TAN SRI DR FONG CHAN ONN

马来西亚汽车业: 负担抑或催化剂 ?

2011-06-08T11:31:00.001+08:00

冯镇安博士

汽车的费用一直是社会人士热烈讨论的课题。国际贸易及工业部长穆斯达法上个月再次公开重申，政府发出的进口汽车准证数额将保持在汽车销量的百分之10，其中特许经营权持有者占百分之4。

为什么政府还要维持这种进口汽车准证的制度呢？为什么我国仍然需要保护过去40年来已经享有很多好处、而且还从这个制度中受惠的汽车业者呢？这些各种问题令我不得不提起笔来写下这篇文章。

回顾上个世纪70年代，许多试图迈向工业化的国家视汽车业为先驱工业。汽车是由数以百计的部件和零件组装，被视为可以刺激制造业活动，生产本地部件来取代进口部件（如轮胎、活塞等）的理想工业。

难怪马来西亚、印尼、菲律宾和泰国在看到日本和韩国的汽车制造业取得成功后，就积极推动和发展国内的汽车领域。从此，本田、万事达、纪亚的汽车牌子成为了我国仿效的汽车品牌。

1983年，当时的首相敦马哈迪设立了普腾国产车公司，与三菱公司合作制造国产车。1986年，我国第一个款型国产车普腾赛加（Proton Saga）在市场上推出。1993年，第二国产车Perodua公司宣告成立，并且与日本大发公司合作生产了第二款国产车1300cc的灵鹿（ Perodua Kancil）

我国落实的汽车计划的主要目的是促进本地（尤其是土著）供应商的业务、制造工作机会、提升劳动力的专门知识，以及最终塑造具有本地特点的马来西亚汽车业。

关于普腾和第二国产车公司历史的文章已经不少，我不再多加探究其事。我要采取更全面的方法，去谈论这个受到诸多保护的行业。

1. 过去的挑战与愿望

马来西亚在制造国产车所面对的主要挑战是市场的问题。在上个世纪80年代初期，我国汽车市场每年销售的汽车是大约8万辆，比我国每年的最低有效产量10万辆稍微少。

不幸的是，80年代中期，全球陷入了严重的经济不景气。我国的汽车市场基于大量汽车款型和组装厂商受到打击而进一步恶化。

政府因而采取管制措施，以及提高对非国产汽车征收的税务，去纠正一切对国产车不利之处。

当然，这肯定造成了普腾赛加汽车和其他非国产车之间的价格出现很大的差距，普腾赛加因此在当时攫取了80% 以上的市场比重。其他的汽车厂商（例如代理日产的陈唱和代理本田的Oriental ）由于获得献议与普腾建立合伙关系，为普腾汽车制造部件和零件而得到补偿。

在1994年推出的第二国产车灵鹿也攫取了1300cc汽车市场相当大的比重，并且迅速崛起，在国产车领域扮演一个角色。

虽然国产车已经崛起，但是却产生了一个问题，马来西亚的汽车买主对汽车的选择限制因而被切断。

由于非国产车和进口部件的关税高昂，消费人如果选择购买本地组装的非国产汽车，就必须付出昂贵的费用；在实施准证制度后，各种进口款型的汽车价格更加昂贵。

表一是马来西亚和世界一些受欢迎的款型汽车的价格比较。

表 1:世界汽车价格比较

来源: 各厂商和汽车网站。
上述展示的价格根据2011年1月3日汇率和零售价格。
注:
1) 在中国销售的普腾 Gen 2 称为 Europestar L3。
2) 在马来西亚、泰国和台湾的本田 Jazz 装有 1.5 引擎。
3) 在新加坡、台湾和印度的福特 Fiesta 装有自动变速器。

表一显示了一些要点。在马来西亚市场销售的非国产品牌的汽车价格，自然比普腾或第二国产汽车昂贵很多。例如本田城市（1.5cc）的价格为85,480 令吉，比普腾 Gen2(1.6cc) 的价格高了 41%。

这些非国产品牌 (例如本田和福特) 的汽车在我国出售的价格当然也免不了比世界其他国家昂贵很多，反映出我国对这些汽车征收高昂税务，造成这些汽车在马来西亚市场的销售受到不利影响。

在这里，新加坡是一个例外。由于新加坡政府对每一辆汽车实施“拥车证”措施而导致该国汽车比其他国家的汽车价格昂贵很多。

令人感兴趣的另一个要点是，普腾和第二国产车公司却以比国内低的价格出口它们制造的汽车到其他国家。例如第二国产车Myvi 在英国的售价是36,792令吉，而在我国市场的售价是46,400令吉。这是否反映出，政府为普腾和第二国产车提供部分补贴的情况是我们必须说明的一个问题。

尽管非国产汽车的价格显著提高，为什么马来西亚汽车买主还是选择购买非国产品牌的汽车呢？他们会告诉你，这是因为国产品牌的汽车没有提供先进的安全功能。对于这个问题，我会在文章后面有更多的说明。

2.汽车准证是在怎样的情况下出现，以及为什么出现

对于像汽车准证这样的制度，我国并没有一项明文规定的政策；不过，这项制度在70年代开始是鼓励土著参与二手车行业。这个举措和大部分人民的想法相违，因为这项措施的实施不只是保护普腾。今日，即使进口混合动力汽车或替代燃料汽车都需要准证，因为马来西亚目前没有混合动力汽车或替代燃料汽车的制造商。

汽车准证是一种发给销售完全不含本地部件的外国汽车供应商的执照。

汽车准证分为两种：开放式准证和特许经营准证。开放式准证允许持有人进口任何品牌的汽车，而特许经营准证规定持有人只能进口某个品牌汽车。

我国目前总共有76名开放式准证和37名特许经营准证的持有人。政府在2004年发出了51,559 张准证，而在2007年发出的准证总数则减少到 27,838 张。不过，在 2008 年，准证总数激增到 40,886 张，而在2009年再次减少到大约 20,000 张。

汽车准证制度在选择持有人方面并没有透明度的指南（按照定义，到底谁能够在牺牲消费人下，享有大量垄断经济利益的权利）。这项制度明显的引起了各方面的诸多批评。例如，在几个月前，联昌国际公司首席执行员拿督斯里纳兹在一项华人经济大会的午餐会上发表讲词时重申，汽车准证制度已经严重被滥用，应该立刻废除。

此外，由于这项准证制度完全没有竞争性，因此，它不符合世界贸易组织的规定。这项制度因而在许多国际贸易论坛上受到了激烈的批评。世界贸易组织三番四次呼吁政府废除这项制度，以便马来西亚出现一个更具竞争性和有效的汽车市场。

在这种情况下，政府于2006年誓言，在国家汽车政策下，汽车准证制度将在2010年12月31日之前逐步废除。

令人遗憾的是，后来在准证持有人不断及积极的游说下，国际贸工部在2009年提出了有关汽车准证的检讨报告。在检讨报告中，政府展延废除这项制度的期限；结果，开放式准证展延在2015年才终止，而特许经营准证在2020年才会逐步废除。

3. 马来西亚消费人的工业成本

马来西亚在过去5年的汽车销售量已经增加（参阅表二）；从2006年的490,768 辆增加到2010 年的605,156 辆。汽车销量大增，主要原因是我国具有低利息、条件宽大的贷款便利，而且政府为汽油价格提供大量的补贴。

表二：马来西亚汽车销售量 (以辆计算).

来源: 马来西亚汽车公会

表二显示普腾和第二国产车是主要的业者。两者总共占据市场大约 55% 的比重。

不过，表二也清楚说明：虽然国产车和非国产车品牌的价格有很大的差距，但是，非国产车品牌（尤其是丰田和本田）依然能够取得大量的市场比重（45%）。

这是什么原因呢?

总的来说，马来西亚的汽车买主愿意付出较高的价格购买非国产车品牌，因为这类汽车有更先进的功能，与普腾及第二国产车相比，它们更加可靠，而且维修费较低。

表三:拥有和使用汽车的每年费用

来源: 维基百科
上述展示价格根据2011年1月3日汇率和本地燃料价格。

另外，由于政府为汽油价格提供大量补贴，在马来西亚道路上使用汽车还是相当实惠的。表三显示，马来西亚的RON95汽油每公升1令吉90仙，而印度和英国分别是3令吉05仙和5令吉32仙。

假设一辆汽车有5年的寿命，平均每个月消耗400公升汽油，拥有和使用一辆福特Fiesta每年的费用是23,098令吉，而普腾 Gen2 的费用是21,218令吉。以费用差异幅度不大来看，非国产车品牌能够攫取本地汽车市场相当大的比重，并不令人感到意外。

表三也说明，以全球为基础，在马来西亚拥有和使用非国产车品牌（例如本田或福特）的费用，和泰国、中国或印度的费用差不多一样。例如，在马来西亚拥有和使用一辆本田西域，每年的费用是32,116 令吉，而在印度的费用是33,705 令吉，在泰国是30,224 令吉。这是因为马来西亚对这些品牌汽车征收高昂的税务，已经被我国汽车使用者享有的更大汽油补贴所抵消。

4. 不能与世界趋势接轨

虽然政府多次进行探究，以便和一家世界汽车公司建立策略合伙关系，但是，国产车公司拒绝对进口汽车实施 10% 关税最高额，说明我国的汽车业和世界其他国家是多么的不接轨。

在国内长期实施高度保护措施下，我国的国产车厂商没有得到奖励，同时也没有要迫切进行革新，以便成为汽车工业的领跑者。

普腾成立至今已经25年，它仍然生产主要仿效其他厂商制造的款型的传统汽车。

即使是传统汽车，普腾制造的车辆在质量和安全方面，都不符合世界的标准。例如，很多人没有察觉到，内阁部长目前所使用的普腾制造的官方汽车，都没有装上气囊；幸好，这些官方车至少装上了安全带。

更重要的是，随着石油价格的暴涨，世界现在趋向于迅速发展和采用具备先进科技的电气化、混合动力以及替代燃料的车辆。

2010年，全世界总共售卖了超过4千万辆混合动力以及燃料替代的车辆。

在生产使用灵活燃料的车辆方面，巴西是领跑国。2010年，巴西售出了1千零60万辆这类的车辆，接着是美国，售卖了930万辆。在生产混合动力汽车方面，美国是世界的领跑国，它在2010年总共生产1千8百多万辆混合动力汽车，而日本排第二位，总共生产110万辆。

在发展天然石油气汽车方面，巴基斯坦领先世界所有的国家。2009年，巴基斯坦生产了240万辆这类汽车，接着是伊朗，共生产170万辆。

泰国和中国目前正在积极制造混合动力汽车。

在这方面，马来西亚完全不能和世界同步平行。

由于我国还没有组装或制造混合动力汽车，我国人民如果要购买这种汽车，就必须先获取准证才能进口。然而，政府实际上已经废除对所有 2,000cc 以下的混合动力汽车征收进口税。

此外，为了支持使用替代燃料的汽车，我国必须制定一项国家制度，以便供应充足的替代燃料（例如天然石油气）。对于电气化或混合动力汽车，我国就得制定一项制度，以方便这类汽车在大道上充电，而且让这些具备先进科技的电池得以进行维修。

新汽车准证并没有说明，为发展辅助基本部件的厂商制定策略或奖励。

总之，目前实施的准证制度不但成为了我国汽车车主的负担，而且也妨碍我国汽车业，和全球迈向发展和使用环保汽车的趋势接轨。

5. 向前迈进

经过实施30多年的保护措施之后，马来西亚政府现在必须采取果敢的步骤，对汽车工业进行改革；使这个行业转型为一个催化性工业，以促进国家的发展，就好像我国的电气与电子领域在上个世纪70年代所取得的进展一样。

政府已经宣布有意在2015年废除开放式准证，而在2020年废除特许经营准证。不过，正如我之前所说的一样，设定2015年和2020年为废除准证的期限，比原定的2010年，已经展期了。

让我国的汽车买主等到2015年和2020年才享有汽车市场完全开放的好处，对他们来说是一个巨大的负担，尤其是对找到第一份工作而需要购买第一辆汽车的年轻人而言。

也许，政府应该考虑提早在2015年撤销准证制度。此外，我国必须考虑到，全球制造的2千万辆传统汽车的产量已经过剩，因此，政府也应该使它对汽车业的雄心降温。

汽车工业需要付出昂贵的研发开销，而很多国家在迈向新的汽车趋势方面，已经远远超越我国。如果没有进行革新以及同新趋势接轨，即使是巨大的汽车公司，例如福特和通用汽车公司都会失败。

毫无疑问的，政府为普腾和第二国产车公司制造的传统汽车提供20多年的保护后，我国如今不能够再为它们提供另外20年的保护，以期望它们生产具备先进科技的环保汽车。

我国应该以中国和泰国的成功作为借鉴，制定一项为外来直接投资商提供开放汽车工业的策略，并且鼓励世界最好的汽车厂商与本地厂商合作，进而使本地伙伴成为汽车市场的领跑者。

我国制定全球销售策略后，将能够崛起为新的主要供应链，尤其是为中国的庞大市场供应拥有先进科技的汽车部件。

我促请政府迅速废除进口混合动力汽车和替代燃料汽车所需要的准证，作为即刻进行的步骤。政府也应该为买主提供税务奖励（例如削减双重税务），鼓励他们使用这类汽车。

与此同时，政府应该逐步撤销对汽油价格提供的补贴，迫使传统汽车使用者面对燃料价格高涨的事实。

由于我国拥有庞大的天然气蕴藏量，政府也应该采取立即的步骤，为使用天然石油气的汽车制定一项国家天然石油气供应制度。这对促进燃料替代车辆的使用，是非常重要的。

推动马来西亚汽车行业转型，使它从依赖传统汽车转为生产环保汽车，以及撤销继续保护普腾和第二国产车的措施，而使我国拥有一个开放的汽车市场。这些举措才是首相为我国汽车车主以及广大民众提供的最受欢迎的礼物。

（完）

Malaysian Automobile Industry: Burden or Catalyst?

2011-06-07T16:21:00.000+08:00

by Dr Fong Chan Onn

The cost of cars is always a hot topic of social discussions. Just last month, the International Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed had again to publicly reiterate that the number of Approved Permits (AP) for imported cars was still being kept at 10% of car sales, with 4% for franchise holders.

Why is the Government still maintaining the AP System? Why is there still a need to protect the industry players who have benefitted so much over the last 4 decades or so that the system has been in place? These and other issues have spurred me to pen this article.

Back in the 70’s, the automotive industry was seen as the forerunner industry for countries attempting to industrialize. The automobile contains hundreds of components, and was considered the ideal industry that can stimulate manufacturing activities based on the substitution of imported components (tires, pistons etc) with local parts.

Thus, it is no wonder that Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand pushed to develop this sector after seeing the successes it had in Japan and Korea. Honda, Mazda, Kia became brand names longed to be emulated by us.

In 1983 Tun Dr Mathathir Mohamad, the then Prime Minister, established Proton to build the national car in collaboration with Mitsubishi. And the legendary Proton Saga was rolled out in 1986 as the first model of our national car (NC). In 1993 Perodua was established and, in collaboration with Daihatsu, launched the Perodua Kancil as the second NC serving the 1300cc car segment.

The main objective of the automotive vision was to spin off local (particularly Bumiputra) suppliers, create job opportunities, upgrade the know-how of our workforce, and ultimately to create a local identity for the Malaysian automobile sector.

As there have been numerous articles written on the history of Proton and Perodua, I will not dwell into the subject. Rather I would like to take a more holistic approach to discuss this much-protected sector.

1. Past Challenges and Aspirations

The main challenge for Malaysia to build the national car was market size. In the early 1980s, the Malaysian market for passenger vehicles was about 80,000 units per year – slightly less than the minimum efficient size for automobile manufacture of 100,000 units per year.

Unfortunately, the mid-1980s also saw the world going into a deep recession. And the Malaysian automobile market was further worsened by the fragmentation of a large number of auto models and assemblers.

The Government remedied the shortfalls by using licensing procedures together with high tariffs for non-national car (NNC) models.

This, of course, resulted in substantial price differences between Proton Saga and other NNC models, enabling the Saga to capture over 80% of the market share then. The other car manufacturers (eg Tan Chong for Nissan and Oriental for Honda) were compensated by being offered partnerships with Proton for the manufacture of Proton components and parts.

The Perodua Kencil, launched in 1994, also captured a large share of the 1300cc car market, and quickly emerged to be part of the national automobile scene.

Notwithstanding the emergence of the NCs, the main issue, ironically, was a sever constraint on choices for Malaysian car buyers.

With high tariffs on NNC CKDs and imported components, consumers are penalized heavily if they choose to buy these (locally-assembled) NNC models; and with the AP system in place, the prices for the imported models are even higher.

Table 1 compares the prices of several popular brands of cars in Malaysia and the world.

Table 1: Comparison of Car Prices in the World

Source: Various manufacturers and automotive portal websites.

The above displayed values are based on the 3nd Jan 2011 exchange rate and retail prices.

Notes:
1) Proton Gen 2 is marketed as Europestar L3 in China.
2) Honda Jazz is fitted with 1.5-engine in Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan.
3) Ford Fiesta is fitted with automatic transmission in Singapore, Taiwan, and India.

Several important points emerged from Table 1. The prices of NNC brands, naturally, are substantially higher than that of Proton or Perodua in the Malaysian market. For example, the Honda City(1.5cc) priced at RM85,480 is 41% higher than Proton Gen2(1.6cc).

The prices of these NNC brands (such as Honda and Ford), of course, are also substantially higher in Malaysia than the rest of the world, reflecting the adverse impact of our high duties on these cars in the Malaysian market.

Singapore is the exception here. Its car prices are far higher than other countries due to the cost of the “quota permit” being imposed on each car.

Another interesting point is that Proton and Perodua are being exported to other countries at prices even lower that the home market. For example, the Perodua Myvi is being market in UK for RM36,792 compared to the home price of RM46,400. Whether this reflects export subsidy on the part of Proton and Perodua is an issue for us to reflect on.

Why would Malaysian car buyers choose NNC brands inspite of their substantially higher prices? They will tell you that it is because of the advanced safety features not available in NC brands. I will elaborate more on this issue later.

2. How APs Came About and Why

There is no written policy as such on the AP system; but it evolved in the 1970s initially to encourage Bumiputra participation in the used-car industry. Contrary to what most people think, it was not introduced merely to protect Proton. Today, even the imports of hybrid or alternative-fuel cars require APs as there are no hybrid or alternative-fuel car manufacturers in Malaysia.

An AP is a license issued to a vendor to sell foreign cars with no local content.

There are two categories namely, Open APs and Franchise APs. An Open AP allows the holder to import a car of any brand, whilst a Franchise AP ties the holder to a particular brand.

There are currently 76 Open APs and 37 Franchise AP holders. The total number of APs issued was 51,559 in 2004, decreasing to 27,838 in 2007. But in 2008 it spiked to 40,886 before being reduced again to about 20,000 in 2009.

The AP System, with no transparent guidelines on the selection of holders (who, by definition, enjoy substantial monopolistic economic gains at the expense of consumers), has obviously aroused a lot of criticisms. For example, several months ago, Dato Seri Nazir Razak (the CEO of CIMB) in his luncheon address to the Chinese Economic Congress, reiterated that the AP system has been severely abused and should be abolished immediately.

Further, because of the anti-competitive nature of the AP System it is deemed to be non-WTO compliance. Hence the AP System has also been severely criticized at many international trade forums. WTO has repeatedly urged the Government to abolish the system so that so that a more competitive and efficient automobile market can emerge in Malaysia.

It is under such a scenario that the Government pledged in 2006, under the National Automobile Policy (NAP), that the AP System will be phased out by 31 Dec 2010.

Unfortunately, subsequent intense lobbying by the AP holders resulted in a Review of the NAP in 2009 by MITI. Under the Review the Government postponed the phasing out datelines; the Open APs will now be terminated by 2015 and franchise APs will only be phased out by 2020.

3. Cost of Industry to Malaysian Consumer

Cars sales in Malaysia over the last 5 years have surged (see Table 2); increasing from 490,768 units in 2006 to 605,156 units in 2010. This surge has largely being facilitated by easy availability of credit at low interest rates, and a high level of subsidy on petrol prices.

Table 2. Malaysian Car Sales (in units).

Table 2 shows that Proton and Perodua are the main players. Together they command about 55% of the market share.

But the Table also shows the obvious; and that is despite the big price differences between NC and NNC brands, NNC brands (especially Toyota and Honda) have still managed to acquire a substantial share (at 45%) of the market.

Why is this so?

Generally, Malaysian car buyers are prepared to pay the initial higher prices for the NNC brands because of their more advanced features, resulting in better reliability and lower maintenance costs compared to Proton or Perodua.

Table 3: Annual Cost of Owning and Running a Car

Source: Wikipedia

The above displayed values are based on the 3nd Jan 2011 exchange rates and local fuel prices.

Further, because of the large subsidy on petrol prices, the cost of running a car on the road in Malaysia is relatively affordable. As Table 3 shows the price of one liter of RON95 is RM1.90 in Malaysia, compared to RM3.05 in India and RM5.32 in UK.

Assuming a 5-year life span for a car, and an average consumption of 400 liters per month, the cost of owning and running a Ford Fiesta is RM23,098/year compared to Proton Gen2’s RM21,218/year. At this range of minimal cost differences, it is not surprising that NNC brands can still command a sizeable share of the local automobile market.

Table 3 also shows that, on a global basis, the cost of owning and running a NNC (such as Honda or Ford) is about the same in Malaysia as in Thailand, China or India. For example, the cost of owning and running a Honda Civic for a year is RM32,116 in Malaysia compared to RM33,705 in India and RM30,224 in Thailand. This is because the higher taxes levied on these brands in Malaysia have been offset by the greater subsidies Malaysian car users enjoy at the pumps.

4. Disconnect with World Trends

The 10% ceiling on imported cars, and the fact that Proton has refused, despite repeated probing by the Government, to conclude a strategic partnership with a world automobile company demonstrate just how disconnected our car industry is with the rest of the world.

Under a regime of prolonged high domestic protection, our national car manufacturers have neither the incentives nor the urgency to innovate and be front-runners of the automobile industry.

After over 25 years since its formation, Proton is still manufacturing conventional cars based largely on replications of other manufacturers’ models.

Even in conventional cars, its makes are not up to world benchmarks in terms of quality and safety. For example, not many people realize that the official Proton cars currently used by Cabinet Ministers are not even equipped with air bags; mercifully, these official cars at least have safety belts!

More importantly, with surging oil prices, the world trend now is rapid development and utilization of advanced technology electric, hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles.

In 2010, more than 40 million hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles have been sold worldwide.

Brazil is the leading nation in the production of flexible-fuel vehicles. In 2010 it sold 10.6 million units of such vehicles, followed by US with 9.3 million units. The U.S. is the world’s leader in term of hybrid cars; producing more than 1.8 million units of such cars in 2010, followed by Japan with 1.1 million units.

In the development of natural-gas cars Pakistan is a world leader. In 2009 it produced 2.4 million of such cars, followed by Iran with 1.7 million units.

Thailand and China are now aggressively manufacturing hybrid cars.

In Malaysia we are totally out-out-sync.

Because hybrid cars are still not been assembled or manufactured locally, a Malaysian consumer wanting to buy a hybrid will have to get an AP first before he can import the car. This is despite the fact that the Government has already abolish all levies on the import of these models below 2,000cc.

Further, to support the utilization of alternative-furl cars we need to develop a national system for the supply of such fuel (eg natural gas). For electric or hybrid cars we need to develop a system for the convenient electrical charging of the batteries on the highways, as well as repairs and maintenance of these advanced technology batteries.

The NAP has not specified strategies or incentives for the development of these supporting infrastructures.

In summary, the current protective AP System is not only a burden to Malaysian car owners. It also hinders the Malaysia automobile industry from being connected with the global trend towards the development and utilization of green cars

5. Moving Forward

After over three decades of protection, the Malaysian government must take bold steps to reform the automotive industry; to transform it into an open catalytic industry enhancing the development of the country, just like what the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector has done since the 1970s.

The Government has declared its intention to abolished Open AP by 2015 and Franchise AP by 2020. However, as pointed out earlier, even the 2015 and 2020 targets are already a postponement of the original target of 2010.

The argument for postponing the abolishment of AP was again to give the relevant automobile players time to adjust to the new reality.

I personally feel that Malaysian consumers have been paying far too much for the sustenance of the livelihood of these key players; including their recent outrageously lavish wedding banquets!

