Keynote Speech by Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, MCA President

on the Occasion of the

Launching of the MCA GE14 Manifesto

On 8 April 2018 at 10:00a.m.

Dewan San Choon, Wisma MCA

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1.     The most-anticipated and widely discussed 14^th General Election (GE14) is finally here. Following the official dissolution of Parliament on 7 April 2018, the next one month will be a crucial period for the duel between the ruling and opposition parties. The general election for this time is described as the ‘father of all general elections’, as it will determine the future and destiny of the country, the community, and individual political parties. It also has a profound impact on our country’s political landscape. This shows the significance of this election to the country and the people.

        I would like to say that irrespective of the GE14 results whether if there is a Malay tsunami, the federal government will continued to be led by the Malays. The fate of the Malaysian Chinese is unknown. From the current developments, it is apparent Barisan Nasional will win GE14. If Chinese-based BN parties were to lose their political voice, as such MCA must prevent this from befalling. MCA implores for Chinese unity, and we will battle for the dignity of our party and children.

My fellow comrades,

2.       Last night, we witnessed the Prime Minister leading the launching ceremony of the Barisan Nasional Manifesto, and felt for themselves the strong unity and cohesive spirit of Barisan Nasional. Such spectacular scenes will lift the morale of Barisan Nasional component party leaders and members, further strengthening the confidence of Barisan Nasional in achieving greater results in this GE. Even though the current GE condition is full of uncertainties, I am convinced that Barisan Nasional will overcome all challenges and obtain better results than the previous GE.  

3.       Today, I am delighted to see our comrades attending the launching ceremony of the MCA Manifesto with full enthusiasm and high morale, cheering our party on. You all have come all the way to attend this meaningful event. On behalf of the party, I would like to express my highest respect and gratitude to all of you. My fellow comrades are fully aware that, the party will be fighting a tough battle following the disastrous setbacks in the 308 and 505 general elections. This is because election this time concerns the survival of the party and status of our Chinese compatriots in mainstream national politics.

4.       In facing the current severe challenges, we have no choice but to give our best and fight for the final victory. Ever since the disastrous outing in the last general election, MCA has transformed and braced up, devoting more resources and energy in preparation for this GE. Now the entire MCA is fully prepared and ready to go, determined to fight a vigorous election campaign!

5.       Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak recently admitted that, if Barisan Nasional still does not get the support of Chinese voters, it will be difficult for him to retain 4 to 5 Ministerial positions for the Chinese community. He conveyed a clear message to the Chinese community, that is, the Chinese representation in the government is likely to be seriously affected by the election results. The political reality is cruel. The Chinese community must be cognisant that we are at a very critical situation. Once the Chinese community loses our political power and has no bargaining chips, it will be far-fetched goal for us to exert our influence in the government administration and fight for more rights and interests.

          I can frankly inform you that when the Prime Minister made this comment, I felt very down. The Chinese are at a tipping point. I would not like to see the political rights of the Chinese community plunging into the abyss. Therefore, I will MCA to fight till the end upholding the party’s agenda.

6.       As MCA President, I have led the party in the government through various challenges and tests, while party leaders have had their fair share of hardships and limitations within the administration. MCA must make use of whatever bargaining chips at hand, to negotiate and counterbalance with the stronger component party in the government, especially in dealing with major issues affecting the people of different ethnic groups. For example, MCA has always stood by our principle and bottom line on Act 355, never compromised nor gave in easily. This is the main reason why MCA wins the respect of its coalition allies. 

7.       As a party with dignity and good faith, MCA vows to stand up again from our failure, and also to rise gradually from the low tides to the peak. Therefore, even if DAP leaders arrogantly call on to exterminate MCA, sending their key leaders to contest against MCA, in attempts to uproot MCA’s political forces, MCA will bravely face up DAP’s challenges, and not dodge nor run away.

8.       In order to win the Malay votes and create the effect of  a ‘‘Malay Tsunami’’, DAP even decided to ditch its Rocket logo in the coming general election. Such a desperate move shows that DAP is a political party hinged on speculation, which is ready to sell its principle and dignity for political gains. In order to please a certain group of voters, DAP was willing to abandon their long-used Rocket symbol and bring their 36 Parliament seats and 95 state seats to lean towards Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and surrender to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad whom they had condemned for 34 years. Can you trust this party to protect the rights of the Malaysian Chinese and the dignity of the community?

9.       Never once has MCA shouted empty, grandstanding political slogans. MCA will not sacrifice the interests of the people for short-sighted political interests. Since the founding of the Party, MCA has pursued a pragmatic and people-oriented political line. With a pragmatic and sincere style, MCA has implemented various activities and plans to benefit the people of all walks of life. MCA is also committed to promoting national unity and social harmony for the development of the country.

