‘CHINA POLICIES CAN BENEFIT US’

Up to Malaysia to find which are good for it and make use of them, says Dr M

MALAYSIA must find ways to benefit from China’s policies due to the latter’s position as one of the world’s economic superpowers.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is expected to fly to China next month to resolve bilateral trade issues, appeared optimistic that a number of Chinese policies could help boost Malaysia’s economy.

“China is a great power and we have to take its policies into consideration and find out how we can benefit from them.

“Not all policies are bad for us. Some can be very good and it is up to us to find what is good for us and to make use of it,” Dr Mahathir said after the opening of the first meeting of the second session of the 14th Parliament by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Musta-fa Billah Shah ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.

It is learnt that the Economic Action Council (EAC) would convene next week as part of the preparation to meet the Chinese government.

“We are getting the (EAC) members and we will hold the meeting as soon as possible,” Dr Mahathir said.

It is also understood the Chinese government would relook projects’ viability with the Belt and Road Initiative participating countries at the Belt and Road Forum on April 26 and 27.

Dr Mahathir said his cabinet members had made mistakes and that they needed time to improve themselves.

This followed several issues, including miscommunication between senior ministers, that led to controversies over several policies.

“I must admit that many of us are very new. Sometimes we say things that may reflect badly on us, but you have to give us time, because they (Barisan Nasional) had a 60-year lead on us.”

When asked if he had advice for his ministers, Dr Mahathir said: “Advice? Well, sometimes they are provoked by the press.

“The press provokes them because it thinks they are new and may make mistakes.”