Requiring the Malaysian car buyers to wait until 2015 and 2020 for the sector to be completely open up is a huge burden for them, particularly for the youths with their first jobs and seeking to buy their first cars.

The Government should consider phasing out the entire AP System earlier say by 2015.

Further, considering that there is now a global excess manufacturing capacity of 20 million units of conventional cars, we should also be less ambitious with our automotive industry.

The sector requires huge expenditure on R&D, and many countries are already far ahead of us in the new automotive trends. Without innovation and connection to the new trends even giants like Fords and General Motors have failed.

Needless to say, after over 20 years of protection being accorded to Proton and Perodua in conventional cars, we cannot afford giving them another 20 years of further protection hoping that they will come up with advanced technology green cars.

Following upon the successful experience of China and Thailand, our strategy should be to open up the sector to FDIs, and encourage the best global automobile manufactures, in collaboration with local partners, to be the leaders in the market.

With their global marketing strategies, Malaysia can emerge to be a focal point of their new supply-chains particularly for the supply of components for advanced technology cars for the huge China market.

As immediate steps, I urge the Government to quickly abolish the AP requirement for the import of hybrid and alternative fuel cars. It should also accord tax incentives (such as double tax deduction) to buyers to utilize such vehicles.

At the same time subsidies on the petrol prices should be gradually removed, to compel conventional car users to adapt to the reality of high fuel prices.

Given our large reserves of natural gas, we should also take immediate steps to establish a national natural-gas supply system for natural-gas cars. This infrastructure is crucial for the mass utilization of this alternative fuel vehicle.

Transforming the Malaysian automobile industry away from our dependence on conventional cars towards green vehicles, as well as steering away from our continued protection of Proton and Perodua to an open automobile market, would be the most welcomed gifts that our much-cherished Prime Minister can bestow to Malaysian car users and the Malaysian public at large.

End//

The Electronics Industry: Can We Resuscitate the Golden Goose?

2010-07-25T14:59:00.002+08:00

Dr Fong Chan Onn

Malaysia’s Link with Electronics

The uproar over the dramatic decline in Malaysian FDI for 2009 over the last few days has prompted me to pen this article to explain a major reason behind the fall in our 2009 FDI, and what we can do to reposition ourselves for rapid recovery.

Our love affair with electronics began in the early 1970s when Craig Barrett of Intel, who was scouting for a suitable location for his factory outside of US, landed in Penang. Dr (Tun) Lim Chong Eu, then Chief Minister of Penang, heard that he was coming and gave immediate instructions that the roads from Georgetown to Bayan Lepas be tarred by the following day, ahead of Barrett’s site visit.

Sure enough, the very next day the roads were all ready, as workers toiled all night for the site inspection. So impressed was the CEO of Intel to the responsiveness of the government, that he agreed without hesitation that Penang would be his first factory outside of US.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Very quickly, American electronics companies like Texas Instruments, Motorola, Seagate, Western Digital followed suit. The Germans like Osram and Siemens joined the fray, followed later by other Japanese giants like Panasonic and Matsushita.

The presence of these MNCs boosted jobs in Penang as well as the rest of the country, which was having very high unemployment rates of about 30% at that time. Malaysia was just recovering from the racial riots 1969; thus job creation was the top priority.

Regionally, Asia was also poor and unstable.

Thailand was encountering military coups. China was still recovering from the abuses of the Cultural Revolution. Vietnam was at war. Burma, Laos, and Cambodia were all nations plagued with internal conflicts. Both Indonesia and Philippines were still under dictatorships. The region was in a delicate situation.

Intel Penang remained its sole factory outside of US for nearly 30 years until the emergence of China and Eastern Europe. Malaysian electronics companies, like Unisem, LKT and MPI, supporting the MNCs also flourished.

Hundreds of other SMEs supplying uniforms, catering, packaging, logistics, transport, as well as numerous other professional engineering, financial and computing services have also benefitted from the billions spent in the economy.

Very soon, Malaysia became the number one semiconductor outsourcing and manufacturing hub in the world.

So successful was Malaysia that even Singapore initially trailed the Penang model.

Being a foot-loose industry, the electronics sector could be built up anywhere in the world with the necessary infrastructure.

But Malaysia, beginning with its initial lucky start in 1972, continued to remain the first choice of the electronics players (until late 1990s), because we remained hungry, tuned in to the needs of the industry, adjusted to the changing electronics waves’ needs and provided the needed incentives to attract them.

As shown in Diagram 1, in the 1970s with the lucky break of Intel coming to Penang, we became known and soon became the ideal base for electronics labour-intensive assembly activities because of our then comparatively good infrastructure.

In the 1980s, we attracted the Japanese and Korean MNCs (Matsushita at one time had more than ten plants) in a big way, and Malaysia became the major exporter of E&E equipment (e.g. air-conditioners, fans, and TVs). This was achieved through our very successful export-orientation drive, under which we provided generous tax incentives to the FDIs (which were soon replicated by other nations).

The 1990s was a period of electronics boom. Personal Computers (PC) and first generation hand-phones became the fads, generating a huge demand for PC products such as disc drives, hard discs, computer ROMs and RAMs and hand-phone circuit boards.

Because we remained hungry and kept our ears to the ground we anticipated the beginning of this new wave. In 1988, (Tun) Dr Mahathir, then Prime Minister, announced the removal of all Bumiputera and local equity conditions for FDI coming in (for export operations) in New York. Companies such as Dell, Motorola, and the Taiwanese Acer invested in us in a big way, and soon we became a major exporter of PC components and Motorola hand-phones.

By 2000 as shown in Diagram 2, the country’s total export value expanded to RM337 billion with Electrical and Electronics (E&E) products contributing up to RM 230 billion, or 68.2% of total exports!

Missing the Electronics Linkage since 2000

In late 1990s, we anticipated and even prepared for the next new wave of boom through the creation of the Multi-Media Super Corridor (MSC) in 1996 and later Cyberjaya.

However the 1997 financial crisis required Malaysia to impose capital controls. This protected the survival of the existing electronics firms in the country through the fixed low exchange rate that kept our E&E products competitive, however this discouraged the inflow of FDIs in the new wave electronics activities.

Further the MSC also imposed many locational requirements on potential investors, which further hindered their coming in.

Inadvertently, we let success got into us, became overconfident, and did not follow up on the many suggestions and requests of the world’s electronics leaders such as Bill Gates and Stan Shih who attended our International Advisor’s Conferences at Cyberjaya hosted by the government.

In the meantime, countries such as China, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea (which recovered faster than Malaysia from the crisis) replicated our plans and became the main beneficiaries of the internet and smart-phone booms over the first decade of the new century.

As shown in Diagram 1, over the period 2000-2010, Malaysia was essentially de-linked from the new wave of electronics boom as the E&E companies in Malaysia did not established significant linkages to new technological products such as iPod, iPhone and Blackberry. By 2009, although the country’s total export increased to RM 553 billion, that of E&E products remained essentially stagnant at RM 246 billion, forming only 44.5% of total exports (see Diagram 2).

In particular, as shown in Diagram 3, the years 2008 and 2009 were actually the end of the last electronics cycle down-turn, with an over 30% reduction in the spending of all major semiconductor sub-sectors in 2008 and an over 40% decline in 2009.

This huge reductions in semiconductor spending over 2008-09 severely affected FDI inflow into Malaysia in 2009 (since our industrial base is still electronics-dominated), and is a major reason accounting for the low inflow of only US$ 1.381 billion in FDI into the country for the year.

China, in particular, since 2000 introduced new incentives in the form of grants and cheap land and quickly emerged as the base for the design and manufacture of the Apple iPods, iPhones, and now the iPads; and is also rapidly emerging as the major centre of photovoltaics manufacture. Taiwan, of course, became a major exporter of laptops and accessories, while Korea emerged to be the world’s top player in LCDs and flat-screen TVs. Singapore also participated actively in and benefitted from the new bio-medical technology wave with many new FDIs in the area of electronics bio-medical technology.

What can we do to Recover?

It has been widely forecasted (see Diagram 3) that 2010 will be the beginning of a new up-turn in the electronics cycle. Gartner Inc. of Stamford, Connecticut has estimated that spending in all the major semiconductor sub-sectors will increase by over 70% in 2010 alone! This uptrend will continue beyond 2012, with annual increases in spending of about 20%.

Interview with many of the electronics firms operating in Malaysia indicate that they are also experiencing significant improvements in theirs’ export orders for 2010.

Many of them are planning to open new operating lines, and are urgently seeking approvals from the relevant agencies to bring in thousands of required skilled workers and hundreds of skilled engineers. Their applications have so far been met with slow response from the immigration department.

The government should intervene urgently and allowed these firms to bring in the necessary workers (skilled and unskilled) for a limited time frame so that we can immediately ride on the new up-turn in the electronics cycle. This will help to improve our investment environment and generate new FDIs.

Besides capturing on the up-turn in the electronics cycle, we should also quickly steer our policies and incentives towards attracting more electronics investment in the new growth areas of solar energy, tablet computers, smart-phones, iPads, as well as solid state lighting (LEDs) and medical bio-technologies.

MIDA should engage the major players in this area (especially the Cupertino-based Apple) and convince them that what China can offer we can do better.

In a nutshell, we have to recapture the spirits of our pioneering hungry days of the early 1970s. We have to go the extra mile to offer investors terms better than our competitors so that they can set up bases here.

SunPower of San Jose is already building a US$ 700 million solar panel manufacturing plant in Malacca in my constituency of Alor Gajah, and B. Braun Melsungen from Germany is planning a US$ 600 million medical manufacturing plant in Penang.

But these are only small catches in the wide spectrum of new wave electronics investment.

As shown in Diagram 4, the iPhone global market will expand from 33.8 million units in 2010 to 80 million units by 2012, a more than two-fold increase over the next two years. Similarly the global tablet computer market will grow from 12.9 million units in 2010 to 50.4 million units by 2012, an almost four-fold increase over the next two years!

We have to offer incentives (in the form of grants and venture capital, as well as allowing the unlimited inflow of skilled workers, engineers, and scientists) so that we can integrate Malaysia into the supply-chain of Apple, Google, Microsoft, as well as the major solar energy (SunPower and Pasadena’s eSolar) and bio-technology (such as San Diego’s Scripps Research Institute and the Salk Institute) manufacturers; just like the days of the early 1990s when Motorola was world’s dominant hand-phone supplier and their phones were designed and manufactured in Malaysia.

Going forward, MIDA will have to remain alert; alert to the next waves of emerging industries in electronics, bio and nano-technology.

While we try to diversify away from electronics to other areas such as oil and gas, petro-chemicals and new materials, we must not forget that our industrial root is in electronics.

We have spent the last 40 years building up a large electronics base, with many local semiconductor manufacturers, as well as numerous SMEs which have achieved world recognition.

The sector has become our golden goose. The goose is now breathing slowing. We have to resuscitate it so that Malaysia can continue to progress rapidly.

We should send special teams of Malaysian scientists and engineers out to the South California Oakland-San Diego axis along Route 101, as well as to the Boston and Seattle areas to act as our early informants on the new emerging electronics trends. Nano, electronics, solar and bio-tech products that will come out in the market 3 years from now are already being tested and discussed in the R&D centers in these areas. By being familiar with them we can then design incentives to attract these relevant manufacturers to Malaysia.

By keeping our ears to the ground, by being open and liberal to the needs of the new-wave entrepreneurs, and by not forgetting our electronics roots (but instead foster and encourage the growth of these roots), we would be able to reconnect ourselves to the new trends in the electronics industry and ride the new up-turn of the coming wave.

Then we could see a new revival in our FDI figures, hopefully in the not too distant future.

//End.

电子业：我们可以使下蛋的金鹅起死回生吗？

2010-07-25T14:06:00.002+08:00

冯镇安博士

大马与电子业的链接

过去几天来，有人在怒吼，指大马于2009年的外来直接投资显著下滑。这促使我提起笔写下了这篇文章，以解释我国在2009年的外来直接投资下降的主要原因，以及我们应该如何重新定位，以迅速恢复原有的情况。

我国和电子业发生链接，是始于上个世纪的70年代初期，当时英特尔公司的贝瑞尔要在美国以外的地区为这家公司物色理想的地点，以便设厂而抵达槟城。当时的首席部长敦林苍佑医生听到他要来实地考察的消息，立刻训令有关当局，隔天就在乔治市到峇六拜之间的所有公路铺上泊油。

果然，在工人通宵达旦的工作下，所有的公路在第二天都铺上了泊油。因此，英特尔公司的首席执行员对政府的反应，留下了深刻的印象，并毫不犹疑的同意，在槟城设立该公司在美国以外的第一座工厂。

其余的，正如人们所说，都成为历史了。

迅速的，美国的许多电子公司，好比得克萨斯仪器公司（Texas Instruments）、摩多罗拉（Motorola）、美国希捷硬件生产公司（Seagate）和西部数据硬盘厂商（Western Digital）先后前来设厂。此外，德国公司，例如欧司朗公司（Osram）和西门子公司（Siemens）也纷纷前来设厂。过后，日本的巨大电器公司松下（Panasonic and Matsushita）更不落人后前来设厂。

由于这些跨国公司在槟城设厂，无形中为该州以及我国其他地区的人民提供了许多的就业机会。当年，我国的失业率非常严重，高达大约 30% ，因为我国当时才经历1969年种族骚乱事件，而正在力求复苏，因此，政府的当前急务是制造工作机会。

在地区方面，当时的整个亚洲也贫穷和不稳定。

泰国不时面对军事政变的问题。中国当时仍然在致力于摆脱文化大革命的滥权。越南战争还在持续着。缅甸、寮国和柬埔寨都陷入内部冲突中。印尼和菲律宾当时仍然由独裁者统治。整个地区处于了微妙的局势。

槟城英特尔公司是英特尔在美国以外的唯一工厂，这种情况持续了将近30年，直到中国和东欧崛起为止。辅助这些跨国公司的大马电子公司，例如Unisem, LKT 和 MPI 也蓬勃成长。

其他数以百计的中小型企业，也由于供应制服、膳食、包装、物流、运输以及其他一些专业工程、金融和计算服务，而从经济所消费的数以亿计元中获得利益。

很快的，大马崛起成为了世界首要的半导体外包以及制造中心。

大马的成功，甚至使得在初期比较落后的新加坡也以槟城作为典范。

由于电子业是一种没有导向的工业，只要拥有必要的基本设施，它可以在世界任何地区设立。

不过，幸运的是，大马在1972年就开始设立电子业，而且一直维持为首要电子业业者的地位（直到90年代末期），因为我国继续有所需要，不时调整应对这个行业的需求，适应电子业变化浪潮的需要，以及提供必要的奖掖去吸引这个行业。

图一显示，在上个世纪70年代，幸运的是，英特尔在槟城取得突破，使我国闻名于世，而且很快的成为电子业劳工密集装配活动的理想基地，因为我国当时拥有具有竞争力和良好的基本建设。

在上个世纪80年代，我国吸引了日本和韩国的跨国公司前来我国进行大规模投资（松下公司曾经有一个时期在我国拥有10座工厂），而马来西亚成为了主要的电子与电气设备（例如冷气机、电风扇和电视机）出口国。这是我国致力于推动以出口为导向的成果，此外，我国为外来直接投资公司提供慷慨的税务奖掖（其他国家很快的也仿效我国的做法）。

上个世纪90年代是电子业的蓬勃时期。那个时候，个人电脑和第一代的手机成为了时尚，造成个人电脑的产品，例如光盘驱动器、硬件、电脑的ROM和存储器，以及手机电路板都有庞大的需求。

由于我国一直保持警惕，所以期待着新浪潮的开始。1988 年，当时的首相马哈迪在纽约宣布，对前来我国开展出口业务的外来直接投资公司，撤销一切有关土著和本地股权的条件。许多公司，好比戴尔（Dell）、摩多罗拉和台湾的宏基纷纷前来我国进行大量的投资，而且它们很快地成为了个人电脑部件和摩多罗拉手机的主要出口商。

图2指出，到了2000 年，我国的出口总值增加到3千370亿令吉，其中电子和电气产品的出口总值达到2千3百亿令吉，占出口总额的 68.2% !

从2000年起就失去电子业的链接

90年代末期，我国还是有所期待，甚至准备迎接下一个蓬勃的新浪潮，因此，我国在1996年设立了多媒体超级走廊，紧接着，再建立塞伯再也电子城。

然而，1997年的金融风暴迫使马来西亚采取资金管制措施。我国通过实行偏低的汇率固定措施，得以使现有的电子公司继续生存，同时电子与电气产品也保住竞争力。不过，这却阻碍了外来投资的流入，而无法制造新的电子活动浪潮。

与此同时，多媒体超级走廊也对具有潜力的投资者，实施许多区位条件和要求，进一步造成投资者对我国裹足不前，不愿意前来投资。

后来，我国因电子业的成功而变得傲慢，因此，我国信心满满，而没有听取世界电子业领袖，例如贝尔盖茨和施振荣在我国政府于赛城主办的国际咨询会议上所提出的建议和要求。

另一方面，从金融风暴中复苏得比我国还快的中国、新加坡、台湾以及韩国等国家和地区，仿效我国落实的计划，而成为了在新世纪首10年互联网和精明电话蓬勃成长的主要受益国。

图1显示，在 2000年到2010年期间, 马来西亚根本上已经和电子业的蓬勃新浪潮脱离了链接，因为设在我国的电子和电气公司，并没有和新的科技产品，如iPod， iPhone 和黑莓（Blackberry）手机建立显著的链接。到了2009年，虽然马来西亚的出口总值增加到5千530亿令吉，但是，电子与电气产品的生产基本上已经停滞，出口总值缩减到2千460亿令吉，只占出口总值的44.5%（见图2）。

图3 特别显示出，2008 和2009 年实际上是最后电子产品周期向下转的结束，在2008年，所有主要半导体次领域的资本开销过度缩减30%，而2009年过度减少40%。

半导体在2008和2009年的开销大幅削减，在2009年严重影响了我国外来直接投资的流入（因为我国的工业基础依然是受到电子业支配），而且也是造成在这一年只有13亿8千1百万美元的偏低外来直接投资流入我国的主要原因。

自2000年以来，由于一些国家，尤其是中国提供补助金和廉宜土地等新的奖掖，因此，中国迅速崛起为苹果的产品iPods, iPhones，以及现在推出的 iPads 的设计和制造基地，同时也迅速崛起为主要的光伏制造中心。当然，台湾也成为了手提电脑和电脑附件的主要出口地区，而韩国崛起为世界首要的液晶显示器和纯平电视机行业的业者。此外，新加坡也积极参与，并且从新的生物医药科技浪潮中受惠，因为它在电子生物医药科技领域中吸引了许多的新外来直接投资。

我国应该怎样做才能复苏?

有关方面广泛预测(见图3)， 2010 年将是电子产品周期好转的开始。康涅狄格州斯坦福的高德纳咨询公司估计，光是在2010年，所有主要的半导体次领域的开销，将增加超过70%! 这种好转的趋势将持续到2012年以后，而且开销平均每年增加大约20%。

一项对我国经营的许多电子公司进行的访问结果显示，它们在2010年获得的出口订单有了显著的改善。其中许多电子公司正在计划开设新的生产线，同时迫切寻求相关机构的批准，以便把数以千计的熟练工人和数以百计工程师带进我国。到目前为止，他们的申请还在面对移民局的缓慢回应。

政府的当前急务是进行介入，允许这些公司在有限度的框架内带进必要的工人（熟练和非熟练），以便我国可以立刻抓紧电子产品周期好转的新浪潮。这将有助于改善我国的投资环境，进而吸引新的外来直接投资。

我国除了攫取电子产品周期好转的机会之外，也应该迅速调整我国的政策和奖掖，以吸引更多电子投资者在我国的新成长领域，包括太阳能、平板电脑、精明电话、, iPads ，固态照明(LEDs) 以及医药生物科技领域进行投资。

马来西亚工业发展局应该接触这个领域的主要业者（尤其是总部设在加利福尼亚州库比提诺的苹果公司），令他们相信，中国可以为他们提供优惠，马来西亚也可以为他们提供更好的优待。

总而言之，马来西亚必须重夺我国在上个世纪70年代有的创业饥饿与精神。在这方面，我国必须作出更大的努力，为投资者提供比我国的竞争者给以的更好的条件，以便他们可以在我国设立基地。

总部设在美国圣何塞的太阳能公司，已经在我的国会选区，也就是马六甲亚罗牙也建立了一座耗资7亿美元的太阳能电池板制造厂，而德国的贝朗梅桑根公司正计划在槟城建立一座耗资6亿美元的医药制造厂。

不过，在广泛的电子业投资中，这只不过是小收获。

图4显示， iPhone 在全球市场的销量，将从2010 年的3千380万台，增加到2012年的8千万台，在今后2年内增加两倍多。同样的，全球平板电脑的市场将从2010年的1千290万台，增长到2012年的5千零40万台，在今后两年内增加将近4倍!

我国必须提供奖掖（以补助金和企业资金，以及无限制允许熟练劳工，工程师和科学工作者进入我国的方式），这样，大马才能加入苹果、谷歌、微软和主要的太阳能公司（圣何塞太阳能公司和地处加州帕萨迪纳的太阳能电力公司），以及生物科技（例如圣地亚哥的斯克里普斯研究所和索尔克研究所）厂商的供应链，就好像在90年代初期，世界著名手机供应商 - 摩多罗拉的手机在我国设计和生产的年代一样。

放眼未来，马来西亚工业发展局必须保持警惕；也就是对电子业今后崛起的行业、生物和纳米科技的浪潮提高警惕。

虽然我国想方设法使工业多元化，要摒弃电子业，而改为发展其他领域，例如石油与天然气工业、石油化学和新原料，但是，我们必须记得，我国的工业根源来自电子业。

我国在过去40年来建立了庞大的电子基地，使得许多本地半导体制造商，以及一些中小型企业受到了世界的承认。电子业成为了我国的会下蛋金鹅。这只金鹅的呼吸现在逐渐缓慢下来，我们必须使它振作起来，这样，我国才能继续取得迅速的进展。

我国应该派遣大马科学工作者和工程师组成的队伍，前往美国南加里福尼亚州101号公路沿途的奥克兰-圣地亚哥轴心，同时也到波士顿和西雅图地区，向当地的业者传达有关我国崛起的电子业的趋势和资讯。

将在3年内推出市场的纳米、电子、太阳能和生物科技产品，已经在这些地区的科研中心进行了试验和广泛讨论。有鉴于此，我国现在就可以着手设计足以吸引相关厂商前来我国进行投资的奖掖。

只要我国继续保持警惕，采取开放和自由的政策，应付新一波企业人士的需求，以及不要忘记我国电子业的根（反而必须促进和推动这些根的成长），我国将能够和电子业的新趋势重新链接，进而攫取新浪潮的好转的契机。

这样一来，我国要看到外来直接投资数据的回升，相信是指日可待的。

Is Petronas on The Right Track?

2010-06-21T13:25:00.001+08:00

By Dr Fong Chan Onn

Many nations blessed with rich resources have enjoyed economic booms, but many have also been cursed by it. So what is Malaysia’s standing among the world matrix of oil-producing nations, and how well are we managing our oil revenue?

In 1973, OPEC unexpectedly imposed a six month embargo on oil supplies, inducing the first global oil shock. Malaysia’s response to that was the incorporation of Petronas as the Malaysian oil corporation. The timing seemed right given that in 1971, the price of oil was just US$ 1.50 but by 1974, it was already averaging US$ 12 per barrel making it viable for Petronas to extract oil from our off-shore reserves.

From 1974 till 2000, oil prices hovered between USD$ 20 to USD$ 30 per barrel. At these price levels, government subsidies for oil then was not an issue; nor was there much of a debate regarding Petronas and the management of Malaysia’s oil reserves until 1997, when Petronas money was used to build the Twin Towers and Putrajaya in-spite of the onset of Asian Financial Crisis.

Petronas came under scrutiny again in the 2007 when oil prices ballooned to USD$ 140 per barrel. In parliamentary debates questions were being asked about the windfall profits that were being made, and how these profits were being managed and spent. At the same time there was also public demand for transparency and accountability of Petronas.

Once again the recent change in the leadership of Petronas has sparked off debates on the company’s operations and reporting; additionally the question of sustainability of its contributions to government revenues was also widely discussed.

True, many nations blessed with rich resources have enjoyed economic booms, but many have also been cursed by it. Perhaps, now is a good time to explore Malaysia’s standing among the world matrix of oil producing nations, as well as the road ahead of us in the management of our oil revenue.

