Matriculation Programme has to sit for a special examination before they are selected to enter the programme, why not have a common examination for both students entering Matriculation and STPM courses. This way, they will both start at the same time. It is also important that the same syllabus be used for the examinations so that the two systems of assessment would be compatible. I feel there should be no reason why one examination should be different from the other. This way, it will encourage more students to opt for the STPM examination.
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'The government’s objective of eradicating poverty by 2010 under the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan is notable and should be supported.' - Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, MCA vice-president
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Friday June 27, 2008
Government has to get rid of ethnic report requirement, says Fong. The Government should do away with obstacles like requiring public listed companies to report their employment profile by ethnicity, MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn said. “The creation of new property sectors that would see differentiation by ethnicity will also cause dissatisfaction among non-bumiputra entrepreneurs,” he said. Fong said the Government’s continued reliance on traditional instruments like the Industrial Co-ordination Act and Foreign Investment Committee to restructure society was disappointing and not in line with globalisation. However, Dr Fong (BN - Alor Gajah) said improvement of revenue collection and restructuring of subsidies would make the economy more efficient.
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Teachers Day Celebrations at SJK(C) Machap Umboo.

At the function, RM6,000 were given to organize activities in the school.
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Visit to SJK(C) Chabau, Melaka.

Taking note of problems faced by SJK(C) Chabau, especially the lack of classrooms.

A meeting will be arranged between the school's Parents-Teachers Association and the Ministry of Education as part of efforts to overcome the problems.
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Choice of candidates partly to blame: Fong

Yes, it is a pity that in the last several months, the public's focus was in the
Snoop Squad.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn says the party’s choice of candidates partly contributed to its setback in the March 8 general election. Party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, who holds absolute power to appoint candidates, should indeed be held responsible for this, he said, but added that the party can pick up its pieces without having to change its chief. In an interview with Oriental Daily News, he said to reform the party does not necessarily mean removing the president, as reform depends on the collective decisions and efforts of the party as a whole. The ever low-key party heavyweight who defied pundits by defending the Alor Gajah parliamentary constituency with a thumping victory in the general election but was dropped from the cabinet, is not at all pessimistic about the party’s future despite it being plagued by a series of incidents Snoop Squad¡, anti-Ong Ka Ting movement, and rows within branches and divisions after being shaken by the March political tsunami. He is convinced that MCA is still strong at its foundation, and despite the low morale in the face of the polls setback, as long as the party central shows party members the way, they would repay with strong support for the party.

Excerpts of the interview:
Q: Some people deem choice of candidates was a big factor for MCA¡¯s March 8 polls setback. How do you see it?
A: The setback suffered by Barisan Nasional, including MCA, was due mainly to discontent with the government that had built up over the years with its policy and implementation bias, an overly powerful Umno etc. Besides, everyone had the “BN sure win” mentality, which was another factor. It cannot be denied that MCA’s setback was also due to its choice of candidates. Some former candidates who were still young and who enjoyed support in their constituencies were dropped.

Q: Some say the president should take the rap for this, while others say the whole leadership should be held responsible. What do you think?
A: Based on tradition, this (fielding of candidates) is the top leader¡’s right, which was entrusted upon the president by the central committee. The president indeed has the power to make his choice and we can’t do much. The party and BNhave to support those he picks. This is our discipline and tradition. Of course the president has to shoulder a big responsibility, but he only makes the final decision after consulting the state liaison chairmen and local (branch or division) leaders. And we, as members of the party leadership, could only offer our opinions. In other words, the president is responsible as the decision on a candidate was his, but if there was sabotage, the party is responsible.

Q: Was sabotage a serious problem in the March 8 general election?
A: It is a debatable question, but what is more important is we want to treat it as a learning experience and forge ahead. This is because in the next general election, MCA will not have any more safe seats, even in Malacca and Johor. The Opposition had in the past concentrated its attack in the north, and having established itself in the north, it is bound to expand its bases to the south. We better get prepared.

Q: Although you said the party wants to forge ahead, to date we have yet to see anything tangible on reforming the party?
A: Yes, it is a pity that in the last several months, the public’s focus was on the Snoop Squad¡. It is important that we don’t waste time, because the grassroots are waiting for analyses (of the polls setback) and the party’s new direction of its struggle from the party leadership. We have to focus our attention these next few months on setting new direction for the party to bring back its former glory.

