‘BN LISTENS TO VOICES OF THE CHINESE’

This is unlike some states that ignore the views of Chinese associations, says Najib

THE government uses an open approach, unlike some states in Malaysia which choose to ignore the voices of Chinese associations, says Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

This, said the prime minister, could be seen in the way the government held dialogues with associations and groups like the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia, better known as Hua Zong.

“The Barisan Nasional government advocates and employs an open approach, unlike several states which sideline the voices of Chinese associations, thus, creating unease within the community,” he posted on his blog, NajibRazak.com.

Najib, who is also finance minister, said the Chinese community not only played a key role in economic and business development, but also contributed to the nation’s struggle for independence.

He said the names of individuals lsuch as Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Tun H.S. Lee and Yap Ah Loy were synonymous with the struggle for independence and had been embedded in the minds of Malaysians.

“At my meetings with the Chinese community in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi last week, I could sense the people’s confidence in the country’s future.

“Chinese New Year, which is celebrated by Malaysians, reminds us of Malaysia’s uniqueness where people of all races contribute to the nations’s development.

“From an administrative aspect, the government always ensures that its policies are inclusive in nature so that the people’s needs are fulfilled.

“In fact, ever since I led this administration, there has been a reduction of personal income tax, and this will benefit the Chinese professionals.”

Najib expressed confidence that the needs of the Chinese community would continue to be met by the government and hoped that the new year would usher in peace and prosperity.