1. Did we suffer Dutch Disease?

Some nations upon the discovery of a rich natural resource such as petroleum have experienced the Dutch Disease that is their economy shrinking instead of expanding. This is because the discovery has led to an automatic boom in the export revenue and consequent appreciation of its exchange rate; which then caused the subsequent non-competitiveness of its non-oil sector, particularly its manufacturing sector. The experience of Netherlands in 1959 after the discovery of large natural gas fields only to see the rest of its economy shrinking has led to the term “Dutch Disease”.

I will argue that Malaysia did not experience Dutch Disease since 1974, for reasons that:

a) A single-minded pursuit of an export-oriented industrialization policy since the 1970s, have seen the manufacturing sector grew from RM36.5 billion in 1987 to RM 491.9 billion by 2008. In fact, it was during this period that Malaysia emerged to be the world largest exporter of Electrical and Electronics (E&E) appliances with its export value growing from RM 11 billion in 1987 to RM 277.3 billion in 2008. Similarly, the service sector was not impinged by the presence of oil reserves, growing from RM36.7 billion in 1987 to RM334.6 billion by 2008.

b) And as a consequences of a deliberate drive to push exports up, the Ringgit was maintained at about RM2.20 to RM 2.70 to the US$ since the1970s, until Malaysia was hit by the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997 when the currency was then pegged at RM 3.80 per US$. In fact the Ringgit exchange rate has also declined since 1974 vis-à-vis other currencies; Japanese Yen from RM 0.80 per 100 Yen in 1974 to RM 3.77 per 100 Yen, Singapore Dollar from parity in 1980 to now RM 2.43 per S$.

c) In addition, recognizing the limits of Malaysia’s petroleum reserves, there was the deliberate national policy of curtailing our oil output to about 600,000 barrels per day, in order to extend the lifespan of our oil production. The policy has been strictly adhered to by Petronas even during period of peak oil prices in 2007 and 2008.

2. Petronas’s Report Card

Notwithstanding the absence of Dutch Disease symptoms, have we really made optimum use of our oil revenue? To answer this question let us examines the record of Petronas’s contribution to the nation.

3. Role in National Development

Over the period 1974-1990, Petronas was focused on building up the company. It expanded into downstream activities firstly with a urea plant in Sarawak in 1976. Next it ventured into direct exploration and production in 1978. Then it went on to build the Kerteh and Malacca refineries in 1983 signaling its foray into refining and distribution.

As Malaysia was also keen to be involved in Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), Petronas bought up five tankers through its subsidiary, MISC. And as part of the gasification policy of the Peninsular, the Peninsular Gas Utilization Pipeline (PGU) was built with its first phase completed by 1985 at an estimated cost of RM 720 million. The PGU now runs from Terengganu to Songhkla, Thailand. The PGU was not only crucial to the development of a domestic gas industry but it helped transformed Malaysia to become the 3rd largest LNG producer in the world.

An International Corporation

Given Malaysia’s limited oil reserves, Petronas knew that for its long term survival requires it has to extend beyond the shores of Malaysia. It made crucial discovery in Vietnam in 1994, and later in Cambodia, China, and Algeria. Today, Petronas operates in at least 30 different countries; has more than 100 subsidiaries and owns a fleet of more than 100 tankers and ships through MISC. Its production from its oversea ventures now makes up almost half of it total overall oil and gas production.

Further, because of Petronas’s large financial reserves and sound independent management, it is well respected internationally. In 2008 it ranked as the 8th best profits making company, and the 5th in the Petroleum industry. Its bond issues are always eagerly subscribed at A1 levels; thus acting as a surrogate Malaysia Sovereign Bond. This thus enables the nation to borrow at low interest rates from the financial global market for its development progress. For comparison, Thailand’s sovereign rating is at BBB, Indonesia at BB+ and Singapore AAA.

As a Contributor to Government Expenditure

Petronas started contributing to the government revenue in 1976 with a sum of RM 300 million rising to RM 2 billion by 1981. Due to increasing oil prices, by 2005 it was able to provide RM 32.1 billion (56.5% of net profits) to government revenue, increasing to RM 74 billion (78.9% of net profits) in 2009, which formed about 45% of government revenue for the year. Since its incorporation, Petronas has paid RM 471 billion to government, in addition to bearing a cumulative subsidy of RM 97 billion under the national gas utilization plan.

As the Controversial White Knight

The Petronas as an off-budget agency directly under the Prime Minister is not without controversy. Its large reserves made it a tempting target for bail-outs. It was asked to bail out Bank Bumiputera in 1985 with an injection of RM 2.5 billion, when the Bank collapsed under the weight of loans to the Hong Kong Carrion Property Group. And again it was directed to bail out the same bank at RM 1 billion in 1991. When Bank Bumiputera collapsed for the third time in 1997, was Petronas again asked to rescue? Only the fly at Tan Sri Merican’s (then CEO) office at that time would know. Suffice to say Bank Bumiputera now is part of CIMB. Petronas also bailed out Konsortium Perkapalan Berhad (KPB), through MISC, which suffered RM 2 billion losses during the 1997 Financial Crisis. This, of course, was a subject of much political debate then.

Petronas’s Mega Projects

At the peak of Asian Financial Crisis, Petronas went ahead and completed the Petronas Twin Tower (RM6 billion) and Putrajaya (RM22 billion). At that time it was subjected to much ridicules. There were jokes that “we could sell off one tower to Brunei to get some cash…” etc.

With the benefit of hindsight, however, are these decisions wrong?

The presence of the Twin Tower has transformed Kuala Lumpur into an international city; and KLCC is now the benchmark for property prices in the city. Similarly, although Putrajaya is still a quiet place, but its completion contributed to the rise of prosperous townships stretching from Kajang, Puchong, and Subang to Petaling Jaya.

Nevertheless, one may still ask – is it really Petronas’s core business to undertake mega infrastructure projects on its own? Is it not going beyond its mission (as the agency in charge of the nation’s petroleum reserves) to venture into activities that it is not an expert in? By spending RM544 million in building the six-star Prince Court Medical Centre, is it not really stretching itself way beyond its border?

Absence of a Vibrant Oil and Gas Sub-sector.

With Petronas’s emergence as an international oil company, there seem to be a glaring missing link; and that is its failure to nurture a vibrant oil and gas sub-sector in the country. The oil and gas sub-sector is barely a key driver of the Malaysian economy. In fact, the key leading sector that has primarily driven the Malaysian economy over the last three decades has been the E&E industries, which now contribute to over 30% of our exports in the country.

Malaysia is known for being a premier E&E hub for Asia but, not as an oil and gas hub. There are only about 60 companies listed on Bursa that is related to oil and gas activities, which is equivalent to the number listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. And Singapore is not even an oil producing nation!

The wealth of our national oil resource has not filtered down to the economy, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sub-sector that should be the backbone of any growing economy. No doubt the development of downstream activities such as polypropylene, fertilizers and other chemicals are present and substantial. However, an absence of a significant value chain of oil and gas suppliers, including supporting industries like catering, basic raw materials, tooling and equipment, uniforms, packaging and so forth.

As an oil producing nation, there is no significant Malaysian oil and gas talent pool. There are only a handful of Malaysians involved in technical support in the oil and gas sector such as welders, toolers, and riggers.

The bidding process by Petronas has been structured in a way that stifles local SME growth in this sector. The Bumiputra requirements, depending on the size and nature of the contract, can vary from 30 percent to as high as 70 percent. Oil and gas license are excruciatingly difficult to acquire and the requirements are stringent to a point of exclusion. It has also been long felt that the bidding process is not transparent and favored the foreign players more than the non-Bumiputra players. Petronas contracts signed with the foreign players far outnumber those with local companies.

4. A Comparison with Some Other Oil Producing Nations

How does Petronas’s record and our management of the oil revenue compare with other countries?

I have chosen five other models namely Nigeria, Venezuela, Indonesia, Alaska and Norway; looking at how each country has scored in the management of their oil reserves. While it may be arbitrary but it helps give us some indication beyond our own parochial, sometimes prejudiced view of ourselves.

Nigeria

Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa and the tenth largest producer of crude oil in the world. In 2005, total Nigerian oil production averaged 2.6 million barrel per day. The Nigerian economy is almost totally dependent on the oil sector; it makes up 95 percent of export revenues, 76 percent of government revenues, and accounts for about 30 percent of GDP. Nigeria was among the richest 50 countries in the early 1970s. But the blatant abuse of petrol power (coupled with its record of ethnic conflicts) has pitifully regressed Nigeria to the rank of the 25 poorest countries by 2000. Although the situation in Nigeria has improved over the last few years, the amount of human suffering that has beseeched the men, women and children due to mismanagement, and greed leading to violence against its own people, is unspeakable.

Venezuela

The oil and gas sector constitutes a third of the nation’s GDP, around 80% of the nation’s export and more than half of government's revenue. It is the ninth largest oil producer in the world. Oil revenue is central to Venezuelan politics, giving rise to a rent-seeking culture and an entrenched patronage system. Due to the volatility of oil prices, the Venezuelan economy goes through boom and bust cycles, along with it a “yo-yo” cycle of government spending. Despite Venezuela’s estimated $600 billion in oil exports since the early 1970s, real per capita income fell by 15 percent between 1973 and 1998. Its GDP has been declining on an average of 2.2% from 1985 to 2000. Due to its huge production value, Venezuelans have no incentive to look elsewhere for diversification. Today, the Venezuelan economy continues to be plagued with structural problems, and is ever more dependent on its oil reserves.

Indonesia

Pertamina was set up in 1968, during a time when foreign companies mostly dominated the oil industry. Its oil output then increased from 500,000 barrels per day to 1.5 million barrels per day in 1974, contributing up to 15% of Indonesia's GDP then. By 1974, it a huge company to be reckoned with, with its own drilling equipment, a chain of gasoline filling stations, and a fleet of about fifty five tankers. It had non–oil assets as well; with ownership of hotels, tourism complex, automobile distributorship, first class hospitals, television studios, insurance companies, and the US$ 2.5 billion Krakatau Steel mill.

Unfortunately Pertamina fell into mismanagement and abuse and collapsed as an oil company in 1975.

In the early 1980s the Indonesian oil and gas industry underwent extensive reforms. One key aspect of the reforms is the revamp of Pertamina through the establishment of independence; with authorities remove from regulators to agencies. The oil and gas industry was also liberalized, which resulted in the ending of oil and gas monopolies, and this improved production efficiency and profits. Through these reforms the Indonesian government managed to revitalize not only the oil sector but also the non-oil sectors, such as manufacturing, and improved the livelihood of its people with aggressive rates of economic growth.

Alaska

Petroleum extraction constitutes more than 80% of the state’s revenue. Alaska is very concerned about government expenditures being overly dependent on oil, as well as the impact of price volatility on the state economy. In 1976, an Act was passed requiring 25% of the government's oil royalty to be deposited into Alaskan Permanent Fund.

As at 2007, the fund stood at US$ 33 billion and about half of the year’s dividend income was distributed to all Alaskans as cash payouts.

The net effect of the Alaska Permanent Fund is that it helps to stabilize the cash flow for the state, and also improve the income of its people, especially those in the rural areas. The argument being that since Alaska is a poor state, the annual cash payments, given out equally to all residents (rich and poor), would be re-circulated into the economy spurring trade and creating job

Norway

In the 1960s, Norway’s gross domestic product per capita was lower than that of Sweden and Denmark. By the year 2000, the situation has reversed with Norway in the lead, due to the discovery of oil off the Norwegian coast and the establishment of the national oil company, Statoil. Currently, oil and gas industry is a very important component of the Norwegian economy, producing 3 million barrels of oil per day. With a population of 4.8 million, this works out to be 0.63 barrels of oil per day per Norwegian!

Norwegians were quick to learn from the Dutch that its resources had to be managed in a sustainable manner. In 1990, A Norwegian Petroleum fund was established with the main aim of acting as a buffer to smoothen oil price fluctuations, and stabilizing the exchange rate to avoid the dreaded Dutch Disease. As Norway has an aging population, the purpose of the Fund is also meant to help address the future needs of the country.

As at the end of 2001, the size of the fund (at US$ 400 billion) was equivalent to 45% of its GDP; and this fund is invested abroad to avoid overheating the Norwegian economy. Its success is due to the strict guidelines for the Fund's operations for which the authority goes back to the Parliament. Any transfer to and from the funds needs Parliamentary approval. The government is also required to report to Parliament on the Fund's status - three times a year.

Time to Safeguard Oil Revenue

2010-06-21T12:07:00.003+08:00

By Dr Fong Chan Onn

Malaysia is at a critical crossroads – we could plunge into an economic trench or succeed to enjoy the fruits of our labour. In part two this week, Sunday Star looks at a new model of management of our oil revenue which should be implemented.

How do we compare with the above five oil producing countries, in terms and management of the oil revenue and its spending? I venture to argue while we certainly have not done too badly, we can still do better, in fact much better.

On the macro policy side it is clear that, instead of using our oil revenue to encourage high income generation activities in the last 1990s, we have continued to rely on labor-intensive manufacturing. Instead of restructuring wage policies, price controls, and subsidies (which cause distortions to the economy) we have continued to rely on these traditional policies resulting in oil subsidies constituting 30% of government operating expenses in 2008.

With as much as 45% of the government revenue coming from oil, and knowing that Petronas has cash reserves of RM 121.2 billion in 2009, government policy makers find it difficult to breakout from this easy source of income. We become too comfortable to think of innovative ways of finding new sources of growth compared with countries with no natural resources. We have also refrained from making bullet-biting policies, and stick to implementing the tough decisions that are needed to restructure the economy.

This dependency syndrome on easy oil revenue cannot be allowed to continue.

This is because, due our failure to reform the economy and the growing competitiveness of other Asian countries, our manufacturing sector growth rates have been falling since 2004, from 17% to 8% in 2008 (see Chart 1). The service sector similarly has also experienced falling growth rates, from 14% in 2004 to 11% in 2008 (see Chart 2).

FDI has also fallen 72.9% from US$ 12.9 billion in 2008 to US$ 3.6 billion in 2009. Declining manufacturing and services sector growth rates, coupled with falling FDIs, are strong symptoms of the on-set of delayed Dutch Disease and our depleting global competitiveness.

Our country now lies on a critical crossroads on which we could plunge into an economic trench or, we could succeed to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Clearly, a new model of management of our oil revenue has to be implemented.

To suggest a new model for oil revenue management, I need to estimate the proportion of annual net profits made by Petronas that is retained as cash reserves for its future use (or for the needs of our future generations).

Petronas has publicly stated that its cash reserves at 2009 stood at RM 121.2 billion. But its cash reserves for other years have not been publicly reported. Further net profits figures of Petronas have been publicly reported only since 1992.

But assuming a conservative cash reserves of RM10 billion (accumulated over the 17-year period of 1974-1991) at 1992, and calculating from the net profits of the company reported (publicly) from 1992 to 2009 while assuming a conservative 5% annual rate of return and ignoring foreign exchange losses or gains, Petronas’s cash reserves of RM121.2 billion at 2009 implies a reserves retention rate from net profits of only about 21% (see Chart 3), with 79% of net profits being paid to government for its operating expenditure, or Petronas itself investing on mega projects.

Given our depleting oil reserves (we could become an net importer of oil within a decade) is this low retention rate fair to our future generations?

Chart 3 also shows that had Petronas’s reserves retention rate been set at 33% its cash reserves could be at RM 177.7 billion at 2009; had its retention rate been at 50%, its reserves would have been at RM 256.9 billion in 2009 - more than double of the present RM 121.2 billion.

The Alaskan Model of a Citizen Fund indicates that 25% of oil revenue is set aside every year for the direct needs of its people; profits from the fund are then paid as cash dividends equally to all Alaskans. In a poor egalitarian society like Alaska, this may be fair, but in Malaysia we have always advocated the policy “it is always better to teach a man how to fish, then to give the man the fish”.

A State Fund (Future Malaysian Fund) could be set up; requiring Petronas to deposit say 25% of its annual net profits into this fund, to be managed by Bank Negara for the needs of our future generations. For the remaining 75% of its net profits, the government could decide the proportion that could be allocated as government revenue, and the proportion to be held as retained revenue by Petronas. A suggested formula could be 25% of net profits to be used by government as revenue, with Petronas retaining the remaining 50% for reinvestment purposes. For the year 2009, for example, this formula would imply that out of the RM52.5 billion net profits, the Future Malaysia Fund and the government would receive RM13.1 billion each, and Petronas could set aside RM26.2 for reinvestment purposes. For comparison, Petronas paid a dividend of RM30 billion to federal government in 2009, and retained RM 21.9 billion for reinvestment.

More importantly, this formula would enable Petronas to channel a quarter of its annual net profits to meet the needs of the future generations, when our oil reserves have dried up. Also with a smaller allocation from oil revenue as government revenue, we would be forced to implement bullet-biting reform policies to strengthen our economy with an improved competitiveness and new innovations.

The implementations of the Future Malaysian Fund Model notwithstanding, Petronas should not be denied of its present independence, given its own track record of par excellence; growing from anonymity in 1974 to being listed on Fortune 500 today. It should not be subjected to the wimps and fancies of the government of the day, nor should it be concerned about the nuts and bolts of running huge non-oil infrastructural projects.

My key concern is related to how the government chooses to utilize the earning streams as the reserves for meeting the needs of our future generations.

It is sufficed to say that the current scenario of wage restraints, price controls and subsidies is untenable. Given the global fluctuations and political volatility, it is only fair to the people of Malaysia that we revisit the Petroleum Development Act to seek more stable and transparent policy in the long term management of our oil reserves, for the sake of our future generations.

Tracing the Brain Drain Trend

2010-06-21T10:30:00.012+08:00

By Fong Chan Onn

Between 1960 and 2005, the world’s registered migration increased to an average of 919,302 per nation, an increase of 2.4 times. However, Malaysia’s emigration numbers rose to 1,489,168, an almost 100-fold increase over the 45-year period.

The recent report by the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) on the New Economic Model (NEM) laments “we are not developing talent and what we do have are leaving”. The report says that currently, some 350,000 Malaysians working abroad with over half of them having tertiary education. This leaves us with over 80% of our workforce with SPM-level qualification, and their wages are being continually suppressed by the easy availability of foreign workers and other barriers like subsidies and price controls.

The focus of my article is to trace some of the worrying brain-drain trends which I believe underlie the severity of our setbacks to move up to a high income economy, and the steps we should immediately undertake to overcome these challenges.

1. Beginning of Brain Drain

Out-flow of talents is not a new phenomenon, but globalization and rapid IT global communications have just speeded the process. Malayans (and since 1963 Malaysians) began to seek overseas tertiary education soon after independence in 1957 when it became part of the British Commonwealth. University education at home then was elitist, being confined to University of Malaya at Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Many bright young Malaysians, aided by their fluency in English, had to seek tertiary education aboard (with or even without their parents’ financial support) in UK, Australia and other English-speaking societies. This trend was further accentuated by the various aid schemes, such as the Colombo Plan and Commonwealth Scholarships and later our own MARA, JPA, TNB and Petronas scholarships, through which tens of thousands of bright Malaysian students have been sponsored for overseas tertiary studies since the early 1960s.

After completion of their education, some choose to remain because of better job opportunities, some also choose to stay because they prefer the new life-style and social environment compared to that at home, while others such as the Malaysian women who married locally had to stay behind because their children, under Malaysian law, are not entitled to become Malaysian citizens or even permanent residents (PR).

2. Brain Drain more Serious than We Think

According to the World Bank, Malaysians residing overseas was only 9,576 in 1960 while the world’s total registered migration was 382,912 per nation. By 2005, the world’s registered migration increased to an average of 919,302 per nation, an increase of 2.4 times. However, Malaysia’s emigration numbers rose to 1,489,168, an almost 100-fold increase over the 45-year period.

In 1981, the number of Malaysians residing in Australia was 31,589 and this increased to 92,337 in 2007 (see Table 1). Those that resided in the U.K. in 1981 numbered 45,430 and this went up to 61,000 in 2007. United States was a laggard with only 11,001 in 1981 but due to the country’s very aggressive move to attract top talents, the number of Malaysians who took up residence in the U.S. shot up to 54,321 by 2007. Similarly our Singapore neighbour has also been absorbing large numbers of Malaysians, from 120,104 in 1981 to 303,828 in year 2000.

Table 1: Malaysian Residents Abroad

While the total figure is concerning, further analysis of the migration numbers is even more worrisome.

The World Bank’s report indicates that in 1990, the number of Malaysians with tertiary education residing in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries totalled about 72,649 with a majority of them in Australia (34,716), followed by the U.S. (12,315) and the U.K. (9,812) (see Table 2). The latest available data shows that in 2000, the number of Malaysians with tertiary education residing in OECD countries went up by 40.84%. The 102,321 Malaysian graduates that stayed in OECD countries in year 2000 make up 77.2% of the total Malaysians (132,468) that decided to domicile in these countries (See table 3).

Table 2: Number of Malaysian Migrants with Tertiary Education in OECD Countries

Table 3: Migrants with Tertiary Education in OECD Countries in Year 2000

And who are these graduates that we are losing out?

An example is given by the data on foreign-born medical personnel in OECD countries. While our local hospitals are experiencing shortages of nurses and doctors, we have 7,431 Malaysian nurses, 4,129 doctors, 652 dentists and 798 pharmacists working in the OECD countries (see Table 4) in 2000.

Table 4: Foreign-born Medical Personnel in OECD Countries in Year 2000

Further, the current global high-tech consumer boom has created a huge demand for science and technology (S&T) researchers in US, accentuating the migration of talents from the developing world (including Malaysia) to U.S. Table 5 shows that in 2003 there were 7,955 Malaysian S&T researchers working in US compared to 10,419 such researchers working at home.

Table 5: Researchers Employed in S & T in the United States in Year 2003

3. Not Alone in Losing Talents

However, in this highly competitive global environment, it must be pointed out that Malaysia is not alone in losing the best talents to the OECD countries.

As Table 3 shows, South Korea, a member of OECD, has 885,885 of its citizens residing in other OECD countries, with 652,894 (73.7%) of them being graduates, and this constituted to about 1.39% of total South Korean population! India has 1.5 millions of its citizens domicile in OECD with 69.0% of them being graduates.

Even Singapore, a richer but much smaller country than Malaysia, saw 67,560 Singaporeans taking residence in OECD countries in 2000 with 50,019 of them being university-educated. It is only slightly behind Malaysia with 74% of its emigrants into the OECD countries having tertiary education. On the proportion of graduate migrants to total population, Singapore appears to be losing out more than us, with the number of Singaporean graduates in OECD countries standing at 1.24% compared to our 0.44%. Little wonder the city-state is working its hardest to attract bright Malaysians over the Causeway!

Further Table 3 shows that though Thailand and Indonesia may ‘export’ a much higher number of their workforce to the OECD countries, only about 40% of their own nationalities have tertiary education. This is mainly due to a lower proportion of their tertiary-educated workforce having a good command of English, and hence may have greater difficulty to fit into the high-level jobs there.

Table 4 also shows that we are not alone in losing medical talents. Philippines have 110,577 of its nurses and 15,859 of its doctors residing in the OECD countries! There are also 5,332 doctors from Taiwan, 2,798 doctors from Hong Kong, and even 1,356 Singaporean doctors working in OECD countries.

In terms of S&T researchers, Table 5 shows that in 2003 there were 158,524 Chinese researchers (17.5% compared to such researchers at home), 44,236 Vietnamese researchers (4.5 times the number of S&T researchers at home) and 26,602 Hong Kong researchers (2.1 times of such scientists at home) working in the U.S. The 7 thousand-odd Malaysian scientists amongst these hundreds of thousands foreign scientists is actually a small figure; but that is, of course, no consolation in our losing them in the first place.

What Tables 3, 4 and 5 have highlighted is that in the 21st Century global environment, OECD countries with their advanced infrastructures, robust social institutions, numerous world-famous universities and R & D institutions as well as booming markets, are powerful natural magnets for the developing world’s professionals.

4. What are We Gaining Instead?

We have about 2.5 million unskilled legal (and illegal) foreign workers in the country. Some 650,000 of them work in the manufacturing sector, followed by about 300,000 in construction. Domestic workers make up another 220,000. The balance is in the services, plantation and agriculture sectors. The services sector alone hires about 400,000 foreign workers mostly as waiters, security guards, general workers and cleaners.