10.      The political struggle of MCA is long-term and continuous. Therefore, MCA will not make unfulfilled promises or empty promises in our MCA GE14 Manifesto to defraud voters because we are a responsible political party which treats and implements seriously, the promises we made. Looking back at the election Manifesto announced by Pakatan Harapan, indiscriminate promises made to the people which are unfavorable to the country’s overall economic development have led to serious consequences for the country. It is hard for us to imagine how, if Pakatan Harapan can succeed in the general election and wrest federal power, how will they be able to fulfill the promises they made and manage the country’s economy? The final result is likely to be a major regression of the country’s economy. The country’s development has lost its direction and momentum. The people’s living standards and quality of life have been severely affected, and the country’s political stability and social harmony will also be undermined.

11.      After careful discussion and study, MCA has solemnly put forward 10 Promises + 10 Initiatives in our GE14 Manifesto. It will be Promises and Initiatives that MCA must work diligently to implement in the next five years. The major Initiatives must receive the support of the government. Provide allocations to execute them. Therefore, in this GE, the results of MCA's performance will directly affect the efficiency and extent of the implementation of the MCA GE14 Manifesto. MCA earnestly hopes that the masses will support MCA and enable MCA to exert greater influence within the government to ensure that all Promises and Initiatives can be implemented one-by-one.

12.      It is my personal assurance that if MCA recover the strong support of voters, MCA will never disappoint the people’s trust in us. We will inevitably undertake greater efforts and contributions for the benefit of the people from all walks of life in accordance with the MCA GE14 Manifesto. MCA will stay true to our words! The 10 Promises + 10 Initiatives represent is MCA’s genuine effort for the community. MCA ensures that we will deliver on our words.

13.      To enable my fellow comrades to have a deeper understanding of MCA GE14 Manifesto, I will next give a more detailed explanation of the 10 Promises + 10 Initiatives contained in the MCA GE14 Manifesto.

14.      These are the 10 Promises for our nation’s future. It is a plan which will determine the future of the nation. However, there is not enough time for me to go through each of these Promises in detail. I therefore urge my comrades to study the printed version in detail. To accomplish this, I have had to take into account the importance and urgency of MCA’s Promises and Initiatives from the perspective of our country’s future development.

15.      The Malaysian Chinese community has gone through many changes as the country develops over the past few decades. The numbers of Chinese have continued to decline. Chinese New Villages have now been transformed into semi-urban or fully urban areas. Thus, the existing infrastructure is insufficient in supporting these rapidly developing areas, causing problems such as traffic congestion, high density, lack of affordable housing, poor security, livelihood issues and other issues. We have seen that the Barisan Nasional government has implemented the MRT under its administration, thus helping to relieve traffic congestion. This has been received well by the people. This is what the people want. We must speed up our delivery rate. For the general public in Malaysia, prices are increasing, the cost of living is increasing, and the income gap is widening. This is what the people are most concerned about in their daily lives.     

16.      Looking at statistics, youths between the ages of 21-35 make up 45% of total voters, who play an important role in our country’s economic development and democracy. With the rise of social media, the method of communication by youths has already broken through the traditional frame and a new era has begun. Through this, we can see that the youths have a better future for our country and more autonomy in leading their own lives. As responsible political parties, both BN and MCA must gain an in-depth understanding of what is appealing to youths. Only by doing so can we empower our youths and improve our country’s transformation and development. As such, Malaysia now has the forward-looking and visionary national transformation and development plan in the form of TN50.   

17.      Youths are not only the driving force in our country’s development, but are also the successors and future leaders of our country. They are all of our hopes for the future. Science and technology are constantly evolving with each passing day, and the social outlook in the next 30 years will be completely different due to technological breakthroughs. Looking into Malaysia’s long-term development, the TN50 has extended its vision for national transformation and development to all corners of the country with the aim of becoming one of the top happiest countries in the world. Therefore, our election promises and innovations must be focused on researching and strategising around this current trend so as to create favourable conditions for Malaysian Chinese youths when facing new challenges.   

18.      In today’s era of comprehensive information, there will be major changes in the global economy, labour market, and business digitalisation. The digital revolution will not only encourage the growth of a new economy, but will also change the lifestyles of future generations. The youths of today will face and dominate this major change.

19.      From the perspective of external development, the digital revolution and the formation of a global network have made the world smaller, the people’s demands for communication have increased, and the demand for regional connectivity has also been greatly changed. From the perspective of personal development, Chinese youths are demanding more effective, quality education with a wide range of communication and awareness. At the same time, the benefits of being in a multi-racial society is becoming more pronounced. 

20. In order to create a stronger Malaysia, we must uphold the principle of equality, creating a more competitive economic environment, conducive learning environment, safer communities, better healthcare, and protect the low- and middle-income groups and women, as well as the different needs of children, the elderly and senior citizens. Starting from this basis, we need to fully empower youths in terms of education, livelihood, communication, income, wealth, autonomy, security and healthcare, and a better future for the nation.   