Q: How will the party boost members’ morale after suffering the polls setback and being beset with internal bickering?
A: MCA has a strong point, i.e. the branches and members throughout the country have not abandoned the party. Though they may be low in morale, if we have the opportunity to explain to them the party’s future direction and plans, they will be even more supportive of the party. The party will kick off its nationwide roadshow to brief party members on its new plans this month in Penang, followed by Perlis and Negri Sembilan.

Q: Some say, to expedite reform in MCA, it has to change its president. What do you think?
A: MCA elections are around the corner, so leave it to the central delegates to decide. The focus of party goals is decided by the party, so there is no need to change the president to be able to effect reform in the party.

Q: Is there a possibility that MCA might leave BN or become a multi-racial party?
A: I personally feel it will not be a good decision for MCA, which has, for decades, been with the BN in developing the country, and to leave the coalition over the results of a general election.

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Engaging The Media

With General Manager of Oriental Daily, Ng Nyen Fah, Executive Editor, Eng King Sia and reporter Lim Siok Yean, Kuala Lumpur, 2 June 2008.
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JKKK Kampung Padang Keladi

Calling on victims of a fire at Kg. Padang Keladi, Durian Tunggal, Melaka.
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Dinner at Jin Long Gong Temple, Tebong, Melaka.

Dinner at Jin Long Gong Temple, Tebong, Melaka. Funds were also collected for victims of the earthquake in China's Sichuan Province. The money was handed over to the Nanyang Siang Pau Foundation.
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Compensation for Pig Farm Operaters at Kawasan Paya Mengkuang, Alor Gajah, Melaka.

Handing over compensation for former pig farmers by the Melaka State Government. Over RM5.6 million was handed to 7 owners which were affected.
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"Snoop Squad"

I urge all parties to refrain from making any statements on the alleged snoop squad to spy on MCA members, pending the outcome of investigations being carried out by the three-man committee set up by the MCA to look into the allegations. Any statements and counter-statements will only create confusion amongst party grassroots and the public at large. The image and integrity of the Party is paramount and should be the responsibility of all MCA members. This is also not the time for any party within the MCA to make any police reports. We should all wait for the report of the special committee. The Party will then take the necessary action based on the findings of the committee.

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MCA CRSM Alor Gajah

Blood donation, cooking, hair styling - all for a good cause. Dr Fong at the MCA Charity Drive at Alor Gajah to collect funds for earthquake victims in China's Si Chuan province. Dr Fong gave an allocation of RM1,000 at the event.
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mangsa kebakaran di Machap Umboo

Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn paying a personal visit to Tai Kwee, whose family lost their home in a fire at Kg. Machap Baru recently. Dr Fong donated RM1,000 to the family.
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Touching base with residents of Kampung Machap Baru

Touching base with residents of Kampung Machap Baru.
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MCA tough talk gets weak response

SINCE the March 8 general election, MCA has reinvented itself by taking a forceful position through a series of moves seen as populist. In a departure from past practice, the party is openly championing issues it previously said were best discussed behind closed doors. The party also convinced the Education Ministry to reopen the old SJK (C) Damansara premises by allowing Chinese schools with poor enrolment to be relocated there.MCA did all these to win back support from the Chinese community after the party's poor electoral performance. This new tough line is seen as being crucial to the party's relevance as it has been perceived over the years to be weak and "kowtowing" to Umno, a taunt chorused by political rival DAP.But is this a case of too little too late? Or is it better late than never?

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn denied that this was a knee-jerk reaction."It's not a question of too late, but something that ought to be resolved as Malaysians feel strongly about it. There is no political motive on our part. "Obviously, people want MCA to be more vocal and we are responding to their demands. "We are resolving issues both ways, within the four walls (of the cabinet) and outside." He added that this was necessary since the people did not know that the party had in the past discussed the issues in the Cabinet.


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A heart for the disabled

My MP

By Foong Pek Yee

Full name: Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn (MCA)
Age: 64

Marital status: Married

Children: Three

Education: Bachelor of Engineering, MBA/PhD in Economics

Constituency: Alor Gajah, Malacca

Website: http://www.fongchanonn.com.my/

DATUK Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn appears to be perpetually in a rush. And those who know him well would agree that Dr Fong is diligent, meticulous and a tad impatient.
The former dean of Universiti Malaya’s faculty of Economics and Administration contested and won the Alor Gajah parliamentary seat in 1990. There has been no looking back for him since.
Dr Fong was deputy education minister for two terms (1990-1995 and 1995-1999) and human resources minister for another two terms (1999-2004 and 2004-March 2008).
He also topped the list of MCA’s four elected vice-presidents for three consecutive terms, including the current term.
The fifth-term Alor Gajah MP, now a Barisan Nasional backbencher, wishes there could better facilities for the disabled in the country.