Our addiction and dependence on these unskilled foreign workers has deepened to the extent that many of our manufacturing plants and the main-stays of our palm oil exports (plantations such as Sime Darby, IOI and KLK) will have to stop operation in their absence. According to a One Utama executive, as high as 90% of workers in the Food and Beverage sector are now made up of foreigners. Therefore, we should no longer be surprised by not being able to order our meals in Malay, Mandarin, English or any other commonly spoken language known to Malaysians anymore!

And who are we gaining instead?

Table 6: Origin of Immigrants in Malaysia

As Table 6 shows, in year 2000, we have 627,700 Indonesians working in Malaysia, followed by 124,600 Philippines, 55,200 Bangladeshis, 53,500 Chinese, and 48,000 Indians. Though the skill level of these workers is not stated in the database it will be naive to assume that many of them are graduate professionals.

Table 6 also shows that in 2000 there were only 5,750 US citizens, 8,800 Japanese, 3,100 Australians and 1,250 New Zealanders (all members of OECD) residing in Malaysia. Again though not stated in the database it can be assumed most of them would be expatriates or professionals working in the manufacturing or services sectors.

This is consistent with the recent NEAC report on the NEM which says that the numbers of expatriates have fallen from nearly 90,000 in 2000 to nearly half of that by 2008. The net result is a “shortage of dynamic talent to push Malaysia into higher added value activities”.

The trends illustrated in Tables 3 to 5 are indicative that our brain drain is serious, while Table 6 shows that the brains we are trying to attract are not coming in. Of course, Tables 3 to 5 also show that we are not alone in losing out.

But is that a sufficient consolation? I think not. It will be shown later that while other countries have taken steps to remedy the problem, we are still far behind in trying to resolve the challenges we are facing.

5. Why are We Losing Talents?

This issue has been discussed extensively, but let me try to summarize why we have been losing our talents.

Legislative Issues

As I have elaborated at the beginning of this article, under Malaysian law a child born overseas to a Malaysian mother, whose husband is a non-Malaysian, is not entitled to Malaysian citizenship or even permanent resident (PR) status. This large pool of talents is just kept out of our shores.

I vividly remember Dato’ Syed Norulzaman (a retired Malaysian Ambassador) lamenting to me last month over dinner on how his daughter, a JPA medical scholar at Dublin, worked hard over the years to qualify as a medical specialist. She unfortunately could not return to serve Malaysia because she married her Norwegian class-mate, and their children are classified as non-Malaysians. With tears in his eyes, he said he has never felt so helpless as an Ambassador because he could not explain to her daughter why Malaysia does not accept her children….

And of the thousands of talented foreign spouses who have returned to Malaysia with their Malaysian husbands, what is happening to them? Medical experts, top-notch scientists, or experienced teachers they may be, but they are not even accorded PR status and are disallowed to work here, their adopted home.

Educational Opportunities

Up to the late 1990s, a large number of Malaysians migrated for their children’s education. University education opportunities for Malaysians (particularly the non-Malays) were limited by the quota system and financial aids. However, the implementation of the 1996 Private University Act saw rapid expansion of opportunities for tertiary education in the country. And with the establishment of the Government University Loan Scheme (PTPTN) providing financial aids to all students including those from Independent Chinese Schools, as well as the opening up of JPA scholarships to all excellent students, all Malaysians who aspire for tertiary education can now pursue their dreams within our shores.

Although many Malaysians still go overseas for their education, they now go by choice and not out of necessity.

Domestic Social-political Issues

In this global-village world, Malaysians are being continuously exposed to the world environment. We see, feel and hear first-world life-styles, first-world civil society structures, and first-world social institutions over TV and the Media all the time. Many Malaysians felt disillusioned, or even short-changed, by the non-optimal functioning of our social-political institutions which seem always constrained by the many sensitivities of our multi-religious and multi-ethnic background.

Beyonce was approved for performance in KL; then when there was some protests she was disallowed to come in. Of course she then went on to perform to record crowds in Jakarta. Many of us cannot accept examples of these unwarranted constraints on our social lives, and feel that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence (or Causeway?).

Of course, the fact that Malaysia has never taken public relations with the rest of the world seriously and consequently is always reported negatively in the world media, does us even greater damage especially in the eyes of the Malaysian professionals abroad.

Our Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Najib Razak, fortunately understands these concerns clearly. The radical reforms he is currently pushing through under the NEM (including emphasising needs-based policies over race-based policies), the Key Performance Indices, and the all-inclusive 1Malaysia Program will hopefully bear fruits in the next one year, and will result in a significant raise of the “feel-good” factor with a corresponding reduction in our social-political environment being a push factor for Malaysians to migrate.

First-world Pull Policies

With the current high-tech boom, many first-world nations realize that to capture the global markets with new innovative products and services (iPads, smartphones, nano-products, etc) they have to take aggressive steps to build their talent pool “by instant” rather than through natural organic growth. These advanced nations (I am including Singapore and Hong Kong in this category) have introduced talented-immigrant attraction policies as follows:

US: Employer-sponsored visas (H-1B) given liberally to immigrants who have at least a Bachelor’s degree in arts, science, education, and other disciplines.

UK: Tier-1 Point-based migration under which immigrants have to score at least 75 points based on age, experience and qualification.

Australia: Skilled Migration Program, under which applicants are assessed on a point system again based on age, experience and qualification.

Singapore: Employer-sponsored (Scheme 1) working visas are issued within 3 working days of receipt of application. And under its Scheme 4, top-notch professionals are “purposely” sought out from all over the world to be attracted to reside in Singapore.

Hong Kong: Working visas are readily given out on a points system; the points are again assessed based on age, experience and qualification.

Many Malaysians have gone to these countries on these programs, and in the process contributed to these societies’ development.

6. How to Retain and Recruit Talents?

What can we do to retain the talents we have in the country, as well as to attract the return of our talents from overseas; besides trying to recruit non-Malaysian experts to enrich the pool of our expertise? This is obviously a tall-order question which I will attempt to answer.

Firstly, besides pushing on with the reforms needed under the NEM and the 1Malaysia Program, we need to immediately abolish all the gender-biased legislative impediments preventing the husbands and children of our female talents, who have married non-Malaysians, from becoming citizens or even PRs. Unless this is done, and done retroactively, the thousands of these Malaysian talents will be forever lost from our shores.

Further, the thousands of wives of Malaysians who have returned should be immediately given PR or even citizenship so that their expertise can be harnessed by the nation.

By one stroke of the pen we can immediately enlarge significantly our talent pool.

Secondly, we need to negotiate more country-to-country Youth Exchange Programs with OECD nations, like the Malaysia-New Zealand Youth Exchange Program. Our youths have been going over to their shores for decades, now with these exchange programs we can at least begin to attract some of their youths to our shores; first as guests, and later maybe as experts.

Thirdly, we should get away from our cold-war siege mentality mind-set, bite the bullet and immediately reform our working permit, PR and citizenship policies. Working permits for expatriates should be quickly approved for applications from employers for bringing in the expertise that they need to run their businesses or factories. PR status should be accorded to the top experts that we want to recruit. Their coming into our midst will result in new innovations and thousands of new high-paying jobs for our people.

If we can approve the hundreds of thousands of unskilled labour, why can’t we allow the engineers, scientists, and other experts required by the Multi-National Corporations to enter?

Fourthly, we need to relook at our own incentive schemes implemented to attract the return of our professionals. Under the Human Resources Ministry’s “Return of Experts Program”, an approved returnee is entitled to bring back two cars tax-free (as well as the applicant’s accumulated income also tax-free). This is hardly an incentive as in OECD countries there is no such thing as Approved Permits or prohibitive taxes on imported cars.

We need to follow on the successful examples of other countries, such as the Taiwanese Hinshu Science Park established in the 1980s for returning scientists from US, under which returnees are given R&D grants for start-ups and educational assistance for their children. Out of this Taiwan emerged to be a major exporter of IT appliances. Or the Korean Institute for Science and Technology (KIST) set up to provide research grants and managerial autonomy for talented returnees, mimicking the US research environment; and now South Korea has 96% broad-band penetration rate. Even China has established its “Freedom to Come and Go” Policy and Special Development Zones for its talented returnees.

Through our embassies, we need to identify and directly engage our professionals world-wide and make them part of our global ambassory network. With their support and good-will, we can greatly improve the image of our country. Some of them can even be persuaded to set up base at home. If they have good ideas, venture capital and R&D grants should be provided so that they can be assisted to transform these ideas into products and services.

It is already quite late in the day for us to start these policies to attract talents.

My meetings with many of our professionals aboard indicate that they are still very much Malaysians at heart. They miss the Nasi Lemaks, our colourful multi-ethnic life-styles, and the relatively stress-free nature of our work environment. Similarly, many Japanese, US and Korean expatriates will prefer to work in KL compared to other Asian cities.

Though late in the day to attract and recruit them back to Malaysia, at least we know we are starting on a reservoir of good-will. But let us implement these Attract and Recruit Programs with the fullest commitments now, so that our plan to emerge as a high-income economy can become reality in the not too distant tomorrow.

End/

留住人才，加强马来西亚的竞争力

2010-06-21T09:01:00.007+08:00

冯镇安博士

国家经济咨询理事会最近发表有关新经济模式的报告指出，“我国并没有培养人才，反而正让人才外流”。报告又说，目前，有大约35万名马来西亚人在海外工作，其中半数以上拥有高等教育学历。反观马来西亚，百分之80以上的劳动力，只拥有马来西亚教育中学文凭水平的学历，而他们的薪金继续受到压制，因为我国很容易雇用到外劳，此外，他们也面对好比补贴和价格管制等的其他障碍。

这篇文章是要专注探讨令人担心的人才外流的一些现象。我认为，这种趋势将会严重挫败我国要攀上高收入经济体的目标。因此，我国应该立刻采取一些步骤，克服这些挑战。

1. 人才外流的开始

人才外流并不是新的现象，但是，全球化，以及信息科技的迅速成长，加速了人才外流的情况。马来亚人（１９６３年后称为马来西亚人）在１９５７年国家独立，并且成为共和联邦成员国后，开始离乡背井前往海外深造和升学。当年，我国的大学教育是很有限，只有设在吉隆坡和新加坡的马来亚大学。许多有抱负和优秀的年轻人由于能够掌握英语，而纷纷选择前往英国、澳洲以及其他英语系社会的国家升学（无论有没有获得父母的财务援助）。后来，各项援助计划，例如科伦坡计划和共和联邦奖学金推出后，进一步强化出国深造的现象。自上个世纪６０年代初以来，在我国一些机构，好比玛拉、公共服务局、国家能源公司以及国家石油公司提供奖学金下，我国成千上万优秀的学生被保送出国接受高等教育。

这些学生在完成学业后，有的选择留下来工作，因为那里有更好的就业机会；有些选择留在外国，原因是他们比较喜欢异乡的新生活方式和社会环境；而有的马来西亚学生，好比女性则嫁给当地人而不得不留下来，因为在马来西亚的法例下，她们的子女不能成为马来西亚公民或永久居民。

2. 人才外流比预计中更加严重

根据世界银行的统计，1960年，旅居海外的马来西亚人只有9,576名，而当年世界登记的移民总数是平均每个国家 38万2千912 名。到了 2005年，世界登记的移民总数增加到平均每个国家 91万9千302名，提高了 2.4 倍。然而，过去 45年来，马来西亚的移民人数则激升到 148万9千168名，增加了将近一百倍。

在1981年，在澳洲定居的马来西亚人是 3万1千589名，到了2007年，人数则增加到 9万2千337 名 (参阅表一) 。1981年定居英国的马来西亚人是 4万5千430名，而到2007年则增加到　6万1千人。移居美国的我国人数变化最大，在1981年只有1万1千零1名，但是，由于美国积极引进杰出的专才，到了2007年，移居美国的马来西亚人数激增到5万4千321名。同样的，邻国新加坡也大量招揽马来西亚专才，移居到该国的马来西亚人数，从1981 年的12万零104名，增加到2000年的30万3千828名。

表一: 在海外的马来西亚移民形势

从整个数据看来已是严重的现象，但对移民数据的进一步分析，更加令人担忧。

世界银行发布的报告显示，在1990年，接受高深教育的马来西亚人定居于经济合作及发展组织国家的人数达到大约7万2千649名，其中移居澳洲的人数最多，共有 3万4千716名，接下来是美国，1万2千315名，以及英国9千812名 (参阅表二)。最新的数据显示，在 2000年，接受高深教育的马来西亚人定居于经济合作及发展组织国家的人数，增加了40.84%。2000年，留在经济合作及发展组织国家的马来西亚大学毕业生人数共有10万2千321名，占了移居这些国家的马来西亚人总数(13万2千468)的77.2% 。 (参阅表三).

表二: 接受高深教育的马来西亚人定居于“经济合作及发展组织”国家形势

表三: 2000年接受高深教育的移民定居于“经济合作及发展组织”国家的人数

而我国失去的是哪些大学毕业生？

以经济合作及发展组织国家的外国出生医务人员的数据为例子：在2000年我国的医院严重缺乏护士和医生的时候，却有7,431 名马来西亚护士、 4,129 名医生、 652 名牙医以及 798 名药剂师在经济合作及发展组织国家工作 (参阅表四)

表四: 2000年在“经济合作及发展组织”国家的外国出生医药人员

另一方面，由于全球目前对高科技的殷切需求与日俱增，导致美国需要大量的科技研究员，进而加剧了从发展中世界(包括马来西亚)的专才移居美国的趋势。表五显示，在 2003年，共有 7,955 马来西亚的科技研究员在美国工作，而留在我国服务的科技研究员人数只剩下 1万零419 名。

表五: 2003年受聘于美国的科技研究员

3. 不光是我国损失人才

然而，在全球高度竞争的环境中，必须指出的是，不光是马来西亚的顶尖人才流向经济合作及发展组织国家。

表三显示，也是经济合作及发展组织成员国的韩国，有88万5千885名公民移居该组织的其他成员国，其中65万2千894人 (73.7%)是大学毕业生，占了韩国总人口的大约 1.39%。印度则有１５０万人移居“经济合作及发展组织”国家，其中 69.0%是大学毕业生。　

即使比马来西亚富裕，但面积小很多的邻国新加坡，在2000 年也有6万7千560 名公民移居经济合作及发展组织国家，其中 5万零１９名是大学毕业生，占移民总数的74%，比马来西亚稍微低。从大学生移民对总人口的比例看来，新加坡流失的人才，显然比马来西亚还要多，因为在经济合作及发展组织国家的大学生总数，新加坡人占1.24%，马来西亚人只占0.44%。难怪新加坡目前还在想方设法，招揽长堤彼岸的优秀马来西亚专才。

此外，表三显示，也许，印尼和泰国“出口”到经济合作及发展组织国家人口和劳动力中占比较高的比例，但是只有大约 40% 的移民曾接受高等教育。主要原因是，接受高等教育的劳动力，只有少部分能够掌握英文，因此，他们要加入经济合作及发展组织国家的高科技工作行列，面对很大的困难。

表四也显示，不光是我国流失医药人才。菲律宾目前有 11万零577名护士以及1万5千859 名医生在经济合作及发展组织国家定居。此外，来自台湾的5千332 名医生，香港的 2千798 名医生，甚至来自新加坡的 1千356 名医生也在这些国家落户。至于科技研究员，表五显示，在 2003 年，移居美国的中国科技研究员共有15万8 千524名 (占国内科技研究员总数的17.5%)，越南研究员有 4万4千236 名 (等于国内科技研究员总数的4.5 倍)，香港研究员有2万6千602 名 (等于国内科技研究员总数的2.1 倍)。与这些国家和地区的成千上万移民相比，在美国工作的7千多名我国科学工作者人数，实际上只是小数目。当然，我们不应该因此而感到安慰。

表三、表四和表五的数据，说明了21世纪的全球环境、经济合作及发展组织国家拥有的先进设施、蓬勃的社会机制、世界一些知名的大学和研究所，以及欣欣向荣的市场，都是吸取发展中世界专业人士的强大天然磁场。

4. 然而我国获得了什么？

我国目前拥有大约 250万名非熟练的合法和非法外劳。其中有大约65万名在制造业工作，其次是在建筑业工作，有大约30万名。另外有22万名当家庭女佣，其余的则分别在服务业、园丘业和农业领域工作。光是服务业就雇佣了大约40万名外劳，他们主要做侍应生、保安员、普通工人和清洁工人的工作。

我国对非熟练外劳习以为常的依赖，已经深化，并达到许多制造业工厂以及棕油的出口(例如森那美、 IOI集团和KLK等园丘)，因为没有他们工作而必须停止运作的程度。根据万达镇商业大楼的一名执行人员说，餐饮业目前有高达90% 的工人是外劳。因此，我们现在向他们点菜和点饮料时，无法以马来文、华语、英语或任何我们所通晓的语言和他们沟通，已经不再令人感到出奇！

结果，我国获得到底是谁呢?

表六: 在马来西亚的移民原籍

表六显示，在2000年，共有62万7千700名印尼人在马来西亚工作，菲律宾工人共有12万4千600名，孟加拉国人 5万5千200 名，中国人 5万3千500 名，而来自印度的工人有 4万8千名。虽然资料没有说明这些工人的技术水平，但是，假定他们当中有许多的专业人士，那可是天真的想法。

表六也显示，在2000年，只有 5,750 名美国公民； 8,800 名日本人； 3,100 名澳洲人以及 1,250 名纽西兰人 (都是经济合作及发展组织成员国的公民)在马来西亚定居。同样的，资料没有说明他们的技术水平，但是，我们可以说，他们大多数是在制造业和服务领域工作的专才或专业人士。

这符合国家经济咨询理事会最近发表有关新经济模式的报告内容。这份报告说，我国的专才人数，在2000年有将近 9万名，而到了2008年，专才人数减少了将近半数。结果是，“我国缺乏具有活力的专才，去推动马来西亚开展更高的加值活动”。

表三到表五显现的趋势，说明我国的人才外流现象是严重的。表六显示，我国正在设法招揽回国服务的专才，却没有回来。当然，表三到表五也说明，不光是我国流失人才。

我们是否能够因而有充足的理由感到安慰？我认为不能。因为其他国家已经采取步骤，想方设法纠正问题，然而，我国还是无动于衷，完全没有试图去解决所面对的挑战。

5. 为什么马来西亚会流失人才？

这个问题已经受到广泛的讨论，不过，让我概述我国流失人才的原因。

法例问题

正如我在文章开头所叙述一样，在马来西亚的法例下，一名马来西亚女性在海外嫁给了非马来西亚人，她所生下的孩子不能获得马来西亚公民权，甚至不能享有永久居民的地位。这造成大批的专才，不得不选择定居海外，而不愿回国服务。

我记得，拿督赛诺鲁查曼 (一名退休的马来西亚大使) 上个月在一项晚宴上告诉我，他的女儿是在公共服务局保送下前往都柏林攻读医科，她经过多年的努力后，考获了医药专科学位而成为专科医生。然而，令人遗憾的是，由于她嫁给了一名挪威同学，她所生下的孩子被列为马来西亚非公民，而不能回国服务。拿督赛诺鲁查曼眼眶充满着泪水说，虽然曾经出任大使，他从来没有感到这么的无助，因为他无法向女儿解释为什么马来西亚不能接受他的子女….

对于数以千计返回马来西亚服务的专才的外国籍配偶，她们的命运如何呢？她们本身可能是医药界专家、出众的科学工作者或很有经验的教师，但是，她们甚至不能享有永久居民的地位，而且也不获准在我国 – 丈夫的国家工作。

教育机会

在上个世纪90年代末之前，大量的马来西亚人为了子女的教育而移居外国。由于实行固打制和财务援助的问题，马来西亚人(尤其是非马来人)接受大学教育的机会很有限。不过，自从实行1996 年私立大学法令后，我国的高等教育机会迅速扩大。政府设立了高等教育贷学金计划，为所有学生，包括来自独立中学的学生提供财务援助，以及为所有卓越的学生开放公共服务局的奖学金后，所有有意继续升学的马来西亚学生，现在已经可以在国内实现他们深造的梦想。

虽然仍然有许多马来西亚人出国深造，但是，他们现在是因选择而出，而不再是非出国不可。

国内的社会政治问题

在这个地球村的世界，马来西亚人不断的接触世界环境。我们经常通过电视和媒体，看到、感受到和听到有关第一世界的生活方式、第一世界的民事社会结构以及第一世界的社会机制。许多马来西亚人对我国的社会政治机制运作不理想而感到失望，他们经常受到我国多元宗教和多元种族的背景存有的许多敏感问题所限制。

美国歌手碧昂斯曾经获准在吉隆坡演出，但是，由于一些人提出抗议而导致她不被允许进入我国。当然，她还是继续前往印尼演出，而且在雅加达吸引的广大群众创下了纪录。很多马来西亚人不能接受这种社会生活受到限制的例子，必然产生了外国（或许长提彼岸）的月亮比较圆的心理。

当然，马来西亚从来没有和世界其他国家认真建立公共关系，结果，经常受到世界媒体给以负面的报道。在海外的我国专业人士眼里，我国形象受到的破坏的程度更大。

令人欣慰的是，我国首相纳吉明确地了解这些问题。他目前通过落实新经济模式（包括强调实行以需求为基础的政策，而不是以种族为基础的政策），关键表现指数以及全民的一个马来西亚计划，做出了重大的改革。希望这些改革在今后一年内能够有结果，大大提升人民的“满意”因素，同时减少促成马来西亚人移居的社会政治环境因素。

第一世界的招揽政策

由于目前高科技的蓬勃成长，许多第一世界国家了解到，要攫取新的革兴产品和服务(iPads、精明电话、纳米产品等)的市场，它们必须采取积极的步骤，立刻汇集专才，而不是通过自然的成长。这些先进国 (我也把新加坡和香港列入这个级别内) 实施了有关专才移居的吸引人的政策:

美国: 自由发出雇主赞助签证(H-1B)给拥有至少文科、理科、教育系以及其他学科学位的移民。

英国: 实行以一层极分数为主的移民计划。在这项计划下，移民必须根据年龄、经验和学历获取至少75分。

澳洲: 落实熟练移民计划。在这项计划下，申请者也是根据年龄、经验和学历，而受到评估和打分数。

新加坡: 在接到申请的3个工作日内，就发出雇主赞助工作签证 (计划 1)。在计划 4之下，新加坡蓄意招揽全世界的出众专业人士到该国定居。

香港: 欣然的根据分数制度发出工作准证；分数也是根据年龄、经验和学历进行评估。

在这些计划下，许多马来西亚人已经移居到这些国家，并且正在对它们的社会发展做出贡献。

6. 如何留住和聘用人才？

我国除了聘请非马来西亚籍的专才，传授和丰富我国的专门知识之外，还应该采取哪些措施，去留住国内现有的人才，以及吸引在海外的专才回国服务呢？显然的，这是我所要探讨和设法回答的问题。

首先，除了推动新经济模式和一个马来西亚计划所需要的改革之外，我国亦须立刻废除所有性别偏袒法例的障碍，因为它们阻止嫁给非马来西亚人的我国女性专才的丈夫和子女成为公民或获取永久居留权。除非这么做，否则，数以千计的马来西亚专才将永远不会再回国服务。

与此同时，数以千计已经回国服务的马来西亚人的妻子，应该立刻为她们发出永久居留权，甚至公民权，以便她们的专门知识，能够被国家充分使用。

只要取消这些法令，我国就能够立刻扩大人才的汇集。

第二，我们必须和经济合作及发展组织国家磋商进行更多的国与国青年交换计划，例如马来西亚-纽西兰青年交换计划。过去几十年来，我国青年不断前往这些国家，现在，通过青年交换计划，我们至少可以开始吸引这些国家的一些青年前来我国。他们开始是作客，过后可能成为我国的专家。

第三，我们应该摒弃冷战时期的思维而迎接挑战，立刻对工作准证、永久居留和公民权的政策作出改革。政府应该迅速批准雇主为专才申请的工作准证，以便他们能够引进在管理生意或工厂方面所需要的专门知识。此外，当局也应该为我国所聘请的高级专家提供永久居留的地位，因为它们为我国提供的服务，将带来革新，进而为我国人民提供成千上万的高收入工作。

既然我国能够批准成千上万的非熟练劳工，为什么就不能允许跨国公司所需要的工程师、科学工作者以及其他专才进入我国呢？

第四，我国需要重新检讨为吸引专业人士回国服务而落实的奖掖计划。在人力资源部实行的“专家回归计划”下，每名被批准回归的专才，可以带回两辆免税的汽车 (申请者的累计收入也豁免抽税)。经济合作及发展组织国家根本没有提供这些优惠。

我国必须向其他国家的成功例子看齐，例如台湾在上个世纪80年代，为从美国回归的科学家成立了‘新竹科技园’。这些回归的科学家获得科研的地位，以创立事业，而他们的子女获得了教育援助金。台湾因而崛起为信息科技用品的主要出口经济体。韩国模仿美国的研究环境，成立了科技研究所，为回归的专才提供研究拨款以及管理自主的地位。如今，韩国的宽频渗透率达到了96%。即使是中国，也为回归的专才实行了“自由来往”的政策，以及设立特别发展区。

我国应该通过在各国的大使馆，进行鉴定和直接聘请分布在全世界的我国专才，使他们充当我国全球大使网络的部分成员。在他们的支持和进行亲善联系下，肯定有助于大大提升和改善我国的形象。他们当中甚至可以受促请在我国设立基地。如果他们有很好的计划，当局应该为他们提供创业资金以及科研基金，以便协助他们把这些计划转型为产品和服务。

我国现在开始落实这些政策来吸引专才，已经算是相当迟了。

我曾经和在海外的许多我国专才见面，他们向我表示，他们仍然想念马来西亚，而且怀念椰浆饭，我国多姿多彩的多元种族生活方式，以及相当没有压力性质的工作环境。同样的，在亚洲各城市当中，很多日本、美国和韩国专才比较喜欢选择在吉隆坡工作。

虽然目前吸引和聘请专才回国服务，可以说迟了一点，但是，至少我们知道，我们正在开始推动亲善活动。我国现在应该作出最全面的承诺，落实这些吸引及聘请计划，这样，我国要实现高收入经济体的计划，才得以在不久的将来实现。

完/

Figures that matter

2010-06-21T08:01:00.011+08:00

by Fong Chan Onn

Much has been articulated about how the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is not reflective of the purchases of ordinary Malaysians anymore. This is especially true for the low to middle income wage earners, where the bulk of the population sits. The reported CPI in Malaysia has been increasing by about 3% per annum for the last three decades, while the world CPI has gone up 3,000 times over the same period. So much so, that housewives scoff when they are told that prices of goods and services are only increasing at 3% a year. Taxi drivers screamed everytime their vehicles are up for a service because they are charged for spare-parts and servicing which go up by at least 10% annually.

