MCA aims to involve more Indians in mega projects

KUANTAN: MCA wants to involve the Indian community in the state’s mega projects, says Datuk Andrew Wong, the special aide to the Transport Minister.

Wong said one of MCA’s plans was to ensure that the benefits gleaned from these projects were equally shared among the people.

Should MCA be given the mandate by the people in the coming general election, it would set up meetings involving representatives of the Indian community and contractors of mega projects, he said.

“We want to discuss how the community can play a bigger role and reap the benefits from these projects.

“Job opportunities are just one of those benefits, which some may not be aware of,” said Wong during a gathering with the community at SM Tanah Putih on Tuesday night.

He was referring to mega projects such as the Kuantan Port, East Coast Rail Link and MalaysiaChina Kuantan Industrial Park taking shape in the coastal town.

Wong said plans were also in the pipeline to turn Kampung Baru, Kampung Tengah and Kampung Jawa into a cultural hub, where the Malays, Chinese and Indians could promote their cultures and traditions.

“I want each community to have their own centre so that they can share their culture and promote the place together as a tourist spot,” he said.

Wong said support from the Indian community for Barisan Nasional was still strong, pointing out that over 300 people turned up for the gathering.

“I am confident that there will be an increase in support for Barisan in this general election.

“The Government has introduced many initiatives such as Amanah Saham 1Malaysia, which has a special allocation for the Indian community under the B40 category,” he said.

Wong is tipped to contest the Kuantan parliamentary seat under Barisan.

In the 2013 elections, the seat was contested by Umno but was won by PKR’s Fuziah Salleh.

She is also expected to defend her seat.