How much time to do you spend on the computer?
I carry my Air Book Mac with me everywhere I go. I use it to check my e-mail and to source for information from the Web and to browse the Internet whenever I have free time in between meetings or assignments.
Do you blog?
I have just set up a new website (www.fongchanonn.com. my) which incorporates a blog. This helps me to keep in touch with the rakyat and provides useful feedback for me and allows the people to keep in touch with me as my contact and those of my aides are listed there. It allows me to feel the “pulse” of the people, especially those in my constituency, and brings me closer to their problems and their sentiments. When I was the human resources minister, I also had my own website.
Do you dance, sing or play a musical instrument?
No, I don’t play any musical instrument. I can’t dance (and this often embarrasses my wife) and I don’t sing much, except on occasions and sometimes karaoke with party members and constituents.
Name your favourite song.
The Chinese song Qi Shi Ni Bu Dong Wo De Xin (You Don’t Really Know My Heart).
Are you into movies?
No, because I always say I don’t have much time for it, but my wife feels I should find the time for movies!
What do you read?
I like motivational and self-improvement books, and those relating to my personal interests like management, environment, labour issues, national and international issues.
What was the last book you read?
I am currently reading A Very Short History of The World by Geoffrey Blainey. It's inspiring. It explains in a very intuitive manner the evolvement of the human race some two million years ago until today. From now onwards, humanity can expect more changes and surprises as we forge into the 22nd century.
Are you into English Premier League football?
I am not so much into football but I watch occasionally, especially when there is an interesting game. I like to watch golf and tennis more.
What’s your game?
Golf.
Who is your favourite sports star?
Tiger Woods.
Coffee or tea?
Cappuccino.
What is your preferred drink?
Red wine.
What languages do you speak?
English, Mandarin, Bahasa Malaysia
Do you smoke?
Definitely not.
What is the gadget you can’t do without?
My handphone, which is also a PDA and my laptop.
What’s your favourite food?
Steak.
You have a weakness for ...
IT gizmos – the latest computers, handphones and, of course, golf equipment and shoes!
Do you have a pet?
I have a rascal (dog) called Xiao Yuen. He is a Pekingese.
What car do you drive?
I have a Mercedes.
What is your contribution to environmental conservation?
I try to encourage the household to do our part like recycling, cutting down on the use of plastic bags by bringing our own shopping bags to the supermarkets, and cutting down on the use of papers by going paperless as much as possible. I feel we can all do our part, no matter how small we think it is.
Name an idol (past or present) whom you look up to and why.
I am very impressed by Winston Churchill, how one person inspired a nation in the jaws of defeat to achieve ultimate victory.
Any phobias?
I hate sleeping in a very large, empty room even if it is a seven-star hotel room.
What do you like most about Malaysia?
I like the cultural mix which makes the country so interesting. We have different foods – Chinese, Malay, Indian, Thai, French, Japanese, German, Italian. Even Chinese food, we have varieties, such as Sichuan etc. Also, we are spared from most natural calamities.
What do you dislike most about Malaysians?
I would like to see Malaysians exercising better toilet habits and hygiene and also road courtesy. As a former human resource minister, I would like very much for Malaysians to improve our service industry – in the hotels, at counter services, public utilities, etc. I am not saying they are not courteous now, but I believe there is room for improvement. “Service with a Smile” for example, some of us could do with a little more of that.
Which sector in Malaysia would you like to see improvement?
I will not pinpoint any specific area but service is not something that should be static. We should not sit back and tell ourselves we have reached the “best” level of service we can attain. We should continuously seek ways to improve ourselves, no matter what our profession is. Professionalism should cut across all levels – whether we are tea ladies, drivers, or lawyers and doctors.
If there is one thing that you can change in the country, what would that be?
Personally, I would like to see our social set-up and values being more disabled-friendly. Every society has on an average one in 10 people who are disabled. But you find very few wheelchair-bound or disabled people in our streets. It pains me even more to find many of the so-called five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur don’t even have ramps up their main entrances or toilets for the disabled in their lobby or restaurant floors. I have attended many charity events in which the organisers invited wheelchair-bound groups to perform but don’t even have the courtesy to set up ramps for them to get up the stage by themselves. Is it surprising, then, to see so few disabled people up and about in Kuala Lumpur or other parts of Malaysia?

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