Their scepticism stems not from disbelief in the institution's calculation, but the sheer stress that they have to bear from having to make ends meet, particularly those living in the urban areas. It also makes the ordinary citizens think that politicians and the policy makers are completely disconnected from the realities of Malaysian life, cocooned in making decisions that do not reflect the hardship that they have to bear.

Employers and trade unions, when making yearly adjustments to wages levels, use the CPI as the basis for salary increments. Trade unions' grosses are justified in the case of arguing that wage levels are not enough for a typical household to survive. However, they are equally frustrated with the system, as there is no other index or basis for greater wage increments.

It must be recognized that central to the “middle income trap” is, in fact, directly due to the way the CPI is being skewed and suppressed. The table below shows the breakdown of the weightage allotted for the various broad categories of items consumed on a daily basis. “Food and non-alcoholic beverages” and “Housing, water, electricity, gas and others fuels” make up over 52.8% of the weightage. Without going into the finer details of what the actual items are in these two categories, it is suffice to say that most of the items are either heavily subsidised or, price controlled. Like sugar, flour, water, petrol, electricity and so forth.

The dislocation in the CPI and the real prices paid by a household becomes more obvious when we consider that we do not just consume flour and sugar in its raw form, but in value added items like cooked food and beverages. Eating out in coffee-shops or warungs certainly include prepared items such as cooked fish, vegetable and prawns which are always levied at market prices, but not captured in the CPI. Transport which makes up 15.9% of the weightage does not take into account hire purchase for cars or motorcycles or the cost of imported spare-parts for their repair. Construction materials such as cement and clinker maybe price controlled but for certain the prices of houses and rental are determined at the markets rates which are not subject to regulation.

Mobile devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. Most of us have to pay bills for SMSes, telephone calls and data download that are not included in the communication category.

The impact of an artificially low inflation rate is as follows;

Important business decisions are based on the inflation rate, and this can mislead the private sector into making business judgements that are off-the-mark costing the economy billions in losses.

It leads to wages being artificially suppressed, creating a widening income gap between Malaysians working domestically and those working outside of the country. This, in turn,exacerbates the 'brain drain' problem.

With low wages, we are not able to attract outside talent into Malaysia even though our goods and services are supposedly cheaper.

Creates a technology gap making Malaysia uncompetitive. Technology goods and services become expensive for Malaysians to purchase, including things like iPhones, Blackberry, iPads which are soon becoming everyday items.

Continued reliance on cheap foreign exchange rate to ensure that Malaysian goods remain competitive but this is an unsustainable strategy in the long run.

With a cheap currency, we cannot afford to purchase the most advanced machinery and technology leading to poor fixed asset/capital build-up. This also explains part of the problem of sluggish private sector investments.

The implications of having an unrealistic CPI is a very serious matter, not to be brushed aside as mere grumblings of the Rakyat. However, just like in the treatment of the removal of subsidies and price controls, proper safety nets must be in place to protect the lower income and vulnerable groups. The general price levels of the basket of goods and services will no doubt adjust itself as subsidies and controlled items are subsequently removed but this has to be done gradually to prevent hyper-inflation. And additional items such as communication devices and computers will have to be introduced to reflect a more competitive and advanced Malaysia.

Next to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the CPI is probably the most important economic
indicator that all governments utilize to gauge the health of an economy. As the CPI is the basis of many policy benchmarks with very far reaching implications in the management of an economy and the wealth of a nation, a strong case of a more realistic mechanism for the computation of CPI is timely and much needed in an open and globally connected economy like Malaysia.

End/

马来西亚采取务实步骤，迈向高收入经济

2010-02-10T12:18:00.002+08:00

冯镇安博士

过去几个月来，人们纷纷谈论马来西亚仍然处于中等收入地位的困境。在本篇文章里，我要合理的谈马来西亚一直处于这种困境的原因，以及我们如果要以高收入姿态出现所必须采取的一些步骤。

马来西亚陷入中等收入的困境从独立到今天，马来西亚取得了迅速的成长。马来西亚能够从上个世纪50年代的农业社会，转变为80年代的一个亚洲小龙经济体，主要是通过广泛利用劳工的工业化进程。
然而，政府接下来为进一步深化工业化进程而作的努力，却产生了好坏不一的结果。马来西亚的经济利益一般上停滞不前，而其他许多国家却在世界贸易迅速扩大的情况下起飞。
这主要基于以下的因素:

i) 价格管制
在1946年, 殖民地政府在马来亚实行价格管制措施，以免国家在二战之后陷入经济困境。这项政策一直实行到今天。受到价格管制的物品包括了基本的必需品，例如白米、面粉、白糖、肥料、牛奶、鸡肉，甚至还包括巴士和的士车费。由于实行价格管制，在马来西亚售卖的这些商品，比其他国家便宜了许多。好比在2009年12月，在马来西亚售卖的原糖是每公斤1令吉35仙，而世界的价格则是2令吉20仙；白米的价格在马来西亚是每公斤2令吉75仙，而世界价格则是6令吉75仙。

由于基本必需品在马来西亚的消费价格指数中占了很大的比重，因此，过去实施了60多年的价格管制措施所产生的效应，显著地抑制了我们的消费价格指数，使它保持在低水平，而不像世界消费价格指数那么节节上升。（看图一）

员工每年的加薪率和国家的消费指数是息息相关的。由于马来西亚的消费价格指数（受到抑制）和世界的消费价格指数有很大的差异，也导致马来西亚的薪金和世界的薪金相对地出现很大的差别。实际上，这就是为什么马来西亚的薪金自上个世纪80年代以来，落后世界其他国家的原因 (看表一)。举个例子，像表一所显示，在马来西亚，拥有大学资格的教师的起薪是每月马币2,500 令吉，而在新加坡是6,196令吉，香港15,661令吉。

价格管制除了抑制马来西亚的薪金之外，也严重破坏国内经济因素比例，造成了许多工厂采用现有的效益经济生产程序。由于柴油和燃料价格受到统制，工人的薪金也受到压制，因此，厂商在生产方面就选择利用更多的燃料和人力，而没有使用更多的机器，而造成了低生产力。当然，马来西亚的产品成长率因而属于低生产力的。

ii) 补贴

在1961年供应品统制法令下，马来西亚开始实施补贴措施。获得补贴的商品包括汽油、煤气、白糖、白米以及其他基本必需品。
在上个世纪70年代，世界石油价格每桶在12美元以下时，汽油补贴是政府负担得起的费用。然而，目前的石油价格日益高涨（每桶超过75美元），如果政府继续提供补贴，就会陷入危境。正如图表二所显示，政府提供的补贴费用，从1998年经常开销的3%，急升到的2008 年的将近30% !
提供补贴的高费用，限制了政府提升基本设施，例如改善公共交通的能力，同时也妨碍政府提供竞争性奖掖，把高收入活动引进我国的能力。

iii) 农业领域的拖延
令人遗憾的是，油棕和橡胶由于支配着我国的农业领域，因而拖住我国要跃升为高收入经济体的能力。在我国的园丘业，收割油棕和割胶因性质关系而仍然使用人力（不像葡萄和麦子），而不容易机械化。直到如今，这两种原产品仍然是低工资的活动，迫使我国必须依赖外劳（目前有大约30万名），才能让园丘业继续保持活力。
园丘业依赖外劳是无可避免的。然而，这也促使了许多工厂设在农村，而且广泛使用劳工的制造业得以生存（即使面对本地劳工短缺的问题），因为这些外劳能够轻易流动，他们能够从园丘转到工厂工作。这也意味着，政府在批准大量外劳在园丘业工作时，就很难阻止或限制非园丘行业使用外劳。
结果，目前有大约230 万技能很低的外劳滞留在马来西亚，占我国劳动力的大约20%。他们分别在制造业、石油业和建筑业工作，以及当家庭女佣。近来，外劳也渗透了零售业、餐饮业、旅游业和酒店业。总部在外国的E & E公司和我国政府举行对话时宣布，如果外劳被限制或被阻止在我国工作，该公司将不得不把业务撤离我国。如果这个理由被接受，意味着，在可预见的将来，我国的经济将继续困在中等收入的牢笼里。
我们何去何从?
韩国的国内生产总值人均收入是16,450 美元，新加坡是34,346 美元，香港是29,559 美元，而马来西亚仍然保持在7,469美元的水平。我们别忘记，在上个世纪70年代初，我们是和这些国家并驾齐驱的。在5年内，这些国家还会进一步向前跑。我们需要采取和落实哪些果敢的步骤，去确保我们得以跳出中等收入的牢笼里？
让我大胆提出其中的一些步骤:

i) 逐步撤消补贴、价格管制和社会保障网
实行价格管制和提供补贴制造了人为的市场价格，破坏国内因素比例以及妨碍经济效益。政府必须敢于想方设法逐步撤消价格管制和补贴；也许不是立刻消除，但是可以设定一个时间框架，例如给以5年的时间。马来西亚只是一个小国，我们的生存是不能和世界其他经济体隔离的。政府提供的汽油补贴，更应该在一两年内撤消。为此，我们应该展开广泛的运动，为人民提供资讯，让驾车人士了解汽油价格必须根据世界的原油价格而进行调整。其实，世界上很多国家是这么做的。
为配合逐步撤销补贴和价格管制，政府必须实施一项透明的社会保障网制度，为困苦者、残疾人士、老年人、失业人士和穷人提供福利援助。我们可以为穷人和需要援助的人士实行固本制度（同时采用智能身份证），以便他们可以获得基本必需品和其他必需品，例如汽油的补贴。当然，这说明，政府有必要为需要援助的人设立一个全国性的资料库，这有异于以登记制度提供福利金；不过，更广泛的做法是考虑他们的职业的情况，以及实行核证和咨询的措施。

ii) 高工资政策
马来西亚的工资由于市场因素影响而被压制太久。政府应该鼓励调高我国的工资，以便和世界其他国家并驾齐驱。如果我国人民能够获得较高的工资，那么，在我国的价格统制和补贴措施被逐步撤消时，他们就有能力面对世界价格调高的现实，而且感受也不会那么深了。
许多过去被列为中等收入的国家，开始实行高工资政策，以致他们的经济逐渐起飞。新加坡便是一个很好的例子。在上个世纪80年代，新加坡的经济进展停滞不前，新加坡政府谨慎的强迫公司把员工的薪金调高 50% 或以上。虽然在开始阶段，各公司都会感觉到辛苦，但是，这在新加坡引发了“第二个工业革命”，许多公司转向采取广泛资金政策，而且专注于高档制造业和金融活动。如今，新加坡成为了亚洲一个具有活力的经济中心。
我们也可以推行类似的高薪金政策。开始阶段要求脆弱的领域，例如种植业和农业、广泛使用劳力的制造业、建筑业和服务业（好比餐馆和酒店业）制定适当的最低工资制。政府应该特别规定种植公司提供较高的工资，去吸引更多马来西亚人加入这个行业。本地一家典型及稳扎稳打的种植公司 - 亚洲集团树立了典范，它在2008年度收益显示，公司支付的薪金总数是8千3百万令吉，只占扣税前的收益（4亿5千6百万令吉）中的18% 。即使公司把工资开销提高一倍，它依然取得很高的盈利！
在这种情况下，雇主就能够使用更多的机械，而许多目前在新加坡工作的我国熟练工人就会被吸引而回流，接受这些公司提供的较高技能的职位，这有助于提高我国经济的生产力。由于有这种效应，公司应该为管工、经理以及其他专业者提供更高的薪金。

iii) 高科技活动的革新奖掖
马来西亚提供的先锋地位和资本投资补贴的传统奖掖，已经不再具有吸引力。高科技事业的创立是高风险的，需要很大的资金，所以必须得到创业资金和政府的援助。此外，这也需要很快速度的互联网登入以及迅速的后勤设施。高科技行业是不能在股权或聘请外国专才方面受到限制的环境中运作的。他们期望的是，政府在处理申请方面，迅速做出决定。在2000年初，印度软件巨头印孚瑟斯公司要在马来西亚进行投资，并且申请政府批准他们的专才前来我国工作，但是，政府的犹疑不决和拖延做出决定，结果导致该公司迁移到毛里求斯投资!
我国应该迎合全球的趋势，提供更具吸引力的奖掖，以吸引高科和企业前来我国投资。我国必须提供革新的基础。由于许多国家普遍上已经实践这个方法，政府也应该很乐意地为拥有高资格的科学家以及其他有很高学术资格的个人，提供工作准证和永久居民的地位，进而吸引他们前来我国服务，把我国视为不只是他们的第二个基地，同时也是第二个家园。

iv) 资讯工艺基本设施与公共科研中心
马来西亚是最先承认资讯工艺的重要性的国家之一，因为它在2001年就建立了多媒体超级走廊。然而，其他许多国家在资讯工艺基建方面很快就超越我国。我们应该考虑到：我国目前的互连网下载速度只有每秒 2.2 Mb，韩国是每秒23.6 Mb ，而新加坡是8.0 Mb 。我国的宽频覆盖率30% ，而韩国则达到97%!
企业家目前期望的是，即使在乘搭火车或汽车，都能够通过电脑工作。他们也希望，在行动时，也能够举行视像会议。但是，我国目前的下载速度不允许他们这么做。更重要的是，目前的下载速度导致许多新款的资讯工艺设备派不上用场。因此，政府必须迅速迎头赶上，使我国的资讯工艺能够符合全球的水平，并且作为把我国推向高收入经济的先决条件。
此外，如果要让科学家的新计划和概念得以在社会上崭露，最有效的方法是在适当地区设立公共科研中心，以便鼓励中学生和大学生对他们的概念和计划进行试验。
史提夫.乔布斯就是在激励下，于上个世纪80年代在美国硅谷设计了苹果第一台个人电脑的。此外，韩国电影业目前取得成功，主要的原因是它拥有首尔动画中心。凡是对动画电影、电脑游戏或数码广告有兴趣的韩国人，都可以进入这个中心，根据他们的剧本进行表演，以期最终能够成为可行性的商业产品。
政府应该跟随这种趋势，设立3-D 动画、电脑零件、微型和纳米科技、园艺学、水产养殖，以及其他适合采用我国资源的科研中心。学校和学院的适当参与，可能导致有兴趣的团体的成立，充分利用科研中心所提供的设施。最后，可能促成更多青年对科学和工艺产生兴趣，进而启发他们为产品和服务提出新的概念。.
v) 衡量在海外的我国专业人士和专才
根据马来西亚雇主联合会的统计，目前有超过50万名马来西亚专业人士和专才在海外工作。他们主要居住在大城市，例如纽约、伦敦、巴黎、东京、北京、香港和新加坡。他们分别在医药、金融服务、工程、会计、物流、建筑、企业资本和其他服务领域工作或进行研究。我曾经和其中多名专才见面（例如周仰杰），他们说，他们很愿意对马来西亚的进展做出贡献。我认为，只要条件符合，是可以劝请他们回国设立基地的。但是，令人遗憾的是，我们很多时候并没有积极拉拢他们。
著名的英国肝移植外科医生 Tan Kai Chah 便是一个很好的例子。他原本很愿意在我国设立基地，但是却无法落实，因为身为马来西亚人，他必须为政府医院服务3年。新加坡接到消息后，立刻拉拢他。现在，他设在新加坡的的肝脏中心名闻遐迩，找上门的远近病人多不胜数。
了解到这点，我们应该想方设法吸引我国的专业人士回国。政府应该设立一个特别组，负责鉴定这些专才，然后聘请有兴趣者回国服务或至少设立基地。这种聘请可以分开来进行，以便可以鉴定和接受个人不同的条件，同时解决他们的问题。如果他们的外国籍配偶要工作，他们的子女需要特别教育，以及他们需要科研拨款等等，政府都应该一一为他们解决。这样，我们才能够汇集大量的智囊人才。
在这方面，我们应该迅速采取行动，因为他们正在被许多国家的政府挖角。我国政府应该竭尽所能，确保经常在国际曝光的我国的专业人士，不会被其他国家挖角，而最终成为他们的科学资产。
策略性地点
吉隆坡位于东协的中心，而且拥有多元文化的环境，使它加强了举办许多高收入活动的条件。我们经常忘记，新加坡距离我国只有3百公里之遥，而且也拥有深海海港和机场。庆幸的是，亚洲航空并没有忘记这点，他赶上了提供廉价航空服务的浪潮，结果把吉隆坡发展为亚洲和澳洲之间的廉价航空中心。有了目前的廉价结构，吉隆坡同样的也可以发展为亚洲的廉价船务和物流中心。
政府也应该积极地宣传吉隆坡为亚洲东部（中国、韩国和日本）和亚洲西部（印度和中东）之间一个商业交易的聚焦中心。一些的台湾企业直销公司已经在马来西亚设立加工中心和货仓，以便把他们的产品出口到中东，因为使用马来西亚的标签，比较容易获得中东市场的接受。这些新契机浪潮只是一个开始，因为东亚和西亚取得了更好的联系。
vii) 绿色能源
马来西亚的阳光灿烂，风和，加上没有天然灾害，所以是一个建立绿色持续性能源科研和制造中心的理想地点。持续性的绿色能源，应该被宣传为我国的新势力。目前，世界的三大太阳能公司设在我国。其中一家（太阳电力公司）正在马六甲州我的选区内的Rumbia 建立世界上最大的太阳能制造厂。

马来西亚工业发展局应该和这些太阳能公司携手合作，制定奖励和策略性的政策，以便和中国进行配合，因为中国目前是在世界提供太阳能的领袖。我国必须抓紧这个机会，培养一批辅助供应商，为太阳能公司提供原料和辅助性服务，就好像我国在1972年开始推行E & E 一样。我国不应该错失建立太阳能制造基地的任何机会。

viii) 医疗保健和药剂试验
由于全世界的人口都在老化，优质的医疗保健成为了一个高价值的经济领域。但是，数以百计经过高度培训的马来西亚专科医生却分别在新加坡、伦敦和都柏林服务。更重要的是，他们都是受到承认和受到同行非常尊重的人士。政府应该鼓励他们回国设立基地，以协助使马来西亚转型为一个世界级的医疗中心。如果我国承认，它可以成为这个领域的领导者之一。政府的当前急务是，重新考虑强制受承认的专科医生在政府医院服务的措施。如果我们允许他们回国建立自己的事业，增强我国的医疗基础，不是比硬性规定他们为政府提供3年服务更好吗？
马来西亚是一个拥有多元种族人口的国家，而且也拥有广泛的生物多样性，所以是一个对药剂产品进行科研，尤其是对没有得到当局批准的新药物进行试验的理想地点。这些药物可能用来治疗癌症、老人痴呆、骨质疏松、骨骼问题和心脏疾病。卫生部和工业发展局应该迅速制定新策略，以吸引药剂公司认真考虑，使马来西亚成为他们的科研和试验活动的新目的地。
ix) 石油与天然气活动
国油公司是闻名于世的一家成功的国家石油公司。国油公司无论在马来西亚境内还是非马来西亚境内生产的石油和天然气，都为我国带来巨额的收入。然而，令人遗憾的是，不像E & E 领域，上游的石油和天然气的生产，并没有相对地带动下游的石油和天然气次领域。我国仍然非常依赖外国石油和天然气的辅助供应商，提供专业的下游服务，例如钻油，维修钻油台，提供安全训练、搜救、以及其他和科研活动相关的活动。
甘马挽、美里和民都鲁都是具有活力的石油城镇。国油公司可以扮演更重大的角色，去照顾他们，并且衍生出更多相关的活动（这些活动部分是由外国供应商承包），以便使我国各族企业人士独立，进而使这些城镇转型为“小休斯顿”，除了为国家带来经济利益之外，也将使人民更加亲近国油公司。
结语
在这篇文章里，我坚持认为，我国自独立以来所实施的多项措施，扭曲了国内的经济生产模式。逐步消除这些扭曲，以及专注于发展我国在新领域的实力，相信在不久的将来，我国将可以崛起而成为高收入经济体。

冯镇安博士曾经担任马来亚大学应用经济学教授，以及经济与行政学院院长。他曾经出任教育部副部长(1990-1999)和人力资源部部长(1999-2008)。目前，他是亚罗亚也区国会议员。

Chinese Schools and Societal Development

2009-12-25T16:22:00.007+08:00

By Fong Chan Onn

Since my days as the Deputy Education Minister in the 1990s, I have heard many debates on the vernacular schools; ranging from they being the source of racial disunity, for stifling creativity, for their inability to produce outstanding scholars, to even espousing communism. Let me try to debunk some of these arguments.

Preamble

At independence in 1957, it was agreed by our forefathers that vernacular primary schools should continue to operate with government assistance; the aim being the children study in primary schools in their own mother tongues, but merge in government secondary schools using Bahasa Malaysia (BM) as the medium of instruction. However, the 1961 Education Act specified that the Minister of Education can convert the medium of instruction of vernacular schools into BM at any time the Minister deems fit (clause 21.2). This clause was removed in 1996 by Dato Sri Najib Razak, the then Minister of Education, under the 1995 Education Act; making vernacular schools a permanent component of the education system.
In 1970, the Chinese primary student population numbered 439,681 in 1,346 Chinese primary schools (SJKCs). Today, the number of SJKC has fallen to 1,285 but they provide primary education in Mandarin to over 700,000 students with about 70,000 (10%) being non-Chinese.
In 1957, the number of teachers in the Chinese schools was 10,984 compared with 14,366 teachers in the national schools. Since then, the teacher population in the national schools has grown six times, whereas the teacher population in the Chinese schools has only increased two-fold despite the overwhelming demand for teaching resources.

Issues

One might ask what drives the present X-generation parents, who are middle class and are likely to be IT savvy, to send their children to an over-crowded and painfully competitive environment. Presently, over 90% of Malaysian Chinese send their children to SJKCs.
Prior to Independence, the death knell had already been sounded for Chinese schools in Malaysia yet, they have risen and thrived even in the face of globalization.
Perhaps, we have been myopic about how Chinese schools are viewed.

Racial Disharmony

Some have said SJKCs do not give students the chance to interact with students of other races, and therefore induce some extent of racial disharmony.
The vernacular schooling system is not a source of racial disharmony. How can it be when they use the same curriculum and teaching methods as the national schools? Negara Ku is sang passionately, and the Rukun Negara emphasized at every assembly. Vernacular schools, of course, also emphasis strongly BM and English from Standard One. In fact, when we listen to them speaking in BM we can’t differentiate them from other students.
SJKC students also have many opportunities to mix around. Besides interacting with the non-Chinese students in their own schools, SJCKs are required to organize regular activities with the other stream schools (such as sports, and open days) by the Ministry of Education under its Program Integrasi, so students and parents can inter-mingle. Moreover, over 90% of SJKC students go to Government secondary schools where they then spend their most formative years (age 12 to 17 years).

Furthermore, our primary education system is a diverse system including national, national-type, religious, and private schools. Erasing the vernacular (ie national-type) schools does not automatically imply that all students will study then under the same roof at the primary level.

Creativity or Lack of it

Is the creativity in our young ones really stymied by the so-called rote learning or, by our stereotyped image of a disciplinary master with black-rimmed glasses, carrying a cane at SCKCs?
It must be pointed out that all SJKC teachers are the same products of the Teachers’ Colleges that any other school teacher-trainee is sent to. They are taught to use the same teaching methodologies, and of course the same contents.
If rote learning is a flaw, it is a flawed part of the Malaysian education system not limited to vernacular schools. To change this requires a transformation of the entire teaching regime and pedagogic approaches, and yes, definitely also in the SJKCs.
In fact, many SJKC school boards have realized this, and on their parts have assisted the formation of computer clubs. SJKCs such as Lai Ming in KL, Kwok Kwang in JB, and Machap Baru (in my constituency), and many others, are using computers to teach, and foster creativity, in the class-rooms. It is the overwhelming integration of computing teaching methods in the class-rooms that have enabled the SJKCs to excel in Science and Mathematics, and not rote-learning as expounded by my ex UM colleague Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim.

If it is the Chinese education that is to be baggaged with the past of being the language of the imperial courts and deemed irrelevant and non-creative in the modern world (as suggested by my good friend Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing), how is it that the Silicon Valley is filled with engineers and inventors of IC (Indian and Chinese) orgins? How is it that many of the new inventions associated with the IT world, such as the sound card (created by Sim Wong Hoo, a Nee Ann Polytechnic Graduate) and the pen-drive (created by our own Pua Khein Seng) have amongst their inventors engineers who were Chinese educated? And how is it that some of them have gone on to win Noble Prizes; including Lee Yuan Tseh in Chemistry (1986) and Charles Kao Kuen who just a month ago won the 2009 Noble Price for Physics for his pioneering work in fiber optics.
Surely we cannot ignore the fact that classical Chinese education has long changed from its emphasis on Confucian ethics to modern science and technology since the early 1900s.
And are the products of Malaysian Chinese schools as undistinguished as claimed by Khoo Kay Kim? Has he forgotten that his own esteemed UM colleagues such as Professor Tan Chong Tin (neurology), Professor Saw Aik (orthopedic) and Prof Cheong Soon Keng (hematology) were from Chinese schools, and are respected members of the Malaysian Medical Profession?
As a Council Member of TAR College I can testify that TAR College has, since 1960, groomed many Chinese school students into professional accountants, engineers, builders, IT personnel and managers so much sought after by the employers. In fact 70% of Malaysian professional accountants are TARC graduates; and they have contributed towards the profession into what it is today.
And has he also forgotten the entrepreneurial contributions of YTL, Genting and the KLK (Yeoh Tiong Lay, the late Lim Goh Tong and the late Lee Loy Seng)? Lest we forget, these founders were from humble backgrounds, but raised in a predominantly Chinese-educated environment. Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew (a product of Batu Pahat Chinese schools) has been praised for his success in winning the international bid for the London Millennium Dome and completing it inspite of the financial crises in 1999.
Over 80% of owners of Chinese-owned SMEs in Malaysia are from Chinese schools. Many of them have ventured far and wide around the globe (such as Green Packet, and Kurnia Asia).
I think we should not underrate these Chinese school products as being non-creative.

Attracting Non-Malay Students to National Schools

I agree that more parents should be encouraged to consider the national schools as their choice. To make the convergence happen, the pull factor must come from a choice made in the quality of education that the national schools provide, rather than compulsion.
Consider the case in the 1960s when over half of Chinese primary students attended missionary schools. This was not because the parents wanted them to study Christianity, but because these schools have dedicated teachers, and they provided the education (mostly in English) deemed important for subsequent employment. The Ministry of Education’s new approach of enhancing the image of national primary schools should be applauded. There is no shortage of parents (including non-Malays) who want to send their children to national schools such as the Bukit Damansara, or the Sri Petaling , or the PJ Convent Primary School.
At present Chinese (and some non-Chinese) parents prefer to send their children to SJKCs not just for the learning of Mandarin, but also because these schools have dedicated school boards where the parents are actively and purposefully involved in the running of the schools - such as fund raising, sports and speech day organization - and this greatly motivate the teachers to go the extra mile to look after their children better.
The variety of choices for primary education should be our strength instead of our weakness. The competition amongst the various school streams will only results in more commitment amongst the teachers to teach their students better and more effectively.

Impact of Vernacular Schools on Societal Development

The presence of vernacular schools, with the continued assistance of the government and the various communities, gives meaning and support to our motto Unity in Diversity. From independence, this has enabled Malaysia to evolve into a peaceful plural society, proving wrong the prediction of many international pessimists. This also demonstrates that a plural society can be developed through interaction and integration, as opposed to assimilation once strongly advocated by nations such as US and Australia.
SJCKs have also resulted in a substantial number of Malaysians (including non-Chinese) being fluent in three languages - BM, English and Mandarin - since the 1960s.
These trilingual Malaysians have contributed to enhancing Sino-Malay understanding. I can still remember the occasion when I applied for my first passport in December 1963 for overseas study. The officer (a Malay) asked me to write out my name in Chinese characters as well. I was amused; but he explained he was from a Chinese school and conversed with me in Mandarin. Imagine the assistance he would have given to (and the gratitude he would have derived from) many other applicants who could not converse in fluent BM or English then! Of course, now in government front-line offices non-Chinese officers conversing in Mandarin (or at least Penang Hokkien) with applicants is not uncommon.
These trilingual graduates have enhanced the competitiveness of our domestic environment. Many FDIs from Taiwan (such as Acer), Singapore (like Creative Technology etc), Hong Kong, China and even Japan were attracted to Malaysia because of their flexibility and employability.
These Malaysians have also enabled many Malaysian enterprises to successfully venture into the China and East Asia markets. The success of enterprises such as Hai-o, LBS, and Parkson speaks volumes of their contribution in expanding our export base.
Many Multinational Corporations such as Intel, Motorola, and Dell have actively sought out these trilingual graduates and placed them to be in charge of their subsidiary offices or plants in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and even in London or US because of their ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Singapore and Hong Kong companies are especially keen to recruit our trilingual graduates to help them to entrench themselves as front-liners to the China market.
Certainly, Malaysia benefits from their international presence as it demonstrates globally the quality of our workforce. Ultimately many of them can be attracted to return, and with their experience help to propel our country out of our current middle-income trap.

____________________________________________________________________

Dr Fong Chan Onn was Professor of Applied Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, in the 1980s. He served in the Government as Deputy Minister of Education (1990-1999) and Minister of Human Resources (1999-2008). He is currently the MP for Alor Gajah.

End.

华校与社会的发展

2009-12-25T16:02:00.004+08:00

冯镇安

我在上个世纪90年代担任教育部副部长期间，就听到许多针对母语学校问题引起的争论；议论的内容从母语学校是导致种族分裂的根源，妨碍创造，不能培养出杰出的学生，甚至到信仰共产主义不等。让我解读其中一些争论性的问题。

前言

我国在1957年取得独立时，我们的先辈就同意让母语小学继续在政府的援助下运作；目的是让学生在小学就读自己的母语，而在中学进入采用国语作为教学媒介语的政府学校就读。不过，1961年教育法令说明，教育部长可以在任何时候，只要他认为是适当的时候，把母语学校的教学媒介语改为国语（第21.2 条款）。然而，当年的教育部长纳吉在1996年撤消了这项条款。1995年教育法令规定，所有的母语学校是教育体系中永远不變的部分。
1970年, 全国共有1,346 所国民型华文小学，学生人数是 439,681。如今，国民型华文小学减少到 1,285 所，不过，这些学校却为超过700,000 名学生提供华文教育，其中大约70,000 名是非华人，占了总数的 10%。
1957年，华校的教师人数是 10,984，而国民学校的教师人数则是 14,366。之后，国民学校的教师人数不断上升而增加了6倍。反观华文学校，虽然它们对师资的需求日益殷切，但是教师人数只增加两倍。

问题

也许有人会问，如今的中等收入以及可能懂得资讯科技的新时代父母，为什么都竞相把子女送进过于拥挤，而且充满激烈竞争的环境求学呢？目前，超过 90% 的马来西亚华人把子女送进国民型华文学校就读。
在国家独立之前，马来西亚的华文学校曾经宣告消灭。然而，华校现在强势崛起，甚至在面对全球化时刻更为兴盛。
到底人们怎样看待华文学校呢？也许，我们缺乏了解。

种族不和谐

一些人说，国民型华文学校没有给以学生与其他种族学生互动的机会，因而在一些程度上产生种族不和谐的现象。其实，母语教育制度并不是造成种族不和谐的原因，因为它们所采用的课程纲要和教学方法，和国民学校是一样的，所以怎么会产生这样的问题呢？
华文学校在每一次的集会上都激昂的唱国歌，并且强调国家原则。当然，母语教育学校从一年级开始就着重于教导英文和国语。实际上，当我们听华校学生讲国语时，根本无法区别他们和其他学校的学生有什么不同。
国民型华文学校也提供许多让学生互相交往的机会。学生除了和自己学校内的华人学生互动之外，在教育部推行的融合计划下，华文学校也必须和其他源流的学校一起主办各项活动，好比体育项目以及开放日，以便学生和家长能够互相交往。尽管如此，超过 90% 的华校学生升上政府中学，接受中学教育，这个时期是最影响他们成长的年代（12 至 17 岁）。
此外，我们的小学教育体制是多样性的体制，包括了国民、国民型、宗教和私立学校。消灭母语（国民型）学校并不能直接地暗示，所有的学生届时将会在同一个屋顶下接受小学教育。

创造力或缺乏创造力

是不是所谓的填鸭式教育，或者我们过去经常在华校看到戴黑色框架眼镜、手拿着藤鞭的训导主任而留下的深刻印象侵袭了我们儿童的创造力？
我必须指出的是，所有国民型学校的教师，和其他学校的教师一样，都是经过师训学院培训出来的。他们所学习的都是同样的教学法，当然，教学内容也是一样的。如果填鸭式的教学是侵袭学生创造力的因素，那么，我们只能怪马来西亚的教育制度有缺陷，而不是母语学校出了问题。要在这方面做出改变，就必须对整个教学体制和教育采用的方法进行转型，当然，国民型华文学校也需要改变。
实际上，许多国民型华文学校的董事部了解到这点，他们扮演了分内角色，协助成立电脑学会。吉隆坡的黎明，新山的国光，马接新村（位于我的选区）以及其他许多华文学校已经使用电脑教学，促进学生在课堂的创造力。在课堂采用结合电脑教学的方法，使得国民型华文学校的数理科表现更加杰出，而不像我的前马大同事丹斯里邱家金对填鸭式教育所作的诠释一样。
如果华文教育因为华语是过去宫廷使用的语言而被视为在现代世界中不适用，而且没有创意（我的好朋友丹斯里林国荣这么认为）。那么，美国矽谷为什么汇集了这么多印裔和华裔的工程师和发明家呢？许多和资讯科技有关联的新发明物，例如音效卡（由新加坡义安理工学院毕业的沈望傅发明）以及U盘（由我国的潘健成发明）的发明者和工程师，为什么都是接受华文教育的？
此外，接受华文教育的人，为什么也能赢取诺贝尔奖呢？他们包括于1986年获得诺贝尔化学奖的李远哲，以及刚刚在一个月前因为发明光纤而赢取2009年诺贝尔物理奖的高锟。
肯定的，不容我们忽视的事实是，自20世纪初叶，古代华文教育已经做出改变，从过去只着重于儒家道德，改为了如今也侧重于现代科技。
我国华文学校培养出来的学生是否像邱家金所言那么不出色和平凡？难道他已经忘了我们在马大的出色和受尊重的同事，例如陈忠登教授 (神经专科医生)、苏毅教授 (矫形专科医生) 以及张顺景教授 (血液专科医生) 都是华校出身，而且是马来西亚医药专业协会受尊重的会员？
身为拉曼学院的一名理事，我可以证明，拉曼学院自1960年成立以来，已经把许多华校生造就和栽培为专业会计师、工程师、建筑师、电脑专才和管理人员。他们都是雇主竞相聘用的人才。其实，目前在我国的专业会计师当中，70% 是拉曼学院的毕业生，而他们对会计行业所作的贡献是有目共睹的。
此外，难道邱家金也忘了扬忠礼集团、云顶高原集团和KLK的创办人扬忠礼、已故林梧桐和已故李莱生对企业领域所作的贡献？这些企业家来自贫寒的家庭，但是，他们是在以华文教育为主的环境下长大。丹斯里李金友（巴株巴辖华文学校的学生）的成就受到赞赏，而获得角逐国际奖项 - 伦敦千禧顶奖，并且在1999年金融危机期间赢得这个奖项。
我国80% 以上华人经营的中小型企业的业者毕业自华校。其中许多企业不断扩展以及遍布世界各国（例如绿驰通讯公司和天安亚洲公司).
我认为，我们不应该低估华校生，而把他们视为没有创意的人。

吸引非马来学生到国民学校就读

我同意，应该鼓励更多的家长考虑选择国民学校作为他们的子女就读的学校。然而，要吸引学生到国民学校就读，首先，国民学校必须改善质量，而不是实行强制性措施。
回顾上个世纪60年代，半数以上的华人学生在教会办的学校就读小学。这并不是因为家长要子女学习基督教，而是因为这些学校拥有真正献身精神的教师，而且它们提供的教育（多数是以英文授课）对以后的就业起了非常重要的作用。教育部目前采取新的方法，去提升国民学校的形象，应该受到赞赏。一些国民学校，例如武吉白沙罗国小、大城堡国小，以及八打灵修道院小学，出现了不乏家长把子女送进就读的情形。.
目前，多数华人（当中也有非华人）喜欢把子女送到国民型华文学校就读，原因不只是为了要学习中文，同时也是因为这些学校拥有献身精神的董事部，而董事部内的家长都积极和投入地参与管理学校的工作，好比参与筹募基金、体育和主办恳亲会等活动。这些活动有助于激发教师提供额外的服务，更好好地管教他们的子女。
为小学教育提供各种选择，应该是展示我们的实力，而不是显露弱点。各源流学校之间的竞争结果，将会促成教师做出更大的承诺，以更好及更有效的方法教导学生。

母语学校对社会发展的影响

母语学校在政府和各社团继续提供援助下得以生存，发挥了我们的座右铭“异中求同”的意义，而且受到认同。自我国独立以来，这个座右铭使我国得以发展为一个和平的多元社会，证明了许多国际消极者对我国做出的预言是错误的。这也说明，一个多元社会可以通过互动和融合加以发展，因为美国和澳洲等国家一度大力鼓吹的同化受到反对。
自上个世纪60年代以来，国民型华文学校也培养了大量能够讲流利的三种语言- 国语、英语和华语的马来西亚人 ( 包括非华人) 。这些能操三语的马来西亚人对促进华人和马来人之间的谅解，做出了不少的贡献。我还记得，当我在1963年12月第一次为出国深造申请护照时，一名官员（马来人）叫我写下自己的中文名字。我当时感到高兴，而这名官员解释说，他是受中文教育的，过后就以华语和我交谈。可以想象到，他当时为很多不能操流利国语和英语的申请者提供（他也从中得到许多激赏）了协助！当然，目前在政府提供柜台服务的办公室，非华人官员以华语（至少以槟城福建话）交谈的情形，已经司空见惯。
能够掌握三语的大学毕业生，提高了我国环境的竞争力，为我国引进许多来自台湾（例如宏基电脑公司）、新加坡（如创新科技公司等）、香港和中国，甚至日本的外来直接投资，因为这些大学毕业生具备弹性和可雇性的条件。
此外，这些马来西亚人也推动我国很多企业，成功地向中国和东亚市场进军。其中已经取得成就的企业，包括海鸥、 LBS 国际货运和百盛。这些成就显示，它们对扩大我国的出口基础做出了大量的贡献。
许多跨国机构，例如英特尔、摩托罗拉和戴尔都在积极地物色能够掌握三语的大学毕业生，并且调派他们在中国、新加坡、香港、台湾，甚至伦敦或美国的分公司，负责当地的业务，因为他们有能力在多元文化的环境中工作。新加坡和香港公司特别渴望聘请能够掌握三语的我国大学毕业生，以协助推动公司成为中国市场的前线公司。
马来西亚在国际市场占一席之地，肯定能够从中获得利益，因为我国向全球展现了我国的优质劳动力。当中的许多员工最终会被吸引返回我国，而他们所吸取的经验，将有助于推进我国，使它摆脱目前的中等收入处境。

_____________________________________________________________________________

冯镇安博士在上个世纪80年代出任马大应用经济学教授以及经济与行政学院院长。1990 至1999年，他加入政府部门服务，担任教育部副部长。1999至2008年出任人力资源部长。它目前是亚罗牙也区国会议员。

Mourning of Teoh Beng Hock Passing Away

2009-07-20T12:15:00.002+08:00

As the member of Parliament for Alor Gajah, I join the nation in mourning the unnecessary passing away of Teoh Beng Hock, a bright young man born, educated and brought up in Kelemak, Alor Gajah. I visited the family on Saturday morning (18th July 2009), and paid my respects to Beng Hock together with MCA members of the Alor Gajah Division. The untimely passing away of Beng Hock is not only a great loss to the family, but also a sad loss to Alor Gajah.

I agreed with Beng Hock’s mother when she said nothing can bring back her son. To lessen the grief of the family, I request the government to immediately set up an Independent Royal Commission of Enquiry to uncover the circumstances and the whole truth leading to the tragic death of Beng Hock. The Royal Commission should be mandated to start his work immediately.

It is important that the whole truth be revealed and necessary actions taken to rectify the situation, including due punishment to those responsible and due compensation to the family as an expression of our remorse and sympathy.

PSD Scholarships

2009-05-16T19:52:00.002+08:00

Each year, at this time, we will hear the complaints from parents and students of their failure to secure a scholarship despite having excellent results. The Public Service Department (PSD) must be transparent and clear in the awarding of scholarships to Malaysians. The issue of deserving young Malaysians not getting scholarships to pursue a course in a university of their choice has been occuring for far too long. These include those who obtained 13 A1s and 14 A1s in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination who failed to get scholarships under the Foreign Degree Programme despite having secured places at foreign universities. The PSD should act firmly to ensure that the criteria used to select students for scholarships are consistent and strictly adhered to. There is absolutely no reason why a student who obtained excellent results and are among the top students in their respective states and the country should not be given scholarships to study overseas upon securing a place in a foreign university. Failure to honour these best brains in the country will only encourage them to work in other countries upon their graduation and this will put a damper on the government's efforts to encourage Malaysian professionals and experts to work in the country.

Perak Impasse

2009-05-16T19:48:00.003+08:00

There is an urgent need to settle the political impasse in Perak to that normalcy can return to Perak. Allowing the uncertainty to continue will not work well for the state in particular and the country in general. This has and will continue to affect the administration of the state's affairs, including administrative matters pertaining to trade and investments such as the approval of permits and projects involving the state administration. At the end of the day, the people will suffer. In a democratic system like Malaysia's, there is definitely a defined role for the Constitutional Monarchy as well as the courts. Their roles are enshrined in the Constitution and therefore must be respected and accepted. Having said that, it is best to let the people decide on the government they want so that the government of the day can act confidently with the support of the people. We are a democratic society and the people should be allowed to decide on who they want to lead in the state.

Influenza A H1N1

2009-05-16T19:45:00.001+08:00

Malaysians should not panic following the Health Ministry's announcement of the country's first two confirmed cases of Influenza A H1N1 victims. Although they should take all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families, they must also be confident of the government's efforts to contain the outbreak. The government has taken, and will continue to take all the necessary measures to stop the spread of the disease in the country and will remain vigilant.

Welcoming YAB Dato Sri Naji Tun Razak as PM

2009-04-03T16:09:00.000+08:00

I welcome YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak as the new Prime Minister of Malaysia. I have every confidence that under his dynamic leadership, Malaysia will continue to prosper and become a developed country. Although YAB Dato Sri Najib has taken over the leadership at a challenging time, I am confident that his vast experience and profound knowledge will help steer Malaysia out of the current economic slowdown. I am also confident that as UMNO and Barisan Nasional leader, YAB Dato Sri Najib will continue to enjoy the full support and loyalty of all Barisan Nasional component parties and the various communities in our continued efforts to make Malaysia a role model of ethnic cooperation and respect. My heartiest congratulations to him.

My views on the Mini Budget

2009-03-13T08:41:00.000+08:00

The RM60 billion stimulus package is bold but I feel that more could be done to increase the confidence of the business community as well as the people in general, especially the vulnerable groups. In short, the government needs to bring back the “feel good feeling” to boost consumer spending and investor confidence – a situation where the people is not too scared or worried to spend and the businessman is confident of better times ahead.

Greater efforts must be done to rectify the unemployment situation. While I laud the government’s move to help retrenched workers by offering companies tax incentives to employ retrenched workers, I feel that the focus should be directed more on helping employers to retain their workers. At this time of uncertainty, few companies would be able to afford to take in new workers. The challenge is more to retain their existing workers and not have to retrench them. For this, I feel that the government should help employers by giving them cash rebates for contributions to the Employees Provident Fund, similar to Singapore’s Jobs Credit Scheme. The MCA had proposed that the government pay 10 percent of the 12 percent contribution by employers to the EPF. I urge the government to seriously look into this so as to preserve jobs in the current economic downturn.

I agree that preserving jobs and helping the unemployed and new entrants to the employment market get jobs is a tall order for any government. The DPM has pointed out that the unemployment rate for this year is expected to be 4.5 percent compared to 3.7 percent in 2008. Since October 2008, when the crisis first hit us, 25,000 workers have been retrenched and nearly 31,000 have been temporarily laid-off. The challenge for the government is to ensure that the local workers are not asked to leave before the foreign workers. I agree that this is a very fragile situation. It is a fact that locals have long shied away from certain jobs which they considered dirty, dangerous and demeaning – commonly known as the 3Ds. And employers from these sectors have no choice but to take in foreign workers or they risk having to stop operations. With Malaysia having enjoyed a technical full employment rate for years, Malaysians can afford to be choosy. Some have even opted to work in other countries which offered higher pay to do the same work. But Malaysian workers have to know that times have changed. Jobs are scarce not only here but in other countries as well. Maybe it is time for employers and workers to find an equilibrium that would encourage Malaysians to take over such jobs from foreign workers.

Measures outlined in the Mini Budget put emphasis only on the demand side with little focus on the supply side. I feel that to strengthen consumer confidence, more should be done to liberalize the economy. For this, I hope the government will come out with more specific guidelines on the new role of the Foreign Investment Committee as announced by the DPM. Removing any doubts or hindrances will make Malaysia a more investor friendly place for FDIs. The government should also help to ease the setting up of new businesses by short circuiting the process of obtaining licenses, possibly by capping the period between application and approval, similar to what the government had done for the issuance of Certificate of Fitness for buildings.

Finally, of utmost importance is that the measures outlined in the Mini Budget must be implemented swiftly and effectively.Hidden text

Mini Budget

2009-03-05T16:04:00.001+08:00

I welcome the announcement of the Second Stimulus Package (Mini Budget) at the Dewan Rakyat today. There is however talk that the Mini Budget could go as high as RM40 billion. The higher allocation will be most welcomed as it would give the economy the much needed boost. However, I feel that the injection of the extra capital to the economy should be accompanied by increased efforts to improve three main areas of the economy:

· The government should facilitate the employment/intake of more experts in various sectors. This can be done by attracting foreign experts in areas which Malaysians do not have the expertise as well as relooking at efforts to reenergize the “brain gain” policy with a view of getting more Malaysian professionals to come back.
· Expediting the issuance of business licenses by further liberalization and by removing conditions that may hinder the process ie. equity requirements and cumbersome application process.
· Encouraging the flourishing of entrepreneurship especially small and medium scale entrepreneurs through credit facilities and other incubator services.

I am confident that if such measures are adopted quickly and efficiently by the government, they will greatly help in ensuring the effectiveness of the second stimulus package.

Wong's resignation not necessary

2009-02-16T22:05:00.000+08:00

The circulation of nude pictures of Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong constitutes a gross violation of her private life and those responsible for such a despicable act should be punished according to the law. I hope the police will investigate the incident thoroughly and swiftly. The circulation of the nude pictures is done with bad intentions. As such, I would disagree with any calls for Wong to resign her post as this does not reflect her work as an assemblyman. I hope all those who have the pictures will come forward and help the police in their investigations. They should also stop circulating these pictures and not be a participant of this despicable act.

Facing the Economic Realities

2009-01-29T21:41:00.001+08:00

The comments by executive director of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), Samsuddin Bardan that 10,000 Malaysians have lost their jobs since 1 January 2009 due to the global economic slowdown show that the economic situation in Malaysia is not as rosy as pictured. Malaysians should face the reality of the situation and take the necessary steps to face the challenges ahead. There is nothing wrong with Malaysia as the current economic situation is a consequence of the global economic crisis as Malaysia can’t be isolated from the effects. I agree with the call of the MEF to the government to release the second economic stimulus package as soon as possible to keep the hard-hit companies afloat. At the same time, the government should urgently remove any hindrances or red tape that might be a dampener to the setting up of new enterprises. With an expected drop in consumption, now is a good time for the government to pump in funds to develop and upgrade schools, health clinics and other construction projects. This will stimulate economic activities and inject back confidence amongst contractors, retailers and other supply chains.
Despite the fact that the Year of the Ox started off on a pretty pessimistic note – with the MEF comments, the International Labour Organization reporting that up to 51 million jobs worldwide could disappear by year-end and the collapse of the Irish government due to economic worries – all is not lost for Malaysians. My hunch is that as the Year progresses, we will begin to see positive signs. The Malaysian government has already taken urgent steps to address the situation through the economic stimulus packages aimed at various sectors and the US and China governments have undertaken urgent measures to stimulate the economy. The results of these concerted global efforts will soon kick in. I am confident that the current situation would not be as bad as the Deep Depression in which the world took ten years to recover.

Investigate A. Kugan’s death without prejudices

2009-01-24T22:48:00.001+08:00

I welcome the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan’s assurance that police will carry out a full investigation into the death of A. Kugan who died while he was in police custody. The IGP’s comments that there will be no cover up are important in reassuring the public of transparency in the police investigations. I urged the police to carry out a thorough and fair investigation into what happened, without any prejudices. The quick, transparent and affirmative action by the police in getting to the bottom of what led to A Kugan’s death and to mete out the necessary punishment for the culprits (if any) will reflect the professionalism of the Police force in carrying out their duties without any discrimination or biasness and thus increased the confidence and perception of the people towards the Police.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

2009-01-24T15:54:00.001+08:00

I wish all Chinese in Malaysia Gong Xi Fa Cai. I wish you and your loved ones health and prosperity in the Year of the Ox. The Ox symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work and perseverance. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character that exercises resolution and fearlessness when accomplishing a task. Although we are in the midst of economic uncertainties, I am confident that if Malaysians will adopt these characteristics, we would be able to override the effects of the current situation. With this, we can certainly look forward to a better year ahead. I also take this opportunity to urge Malaysians to drive carefully when commuting to and from their home towns as well as during their visitations. Let us all celebrate this time together by renewing ties with our families and friends, including those of other races in the true Malaysian spirit of Muhibbah! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Aye to a new KLIA East@Labu

2009-01-24T15:52:00.001+08:00

I fully support Air Asia’s move to build a new low cost terminal in Labu. The KLIA East @ Labu project is timely as the current low-cost terminal, LCCT at Sepang is unable to cope with the increased volume of passengers using Air Asia. The congestion at the current LCCT in Sepang does not augur well for the image of the country, especially to tourists. With the increased number of passengers opting for low-cost carriers, it is important that these tourists have a good ‘first impression’ of te country when they arrive. The new terminal, when in 2011, is projected to be able to accommodate 30 million passengers which AirAsia and AirAsia X hope to carry by 2015. With a larger volume of traffic expected over the next few years, the KLIA East @ Labu project is very much needed. The project is also consistent with the government’s aim to make Kuala Lumpur a regional air transportation hub as well as efforts to popularise Malaysia as a tourist destination.

New Year Greetings

2009-01-11T20:03:00.000+08:00

I wish all Malaysians a Happy 2009. Although 2009 is expected to be filled with challenges as a result of the global economic situation, I believe we can override these, taking into account the stimulus package undertaken by the government as well as the country’s strong economic fundamentals. We need to continue to be resolute and strong and remain united in helping the country overcome the economic uncertainties by making Malaysia a preferred choice of investments, especially in the wake of competition from regional countries. I am confident that with the full support of all Malaysians and the commitment of the leaders, the country will see a better economic future that will translate into a better tomorrow for the rakyat.

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

2008-12-02T19:43:00.002+08:00

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.

Workers Retrenchment Fund

2008-11-30T19:23:00.000+08:00

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.

Remove Hindrances to Make Malaysia More Attractive

2008-10-31T22:30:00.000+08:00

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.

2008-10-29T15:33:00.005+08:00

Package of Economic Incentives a Timely Move

2008-10-22T18:49:00.003+08:00

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.

I Will Continue To Serve The Party

2008-10-19T14:19:00.001+08:00

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.

Government's Move to Guarantee Deposit 100% Should be Lauded

2008-10-17T17:37:00.004+08:00

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.

How the turmoil started

2008-10-12T20:12:00.002+08:00

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.

Weathering a financial storm

2008-10-12T20:01:00.003+08:00

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.

Fong: Why I prefer to be a veep

2008-09-30T20:15:00.002+08:00

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

Molotov Cocktail Attack on Kok Despicable

2008-09-28T12:24:00.002+08:00

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。

Fong for VP MCA

2008-09-23T18:13:00.003+08:00

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.

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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。

Najib’s Experience Will be an Advantage

2008-09-23T18:02:00.001+08:00

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.

( Mand version click "more" )

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。

No Need For Race Relations Act

2008-09-22T23:08:00.002+08:00

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.

( Mand version click "more" )

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。

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

2008-09-21T16:32:00.001+08:00

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.

( Mand version click "more" )

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。

We should get down to business of governing

2008-09-17T07:50:00.006+08:00

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”。

Release RPK and Teresa Kok

2008-09-15T11:42:00.009+08:00

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.

( Mand version click "more" )

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。

Syed Hamid's Explanation on Detention of Sin Chew Daily News Reporter

2008-09-14T09:51:00.008+08:00

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。

Act Decisively on the Perpetrator!

2008-09-13T11:27:00.010+08:00

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.

( Mand version click "more" )

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。

Arrest of Sin Chew Daily News Reporter

2008-09-13T10:04:00.003+08:00

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.

2009 Budget: Bolder Measures Needed!

2008-09-08T20:03:00.000+08:00

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

It's seditious!

2008-09-01T21:39:00.002+08:00

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.

Protest over Bar Council Forum Regrettable

2008-08-13T12:07:00.003+08:00

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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2008-07-09T21:07:00.001+08:00

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

2008-07-01T16:53:00.002+08:00

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.

At the Dewan Rakyat (23 June – 27 June 2008)

2008-06-29T23:23:00.000+08:00

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.

2008-06-27T09:53:00.000+08:00

'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

2008-06-27T09:49:00.000+08:00

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.

2008-06-21T19:30:00.000+08:00

At the function, RM6,000 were given to organize activities in the school.

Visit to SJK(C) Chabau, Melaka.

2008-06-12T15:00:00.000+08:00

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.

Choice of candidates partly to blame: Fong

2008-06-09T11:18:00.005+08:00

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.

Engaging The Media

2008-06-02T14:44:00.004+08:00

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

JKKK Kampung Padang Keladi

2008-06-01T15:00:00.001+08:00

Calling on victims of a fire at Kg. Padang Keladi, Durian Tunggal, Melaka.

Dinner at Jin Long Gong Temple, Tebong, Melaka.

2008-05-30T20:00:00.003+08:00

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.

Compensation for Pig Farm Operaters at Kawasan Paya Mengkuang, Alor Gajah, Melaka.

2008-05-30T16:00:00.003+08:00

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

"Snoop Squad"

2008-05-27T15:41:00.002+08:00

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.

MCA CRSM Alor Gajah

2008-05-25T11:00:00.000+08:00

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.

mangsa kebakaran di Machap Umboo

2008-05-25T10:00:00.000+08:00

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.

Touching base with residents of Kampung Machap Baru

2008-05-25T09:00:00.001+08:00

Touching base with residents of Kampung Machap Baru.

MCA tough talk gets weak response

2008-05-24T20:18:00.003+08:00

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.

A heart for the disabled

2008-05-24T20:12:00.002+08:00

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?

Nanyang Siang Pau's 85th Anniversary

2008-05-23T20:00:00.002+08:00

At the 85th Anniversary Dinner of Nanyang Siang Pau at Sekolah Menengah Pay Fong, Melaka.

Workers' Day and Mother's Day Celebrations, Tebong, Melaka

2008-05-23T18:00:00.002+08:00

At the dinner to celebrate Workers Day and Mother’s Day, organized by MIC Tebong Dr Fong announced an allocation of RM2,000 to the Indian community.

PIBG SMK Tebong, Melaka

2008-05-23T17:00:00.001+08:00

Guest of Honour at SMK Tebong’s Parents Teachers Association (PTA) AGM. Dr Fong announced an allocation of RM2,000 for the PTA’s activities.

Tokong Yi Wan Kong

2008-05-20T19:30:00.002+08:00

Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, who is the MP for Alor Gajah, joined over 1,000 people in celebrating the Anniversary of the Yi Wan Kong Temple in Alor Gajah on 20 May 2008. At the function, the sponsors donated RM2,000 for the China Earthquake Fund. The money was handed over to Dr Fong to be given to the earthquake victims through the MCA. Dr Fong also handed out an allocation of RM2,000 for the anniversary dinner.

Visit to SJK Alor Gajah

2008-05-20T18:00:00.002+08:00

On 20 May 2008, Datuk Seri Dr Fong visited the SJK Alor Gajah, which is situated in his constituency. The school’s Parent Teachers Association, Board of Directors and Ex-students Association took the opportunity to bring out problems faced by the school, including funds to repair the school’s roof and the school fence. Dr Fong has promised to bring up the problem with the Education Ministry.

JKKK Kg Padang Sebang

2008-05-19T17:00:00.001+08:00

YB Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn spending time with constituents of Kampung Padang Sebang, Alor Gajah, Melaka. The time enabale Dr Fong, who is Alor Gajah Member of Parliament to hear, first hand, various problems and issues affecting the rakyat.

Tokong Cheng Long Kong, Tampin, Melaka

2008-05-19T16:00:00.001+08:00

YB Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn visited the Tokong Cheng Long Kong in Tampin, Melaka in conjunction with Wesak Day. He joined about 500 Buddhists for lunch at the temple. At the function, Datuk Seri Dr. Fong, who is the Member of Parliament for Alor Gajah, handed over RM2,000 for the development of the temple.

PIBG SK Ganun

2008-05-15T14:30:00.003+08:00

YB Datuk Seri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, the Member of Parliament for Alor Gajah, opened the annual general meeting of the Parents Teachers Association of Sekolah Kebangsaan Ganun in Alor Gajah, Melaka. About 200 parents attended the function. He urged parents to always give importance to their children’s education. At the function, Datuk Seri Dr. Fong announced an allocation of RM5,000 for various activities in the school.

亚罗牙也区国会议员拿督斯里冯镇安博士在国会下议院，针对感激国家元首发表御词的动议而发表的讲话

2008-05-08T10:06:00.000+08:00

议长先生，

最近全国大选的投票结果令人出乎意料之外，尤其是对国民阵线而言。人们除了把选举结果形容为政治海啸之外，实际上，人民到底有什么话要说呢？

简单地说，他们要的是改变。如果没有弄错，这并不等于说他们不要国阵。他们还是要国阵政府的。不过，他们要求的是，国阵改变态度，以及改变治理国家的方法。

国阵政府在过去50多年来就一直统治马来西亚。国阵的确为国家带来了很大的进展。我曾经是政府中的一分子，所以对政府所作的努力有所感受和了解。人民不是一次又一次的给以国阵委托，去统治国家了吗？我国已经举行12次全国大选，而国阵在过去的选举中都获得胜利。人民一次又一次给以国阵委托，所以政府没有理由不继续为人民提供他们所要的东西。经济的进展，社会经济的发展，人民福利的改善，我国在国际舞台政治地位的提升，教育和就业机会的提高，人民收入差距的缩小等等 – 这些记录显示，国阵已经成功地带领一个经济落后的国家，走到了全球工业化国家的前线。我们相信，我们所作的一切都是正确的。

在今年三月举行的大选中，通过国阵参选的政府，受到了人民的衡量与评估。选民的裁决显示，政府不符合标准，它依然有缺点。选民的投票结果说明，国阵并没有聆听人民的声音。国阵甚至挑战人民，呼吁他们通过投票表达他们的心声。结果，人民做了。如果国阵当时没有得到信息，现在，人民发出了洪亮和清楚的声音 – 国阵的确有许多缺点需要改进。

现在不是找理由或互相指责的时候。我们的当前急务是立刻纠正被认为有缺点的领域。且让我们支持只有经验丰富、资源充足、以及有权力的政府机制才可以做得到的国阵。总而言之，人民还是做出了明智的决定，再次给以国阵委托，让它继续掌管国家的政权多5年。对于在投票时没有支持国阵的选民，我们吁请他们不要因此排除国阵，而依然给以国阵机会去重拾所失去的信任。毫无疑问的，今后的路将是崎岖不平的，而国阵必须披荆斩棘，去赢取所有马来西亚人的心和想法。我所说的马来西亚人，指的是居住在马来西亚，以及在这个土地上奋斗谋求生活的全体人民，而不是单单指马来人，华人，印度人，卡达山人，或伊班人。我提到的是组成我国人口的全体马来西亚人。

我们到底做错了什么？且让我们先研究最基本的问题。每一个政府都有责任应付人民的基本需求 – 安全、房屋、教育、保健和司法方面的需要。

以普通老百姓的观点来看，要如何看待这些问题呢？讲公道话，国阵在过去多年来的表现并不太差。在一些领域，国阵甚至有杰出的表现，而在其他一些方面的表现，无疑还有改善的空间。

人民如何看待安全的问题？

议长先生，

我国的犯罪率已经稳健增长，尤其在过去三年。报告显示，光是2007年，暴力罪案率增长了大约13 %，强奸案提高了将近30 %，而匪徒结党抢劫的罪案增加了将近160 %。* 这种趋势令人感到忧心忡忡，迫切需要加以研究。为了消除人民的担忧，我们必须确保设立更多警亭，调派更多的警察人员到经常发生罪案的地区和工业区。此外，我们也应该增派旅游警察在游客经常到的景点驻守。其实，人民对警察的信心已经消减，主要是因为几宗涉及高层人士的谋杀案件，好比鲁乃前州议员费尔南德斯在8年前被谋杀，以及新加坡科技专业人士被暗杀事件，至今都还没有破案。为了致力于改善警方的查案权力，我们应该认真研究改进我们的司法体制和设立现代化的查案设施。也许，我们应该认真研究接纳 “提升马来西亚皇家警察行动与管理的皇家委员会”所提出的125项建议。让我们大家听取国家元首的规劝，相信目前还有改善的空间，使皇家马来西亚警察成为一股首要的部队。

政府以我国的罪案率仍然比其他国家的罪案率低作为借口，已经不能消除人民的忧虑。人民关注的并不是统计数据，因为他们对数目字根本不能理解。他们只知道，他们很不甘愿付钱雇用保安人员，去看管他们的房屋。他们不能了解，为什么他们应该付钱给专业的‘警察’。令人讽刺的是，曾经只有高级住宅区的产业才实行设立围篱和保安人员看管的概念，现在成为了所有住宅区随处可见的现象。这种现象并不是为了炫耀，而是因为需要。

教育问题又怎么样？

议长先生，

人民对我国实施的亲善教育体系感到满意。我国的小学教育是强制和免费的。中学教育则获得补贴，而且开放给所有要升学的学生就读。现在显然没有实际的问题存在。真正的问题是，我国缺乏可以让学生负担得起的大学教育。每年，令人民感到不满的是，当局缺乏为需要援助的学生提供大学名额。人们的看法是，分配给学生的大学名额和财务援助是不公平的，而且没有遵守精英绩效的原则。人们经常指责本地大学实行的录取学生政策不公平。本地大学实行公平与平等的名额分配，为需要援助的学生提供奖学金和财务援助，以及实行精英绩效政策，长期来说，将会增进我国的人力资本，而这些都是教育需要进行研究的领域。

一些人也对本地大学录取学生的标准表示不满。作为进入本地大学标准的预科班课程，只需要一年的时间，而参加马来西亚高等学校文凭考试STPM的学生，则需要花两年的时间。我建议，政府采纳单一的入学制度。如果政府希望保留精英绩效计划，它就应该开放给各族的学生。

与此同时，人民也对母语学校受到的对待，表示不满。他们对这些学校被边缘化，以及没有被纳入国家教育体系的主流的原因，提出质疑。为什么教育部的正常发展计划，没有包括母语学校的成立，但是，母语学校的成立，却被视为一种政治妥协呢？为什么在第9个马来西亚计划下的发展项目，没有提出建立母语学校的建议呢？

司法

议长先生，

毫无疑问的，司法体系是另一个令人民感到生气的问题。过去几年来，我国司法界的形象已经不知不觉地受到了侵蚀。在这方面，首相呼吁成立一个独立的委员会，研究委任法官的问题。这是为恢复我国曾经是杰出的司法界的尊严，而采取的第一个步骤。

也许，一些人认为，现在一切已经太晚。我说，迟到好过没到。我对首相为司法的改革踏出了第一步，表示感激和祝贺。司法任命委员会的成立，反贪污局的改革，都是政府决心要做而去做的例子。正如国家元首所说，首相授权司法界的行动，反映出政府做出承诺，以确保我国的司法体系是公正、受到尊重，以及独立而不受到任何方面影响的。肯定的，我们希望看到今后有更多的改革。

经济与社会政治关系

议长先生，

平心而论，从国阵过去治理国家的记录看来，有证据证明，国阵取得了很大的成功。它促进了经济各领域的成长。它为社会福利带来了新的水平 – 改善保健、提高人民受教育的机率、减少收入差距、制造就业机会等等。那么，什么理由叫一些人放弃支持国阵呢？我无法回答这个问题。那些寻求变革的人一般上认为，国阵政府态度高傲和实行镇压。我现在不打算对这些指责是否正确，进行详细的分析。选举的结果已经足以说明，这些广泛的指责达成了共识。

马华公会自成立以来，我们就相信，必须实行以种族为基础的合作模式。每个政党代表不同的族群，不过，他们所展开的斗争都朝着同样的目标。让我们回顾创党人在争取摆脱英国而宣布独立的日子，大家应该记得，争取独立的三个政党都有平等的地位。我们也必须记得，我国的代表团前往英国，是要向殖民地宗主国证明，虽然我国是多元种族的国家，但是，我们可以和谐共处。当时，白人采取的是短视的看法，他们认为，不同种族的人民是不可能在同一个屋檐下和平共处的。马来西亚人民的确有许多不同 - 他们的宗教信仰不同，他们的语言不同，吃的食物也不同。然而，我们让英国相信，马来西亚人民之间却能够和平共处。

新的媒体广泛报道有关指责我国各族之间的互相尊重与和谐的消息。如果一个人习惯使用新的媒体，它就会阅读到许多由一些有心的政治人物发表不利于某一个族群的声明。激发一个族群作出改进并没有错。但是，如果这种激发是在藐视其他种族，以及营造不满的气氛下进行，那就是犯了错误。只要一些公民意识到他们享有不公平的权益，以及政治人物继续鼓吹优势的理念，我们的先辈所梦寐以求的种族和谐，将永远成为一场梦。令人遗憾的是，这种偏见目前依然存在。

我们可以看到，政府的发展计划是不分种族，但根据需要的为所有的马来西亚人民带来利益。政府应该带头促进各阶层的选贤与能活动。在这方面，政府关联的公司不应该只让一个族群掌权。人民会质疑为什么政府关联的公司只有一个种族掌权呢？是不是因为其他族群没有人材可以担任这个工作？此外，政府服务也应该反映更多种族混合的情况，尤其是在柜台的服务。

人民已经提出改变的要求，改变是我们的权利。对马华公会来说，第12届全国大选的投票的结果告诉我，虽然我们有良好的意图，但是，我们向来为他们争取权益的马来西亚华人，却叫我们失望。虽然目前还在吵吵闹闹，但是，我不愿意推测，第12届大选是否为以种族为基础的政治，敲起了丧钟？马华公会开始成立时，只是一个协助当时的华裔工人解决他们是否要在这里落籍的问题的组织。它后来决定参加政治，因为它认为，英国在宪法的条款中忽略了华人。

我要说的是，我们取得了很大的进展 - 我们为华文学校，新村，教育机会，以及中小型企业带来了发展。我们曾经受到关注的，不过，这次求变的风刮得太猛烈。我们，也就是马华和国阵应该认同这些改变，而扩大我们的范围及策略。新的问题已经出现，而这些问题对人民，尤其是年轻一代是重要的。如果我们要继续受到人民的关注，就必须落实人民的意愿。

第12届全国大选让国阵失去了5个州的执政权，这是史无前例的。分析家说，这是选民对国阵投下的抗议票。这并不是因为人民比较喜欢反对党，不过，他们这次减少了对国阵的喜欢。最后的分析是，他们要的是改变。无论有没有我们，改变还是要来的。今后的5年对我们是非常关键和重要的。为了生存，改变是无可避免的。

在此，议长先生，我要支持感激国家元首发表御词的动议。谢谢。

Speech by MP Alor Gajah, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn, Motion of Thanks to DYMM Yang di Pertuan Agong

2008-05-07T18:23:00.009+08:00

Mr Speaker,
The results of the recent General Election have been an eye opener to us all, and especially so to the Barisan Nasional. Above the row of the political tsunami, what are the people actually saying?

Very simply put, the people have said they want change. Do not be mistaken, that’s not the same as saying they do not want the Barisan Nasional. The still want the BN government. But they want it to change its attitude and the way it has handled the running of the country.

The Barisan Nasional government has been ruling the country for the last fifty over years. It has been doing a great job. Having been a part of the government myself, that was the impression we got. Has not the rakyat given the BN its mandate to rule, time after time? We have won in twelve elections. This continued renewal of the mandate was the reason that the government has continued to give what it believed the people wanted. Economic progress, social economic development, improvements in wellbeing and people’s welfare, raised political stature in the international arena, greater education and employment opportunities, narrowing of income disparities the records show that the BN has successfully steered the country from a backwater economy to the forefront of the global industrializing nations. We believed that we were doing the right thing.

In the March General Election, the Government, through the Barisan Nasional has been weighed and measured by the people. The verdict, it has not measured up. It has been found wanting. The rakyat has come to the opinion that we in the BN have lost the ability to listen and to hear. We had even challenged the rakyat to say what they had to say through the ballot. That they have done. And if we have not got the message then, it should be loud and clear now – the BN has shortcomings it needs to address.

This is no longer the time for excuses or finger-pointing. The correct and urgent thing to do is to make right the areas we have been found wanting. Let’s put our backs to it and do what only the Barisan Nasional, with its wealth of experience, its might of resources, and its power as the government machinery alone can do. After all, the rakyat has in its wisdom found it fit to give the BN another mandate to run this country for the next five years. For those who did not vote for the BN, we need to ask them not to shut us out, but to give us a chance to restore the confidence lost. Needless to say, there is a long and bumpy road and some bitter medicine that the ruling coalition must take to win back the hearts and minds of all Malaysians. By Malaysians, I mean the rakyat who live and toil for a living on this Malaysian soil. I do not mean it as the Malays, or the Chinese, or the Indians, the Kadazans, the Ibans. I refer to the collective peoples who make up the populace.

Where did we go wrong? Let’s take a look at the basics. Every government owes it to its citizens to provide for their basic needs security, housing, education, healthcare and justice.

Just where are we on those issues from the point of view of the man in the street. To be fair, the Barisan Nasional has done not too badly over the years. In some areas, it has done a splendid job, in other areas, there is undeniably room for improvement.

What is the people’s take on Security?

Mr Speaker,
The crime rate has been on the rise steadily, especially over the last three years. For 2007 alone, reports showed that violent crimes rose by about 13 percent, rape cases went up by almost 30 percent and gang robberies went up almost 160 percent. This trend is very disturbing and should be looked into urgently. To eliminate the concerns of the rakyat, we must ensure more police personnel in crime-prone areas with the establishment of more police “pondoks” and in industrial areas. The number of tourism police should also be increased in areas which are popular with tourists. The rakyat’s confidence in the police had also diluted somewhat because of the number of high-profile murder cases that were still unsolved – like the killing of former Lunas assemblyman Dr Joe Fernandez eight years ago and the killing of a Singapore IT professional in Kuala Lumpur. In efforts to improve the investigative powers of the police, we should seriously look into improving our forensic science and the establishment of modern crime laboratories. Perhaps we should seriously look into the adoption of the 125 recommendations of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police. Let us all heed His Majesty’s advice that there is room for improvement in making the Royal Malaysian Police a premier force.

Excuses such as our crime rate is still lower when compared to other countries bring no comfort to the rakyat. The rakyat cares little for statistics they cannot feel or grasp. They only know that they have to fork out money to engage security guards to watch over their homes. They cannot understand why they should pay for professional “police”. Ironically, the gated and guarded concept that was once found in high end residential property is now a common feature in all housing estates. Not for its snob appeal, but for its necessity.

What about Education?

Mr Speaker,
The rakyat is already grateful for the benevolent education system in the country. Primary education is compulsory and free. Secondary education is subsidized and open to all those who seek it. There is no real issue here. The real issue is the lack of affordable education at the tertiary level. Year after year, there is the expected outrage at the lack of places for deserving students. The perception is that the distribution of places and financial assistance to students is unfair and not in keeping to the principles of meritocracy. There is always the accusation of unfair admission policy to local universities. Allocation of places to local universities that are fair and equitable, scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students, a policy of meritocracy which in the long run will enrich our human capital - these are areas in education that beg to be looked into.

Some are also unhappy with the criteria for entrance into local universities. The matriculation programme, which is used for entrance into local universities, takes one year, while those who have to sit for the STPM have to go through two years. I propose that the government adopts a single entry system. If the government wishes to maintain the matriculation programme, then it should be opened to all races.

The rakyat is also unhappy with the treatment of vernacular schools. They questioned why such schools are being marginalised and not regarded as in the mainstream of the country’s national education system. Why is the establishment of vernacular schools not included in the normal development programme of the Education Ministry, but the establishment of such schools regarded as political compromises? Why are they no proposals for the establishment of vernacular under the development plans of the Ninth Malaysia Plan?

Justice

Mr Speaker,
There is no denying that the Judiciary system is another sore point with the rakyat. The image of the judiciary has been systemically and insidiously eroded over the years. In this respect, the Prime Minister’s call for the setting up of an independent commission to look into the appointment of judges is a first step into restoring the dignity of our once towering judiciary. Some quarters may see it as too late in coming. I say, better late than never. I would like to record my thanks and congratulations to our Prime Minister for having taken the first step towards judiciary reforms. The setting up of the judicial appointments commission, the reforms to the Anti Corruption Agency – these are examples of what can be done when the government puts its mind to it. As His Majesty says, the Prime Minister’s move to empower the Judiciary reflects the government’s commitment to ensure that the Judiciary system is just, respected and independent of any influence. We certainly hope to see more reforms in the pipeline.

Economy and Socio-Political Concerns

Mr Speaker,
In all fairness, going through the Barisan Nasional’s track record in running the country, it is evident that it has been immensely successful. It has promoted growth across all sectors of the economy. It has attained new levels of social wellbeing for the people – improving healthcare, increasing access to education, reducing income disparities, creating jobs, and so on. What then could be the reason that some people are beginning to turn their backs on the Barisan Nasional. I have no empirical answer to that. The general reason cited by those seeking change is that the Barisan Government is arrogant and repressive. I do not intend to split hairs over whether those allegations are true. Suffice to point out that the results of the elections underscored among other things, the consensus on those broad allegations.

Since the beginning of the Malaysian Chinese Association, we have always believed in a model of cooperation based on race. Each party represents a different group of people yet they fight for the same goal. Going back to the days when the original founding fathers sought Independence from England, it must be remembered that the three parties went in as equals. It must also be remembered that the point of the delegation to England was to prove to the colonial masters that as diverse as we may be, we could be counted to live together in harmony. In the myopic view of the whites then, it was impossible for people who are not of the same genus to live together under one roof, peacefully. Malaysians are different – they pray to different Gods, they speak different languages and they eat different foods. That has always been the case. Then we convinced them that we are capable of living peaceably together.

The new media is rife with criticisms about racial respect and harmony. And if one is familiar with the new media, one would see and read the many unkind things being said about a certain race because of some overzealous politicians. How was it possible to nurture such a misguided notion of imagined superiority, I will choose not to detail. There is not wrong or unusual to motivating a race to do better. But, it is wrong if that is done by sowing contempt and disdain and by establishing a climate of discontent towards another race. As long as some citizens perceive themselves to have unequal rights and as long as politicians continue to propagate the ideology of superiority or first among equals, the racial harmony that our forefathers have dreamt about will remain a dream. The sad reality is that such prejudices are being consciously perpetuated.

Government development programmes must be seen to bring benefits to all Malaysians, irrespective of race, but based on needs. The Government should be in the forefront in promoting meritocracy at all levels. In this context, Government Linked Corporations (GLCs) should not see just one race at the helm. The rakyat will question why are GLCs only helmed by one race? Is this because there is no one from the other races that is capable of doing so. Government services should also reflect a more racial mix, especially at counter services.

The awards of government contracts, particularly small contracts, should not be race-based but again, based on capability and experience. Criteria such as the company’s or contractor’s experience, back ground and track record should be more important factors for consideration. Similarly, banks should also use these criteria in the provision of loans to SMEs.

Conclusion

Mr Speaker,
The people have asked for change. Change is within our power. With regards to the MCA, the results of the 12 General Election tells me that despite our good intentions, the Malaysian Chinese whose rights we profess to fight for regard us as a disappointment. There have been rumblings, but I do not want to presume that the 12th GE is the beginning of the death knell for race based politics. The MCA started out as an organization to help the then Chinese workers to settle into this new chosen home. It decided to get involved in politics when it felt that the British had neglected the Chinese in the provisions of the Constitution.

I would like to say that we have achieved much – thriving Chinese schools, new villages, Chinese culture, educational opportunities, SME’s. We were once relevant. But the winds of change blow hard. We, in the MCA and the BN, should take cognizance of these changes and expand our dimensions and strategies. New issues have emerged which are important to the rakyat, especially the younger generation. We need to meet their aspirations if we are to remain relevant to the people.

The 12 GE saw the Barisan Nasional losing an unprecedented five states. Analysts say it was a protest vote against the ruling coalition. It is not that the people love the opposition more, but that they love the BN less this time. In the final analysis, they want a change. The change can come from us, or without us. The next five years are extremely crucial to all of us. Change is imperative for our survival.

With this, Mr Speaker, I wish to support the motion of thanks. Thank you.

# Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn is MCA Vice President

Ucapan MP Alor Gajah, Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn Usul Menjunjung Kasih Titah Ucapan Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di Pertuan Agong di Parlimen ke-12

2008-05-07T18:14:00.006+08:00

Terima kasih Tuan Yang di-Pertua,
Tuan Yang di-Pertua, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini merakamkan junjungan kasih yang tidak terhingga di atas kesudian Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud, mencemar Duli bagi merasmikan Mesyuarat Penggal Pertama Parlimen Ke-12 di Dewan yang mulia ini.

Tuan Yang di-Pertua,
Keputusan pilihanraya umum baru-baru ini telah membuka mata kita semua, khususnya kepada Barisan Nasional. Disebalik gelombang Tsunami politik, apa sebenarnya yang dikehendaki rakyat?

Dengan kata mudah, rakyat sudah bersuara – mereka mahukan perubahan. Namun, ini tidak bermakna, rakyat menolak Barisan Nasional. Hakikatnya, mereka masih perlukan Barisan Nasional. Namun, rakyat mahu BN mengubah sikap dan cara ia merajui negara.

Kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah mentadbir negara sejak lebih lima puluh tahun lalu, dan berjaya melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya dengan cemerlang. Sebagai sebahagian daripada kerajaan, itulah apa yang saya rasa. Bukankah rakyat telah memberi mandat kepada BN dari semasa ke semasa? Dan ia menjadi pegangan kerajaan untuk memberikan apa yang ia percaya diperlukan oleh rakyat. Pertumbuhan ekonomi, pembangunan sosio ekonomi, menaiktaraf hidup dan menjaga kebajikan rakyat, mengangkat reputasi politik di arena antarabangsa, peluang pendidikan lebih luas, mengurangkan jurang pendapatan – ini semua membuktikan BN berjaya membawa negara daripada ekomoni tradisional kepada negara perindustrian yang dikenali dunia. Kita di Barisan Nasional percaya bahawa kita telah melakukan sesuatu yang betul.

Dalam pilihanraya umum Mac lalu, kerajaan, menerusi Barisan Nasional, telah ditimbang dan diukur secukupnya. Keputusan yang diperoleh – kerajaan tidak dapat memenuhi sepenuhnya, harapan dan aspirasi rakyat. Rakyat berpendapat, BN tidak lagi berupaya mendengar suara mereka. Kita telah mencabar rakyat supaya meluahkan suaranya menerusi peti undi. Itulah yang telah mereka lakukan. Dan, jika kita tidak memahami mesej itu sebelum ini, sudah jelas dan nyata sekarang, BN mempunyai kekurangan yang perlu diatasi.

Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Kini bukan lagi masa untuk memberi alasan atau tuduh menuduh sesiapa. Perkara yang sepatutnya disegerakan ialah memperbetulkan kelemahan yang dikenalpasti. Marilah kita bersama-sama berganding bahu dan melakukan apa yang BN, dengan pengalaman dan sumber yang luas selain kuasa yang dipegang selaku jentera kerajaan, boleh lakukan. Lagipun, rakyat telah memberi mandat kepada BN untuk mentadbir negara selama 5 tahun lagi. Kepada yang tidak mengundi BN, kami meminta mereka agar tidak menutup pintu tetapi berilah kami peluang untuk mengembalikan keyakinan kepercayaan yang hilang. Tidak boleh dinafikan, jalan ini adalah panjang dan berliku dan BN perlu menelan segala penawar yang pahit untuk memenangi semula hati dan pemikiran rakyat Malaysia. Rakyat yang saya maksudkan disini ialah semua warganegara yang tinggal dan bekerja keras untuk hidup di tanah air yang tercinta. Saya tidak hanya maksudkan orang Melayu, Cina, India, Kadazan atau Iban. Yang saya maksudkan ialah semua individu yang membentuk populasi Malaysia secara seluruhnya.

Di mana silap kita? Mari renungkan perkara-perkara asas. Setiap kerajaan memegang amanah kepada rakyat masing-masing untuk menyediakan segala keperluan asas seperti keselamatan, perumahan, pendidikan, kesihatan dan keadilan.

Di mana kedudukan kita dalam isu-isu daripada kaca mata rakyat? Kerajaan Barisan Nasional telah menunaikan tanggungjawabnya dengan baik sejak bertahun lalu. Malah, dalam beberapa bidang, ia berjaya melaksanakannya dengan cemerlang. Namun, dalam beberapa bidang lagi, masih ada ruang yang perlu diperbaiki.

Tuan Yang Dipetua,

Apa tanggapan rakyat mengenai keselamatan?

Kadar jenayah telah meningkat secara ketara, terutamanya dalam tempoh tiga tahun kebelakangan ini. Tahun lepas, statistik menunjukkan, jenayah keganasan meningkat kira-kira 13 peratus, kes rogol bertambah 30 peratus dan rompakan berkumpulan melonjak hampir 160 peratus. Keadaan ini amat membimbangkan dan perlu ditangani segera. Bagi menghapuskan kebimbangan rakyat, kita perlu mengambil beberapa pendekatan, antaranya memastikan lebih ramai anggota polis ditempatkan di kawasan-kawasan yang dikenalpati berisiko tinggi berlakunya jenayah dan menubukhan lebih banyak pondok polis, termasuk di kawasan-kawasan perindustrian dan perumahan. Jumlah polis pelancong juga perlu ditambah di lokasi-lokasi tumpuan pelancong.

Kini, keyakinan rakyat terhadap pihak polis sedikit terhakis disebabkan oleh jumlah kes bunuh berprofil tinggi yang masih belum berjaya diselesaikan. Contohnya, pembunuhan bekas Anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Lunas, Dr Joe Fernandez, lapan tahun lalu dan pembunuhan seorang profesional IT warga Singapura di Kuala Lumpur. Dalam usaha untuk memperkasakan bidang siasatan polis, kita perlu memperkukuhkan sains forensik dan menubuhkan makmal-makmal jenayah yang moden. Mungkin, kita perlu menimbang dengan serius untuk menerima pakai 125 cadangan oleh Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia. Marilah kita memberi perhatian kepada saranan Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Yang di-Pertuan Agong, bahawa masih banyak ruang yang boleh diperbaiki bagi menjadikan PDRM sebuah pasukan ulung.

Alasan yang diberi, termasuk statistik kadar jenayah di Malaysia lebih rendah berbanding beberapa negara lain, tidak akan menimbulkan rasa selamat dan selesa dalam kalangan rakyat. Malah, rakyat rata-rata kurang mengambil endah dengan statistik berkenaan. Rakyat cuma tahu, sejumlah wang perlu dibelanjakan untuk mengupah pengawal keselamatan bagi menjaga kawasan kediaman mereka. Persoalan yang timbul – mengapa mereka perlu mengupah ’polis profesional’. Ironinya, pagar dan konsep kawal yang dahulunya hanya boleh ditemui di kawasan kediaman mewah kini boleh dilihat di mana-mana premis kediaman, bukan untuk menunjuk-nunjuk tetapi sudah menjadi satu keperluan.

Tuan Yang Dipetua,

Bagaimana dengan pendidikan?

Sememangnya, rakyat boleh berbangga dengan sistem pendidikan negara. Pendidikan sekolah rendah adalah wajib dan percuma. Bagi peringkat menengah, subsidi disediakan dan terbuka kepada semua rakyat yang memerlukannya. Sehubungan itu, tiada sebarang isu yang timbul mengenai perkara berkenaan. Isu sebenarnya ialah kurangnya ruang pendidikan di peringkat tinggi. Saban tahun, ramai pelajar yang benar-benar layak tidak mendapat tempat di universiti tempatan. Ini menyebabkan timbul persepsi, berlaku ketidakadilan dari segi pengagihan tempat dan bantuan kewangan kepada pelajar yang layak dan dasar meritokari tidak dilaksanakan sewajarnya. Malah, kerap timbul tuduhan berhubung dasar kemasukan secara berat sebelah ke universiti-universiti tempatan.

Ramai pelajar tidak berpuas hati kerana mereka tidak diberi peluang memasuki program matrikulasi yang hanya mengambil masa satu tahun berbanding dua tahun bagi STPM. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, saya mencadangkan supaya kerajaan melaksanakan sistem tunggal bagi kemasukan ke universiti tempatan. Namun, jika sistem sedia ada diteruskan, peluang untuk mengikuti program matrikulasi wajar dibuka kepada semua kaum.

Penempatan pelajar secara adil dan saksama di universiti tempatan, bantuan kewangan dan biasiswa kepada mereka yang benar-benar layak, dasar meritrokasi yang berterusan akan memperkukuhkan modal insan negara – ini merupakan ruang-ruang dalam pendidikan yang diharap dapat diberi perhatian.

Rakyat juga tidak berpuashati dengan layanan yang diberi kepada sekolah-sekolah vernakular. Mereka mempersoalkan – mengapa sekolah-sekolah berkenaan dipinggirkan dan tidak dianggap sebagai sebahagian dalam sistem pendidikan nasional. Mengapa penubuhan sekolah-sekolah vernakular tidak dimasukkan dalam program pembangunan biasa Kementerian Pelajaran mengikut keperluan rakyat, tetapi penubuhannya dianggap sebagai satu tolak ansur politik? Kenapa tidak ada sebarang cadangan untuk menubuhkan sekolah-sekolah vernakular dalam program pembangunan biasa Rancangan Malaysia ke-9.

Tuan Yang Dipetua,

Keadilan

Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa sistem kehakiman merupakan satu lagi elemen yang mengguris rakyat. Sejak bertahun-tahun lamanya, imej dan integriti badan kehakiman tercalar. Dalam hal ini, YAB Perdana Menteri telah menyarankan penubuhan satu suruhanjaya bebas bagi mengendalikan urusan pelantikan hakim dan kenaikan pangkat hakim. Ini dilihat sebagai langkah pertama untuk mengembalikan maruah institusi kehakiman di negara ini. Bagi sesetengah pihak, ia mungkin satu tindakan yang sudah terlambat. Namun, saya berpendapat, ia lebih baik daripada tidak melakukan apa-apa. Di sini, saya ingin merakamkan ucapan terima kasih dan tahniah kepada YAB Perdana Menteri kerana telah menggerakkan usaha ke arah pembaharuan sistem kehakiman.

Penubuhan suruhanjaya pelantikan hakim, penstrukturan semula Badan Pencegah Rasuah – ini merupakan antara contoh, apa yang boleh kita lakukan apabila kerajaan mengambil berat mengenai perkara itu. Seperti titah Seri Paduka, langkah Perdana Menteri untuk memperkasakan institusi kehakiman menggambarkan komitmen kerajaan untuk memastikan sistem kehakiman adil, dihormati dan bebas daripada pengaruh mana-mana pihak. Dan, kami berharap, lebih banyak pembaharuan dapat dilakukan.

Kebimbangan mengenai ekonomi dan sosio politik

Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Barisan Nasional telah terbukti berjaya mentadbir negara dengan cemerlang. Pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam semua bidang berjaya ditingkatkan. BN juga berjaya meningkatkan taraf hidup rakyat ke paras yang baru. Ini termasuk memperbaiki perkhidmatan kesihatan, memperluas bidang pendidikan, mengurangkan jurang pendapatan dan mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan. Apa sebenarnya punca pengundi mula membelakangkan Barisan Nasional? Saya tidak mempunyai jawapan yang dibuktikan menerusi kajian empiris kepada soalan itu. Sebab umum yang disebut-sebut oleh mereka yang mahukan perubahan ialah sikap BN yang bongkak dan menekan. Saya tidak berhasrat untuk memperdebat, sama ada tuduhan itu adalah benar. Cukuplah dengan menyatakan bahawa keputusan pilihanraya antara lain menegaskan, tanggapan pengundi yang cenderung kepada tuduhan-tuduhan tersebut.

Sejak penubuhan MCA, kami sentiasa yakin kepada model kerjasama berteraskan kaum. Setiap parti mewakili kumpulan etnik yang berbeza, tetapi berkongsi perjuangan yang sama. Mengimbas kembali zaman pemimpin-pemimpin dahulu menuntut kemerdekaan daripada British, perlu diingat, tiga parti terlibat adalah setaraf. Perlu juga diingat bahawa antara cabaran tujuan rombongan yang dihantar ke England ialah membuktikan kepada penjajah bahawa walaupun mempunyai pelbagai perbezaan, kita mampu hidup bersama dengan harmoni. Ketika itu, Orang Putih berpendapat, adalah mustahil bagi masyarakat berlainan kaum duduk sebumbung secara aman. Rakyat Malaysia adalah berbeza. Mereka mempunyai agama yang berbeza dan berturut dalam bahasa yang berbeza. Malah, makanan mereka juga berbeza. Perbezaan ini telah wujud sejak dahulu lagi. Namun kita berjaya meyakinkan mereka bahawa kita berupaya hidup aman bersama.

Media baru penuh dengan kritikan terhadap keharmonian dan amalan hormat menghormati antara kaum. Dan, jika seseorang itu biasa menggunakan media baru, dia akan menemui banyak kenyataan tidak baik terhadap kaum tertentu yang ditulis oleh ahli politik yang terlalu ghairah. Tidak ada salahnya menggalakkan sesuatu kaum untuk memajukan diri. Tetapi adalah salah jika melakukannya dengan menghina dan mencetuskan perasaan tidak puas hati terhadap kaum lain. Selagi ada kelompok rakyat yang menganggap kaum mereka tidak mendapat hak yang sewajarnya, keharmonian yang diidam-idamkan pemimpin-pemimpin dan rakyat Malaysia, akan kekal sebagai impian. Yang menyedihkan, walaupun sedar, prasangka seumpama itu pada hakikatnya, masih wujud.

Program-program pembangunan yang dilaksanakan oleh kerajaan perlu dilihat membawa manfaat kepada seluruh rakyat, tanpa mengira kaum, dan harus berdasarkan keperluan. Sewajarnya, kerajaan berada di barisan hadapan, memperjuangkan konsep meritokrasi di semua peringkat. Dalam konteks ini, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan atau GLCs (dengan izin) tidak seharusnya memberi tumpuan kepada satu kaum sahaja. Rakyat akan menimbulkan persoalan – mengapa GLC-GLC hanya diterajui oleh satu kaum? Adakah kerana, tiada kaum lain yang layak untuk mengetuai GLC? Sektor perkhidmatan awam juga perlu mencerminkan komposisi kaum yang lebih adil, terutama melibatkan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan di kaunter.

Pemberian kontrak-kontrak kerajaan, khususnya kontrak kecil tidak sepatutnya berdasarkan kaum, tetapi perlu berasaskan kemampuan dan pengalaman. Kriteria seperti pengalaman sesebuah syarikat atau kontraktor, latar belakang dan rekod prestasi wajar menjadi kriteria-kriteria penting untuk dipertimbangkan. Malah, institusi perbankan juga harus menggunakan kriteria tersebut dalam meluluskan pinjaman kepada Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana.

Kesimpulan
Tuan Yang Dipetua,
Rakyat mahukan perubahan. Perubahan berada dalam tangan kita. Dari perspektif MCA, saya sedari, masyarakat Cina di Malaysia, yang hak mereka kami perjuangkan, menganggap kami sebagai mengecewakan. Namun, saya tidak mahu membuat anggapan bahawa pilihanraya umum ke-12 menjadi titik tolak kepada kejatuhan parti-parti politik berteraskan kaum. MCA bermula sebagai sebuah pertubuhan yang membantu pekerja Cina menyesuaikan diri di Tanah Melayu yang dipilih sebagai tanah air yang baru. MCA memutuskan untuk membabitkan diri dalam politik selepas ia merasakan pihak British meminggirkan masyarakat Cina dalam peruntukan perlembagaan.

Saya ingin tegaskan, kami telah melakar pelbagai kejayaan – memartabatkan sekolah-sekolah Cina, kampung-kampung baru, budaya masyarakat Cina, pendidikan serta mewujudkan peluang pendidikan, perusahaan kecil dan sederhana dan sebagainya. Kita pernah dianggap relevan. Namun, angin perubahan bertiup kencang. Pilihanraya umum ke-12 menyaksikan Barisan Nasional kalah di lima negeri. Para pengalisis berpendapat, ia merupakan undi protes terhadap kerajaan BN.

Selaras dengan angin perubahan yang jelas dilihat dalam Pilihanraya umum Mac lalu, saya berpendapat, parti MCA dan BN seharusnya memberi perhatian serius kepada isu-isu baru, selain isu-isu yang saya sebutkan tadi. Ini penting jika MCA dan BN mahu menjadi parti yang relevan kepada semua rakyat, terutama golongan muda. Kami mesti memperluaskan dimensi dan strategi kami untuk memenuhi aspirasi rakyat.

Hakikatnya, rakyat bukan menyebelahi pembangkang, namun keyakinan mereka kepada BN sedikit terhakis. Secara kesimpulan, rakyat mahukan perubahan. Perubahan itu boleh datang dari kita atau tanpa kita. Tempoh lima tahun dari sekarang merupakan waktu paling getir buat kita. Perubahan amat mustahak bagi kelangsungan kerajaan.

Dengan ini, saya ingin memohon menyokong.

Sekian, terima kasih.

# Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn adalah Naib Presiden MCA