21.      The “10 Economic Strategic Directions” (10ESD) is an economic blueprint advocated by MCA. The key to developing an economic strategy to face the current times and integrating it into our country’s mainstream development policies is by empowering youths. As one of the 3 prongs in MCA’s transformation process, we have had successfully held the “10 Economic Strategic Directions” seminar every year over the past three years. Not only have we successfully attracted experts and scholars from developed countries such as China, the United States of America, and ASEAN to participate, but more importantly, we have attracted many youths to participate in the new economic strategies centred on digital economy.   

22.      MCA’s efforts will not stop here. MCA’s 10 Promises + 10 Initiatives are the continuation of our transformation with the focus on youth empowerment as its basis. The Barisan Nasional Manifesto has proposed 14 thrusts with 300 initiatives that will benefit all Malaysians. MCA has proposed to further develop these initiatives based on the needs of the Chinese community and to help MCA better defend the rights and interest of the Malaysian Chinese.

23.      The empowerment of youths is the main pillar of the MCA GE14 Manifesto. Only by training young talents and empowering them can our country’s future prosperity be guaranteed. To this end, we have at the same time listed the development of globalised education as the second pillar, and are working towards making all MCA-founded education institutes as global education hubs. We must harness high-quality human capital for the country and continue to promote social development. MCA’s grassroots come from both the private sector and low-income groups. Thus, we must focus on improving the lives of the people and the needy. This is MCA’s long-term commitment and continued assurance: Social and economic welfare is the third pillar.

24.      Based on this fundamental principle, MCA has made 10 Promises covering politics, economy, international trade, e-commerce, education, New Villages, healthcare, to fully exploit our national potential and to pursue national happiness. In order to effectively implement this vision and ensure the welfare of the Chinese community, we have further developed 10 Initiatives to bring the Chinese community back into  mainstream national development and to allow them to seize the opportunities offered by the current domestic and international environments. We must stand tall and face future hardships together.

25.      Education is the foundation of every nation. This is my first time leading the party into the General Election. Believe me when I say that the new “Stronger Together” MCA has given me a strong mandate. I promise to strive that the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) will receive proper recognition, while at the same time strengthening the institutionalisation and funding mechanism of Chinese primary schools. We will also push for a blueprint on the development and modernisation of Chinese education, and to strengthen their fluency in both Bahasa Malaysia and English, with the aim of creating a competitive advantage for the Malaysian Chinese in facing new global challenges.

26.      Although it is a heavy responsibly, MCA commitment towards Chinese education is irrefutable.  In addition to a strong education foundation, an excellent tertiary education is also the biggest guarantee for enhancing national competitiveness. In this world, it is difficult to find a political party that is as committed to education as MCA. The 4th, 5th and 6th Initiatives of the MCA GE14 Manifesto cover plans for quality education and the goal of becoming an education hub. 

27.      This is because we are aware that only through education we can change the future of a person and change the future of a nation. Fifty years ago, our predecessors had the foresight, and against social pressure, had taken the first steps in establish Tunku Abdul Rahman College to become the leading pioneer in our nation’s higher education. Over the past 50 years, we developed TARC, putting our heart and soul into it and have trained more than 180,000 graduates who are working in various industries in the country, culminating in TARC’s upgrade to become a university college (UC), and even being awarded the “Premier Digital Tech University” as part of the process to turn TAR UC into a full-fledged technical university committed to developing the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), early childhood education, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as part of the nation building process.

28.      Through the empowerment of the higher education leadership team, MCA has developed Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman to become one of the leading private universities in Malaysia within just 15 years of its founding. Its international recognition and achievements are enough to make our nation proud. Over the past 15 years, UTAR has disbursed over RM130 million in scholarships to almost 14,000 outstanding students and has produced more than 50,000 graduates. MCA is committed to developing a multinational internship programmes to create better employment opportunities for students and as thus, is working on establishing an international network as soon as possible. UTAR will also be setting up a training hospital in Kampar to provide quality and affordable healthcare services. This is our promise for a people-oriented education; we are eager to establish UTAR as a world-class research university.

29.      The tide of the world has changed, and the nation’s development is transforming. The era of working without communication has become a thing for the past. Skilled workers have become an important driving force for sustainable development in all countries. We will work towards upgrading TAR UC to become a well-equipped institute, with a conducive learning environment in a proper campus, providing young students with a full range of technical and vocational training opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness of our young talents in the new digital era. 

30.      Only by cultivating all-rounder talents which meet the needs of the times may the country's vision for transformation and development be solidly guaranteed. Only by building up human capital, the nation can have a future. Only by cultivating youth with both knowledge and vision, can youth empowerment have the hope of success.

31.      It is generally viewed that ethnic Chinese are good at doing business. Everyone agrees that the ethnic Chinese are good at doing business. We must first explore the new economy in depth, take the lead in grasping the competitive advantage, and lead the people to a digital economy which has infinite development potential. For this purpose, the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, and 8th items in the MCA GE14 Manifesto 10 Initiatives are all focused on specific Initiatives to expand the economic competitive advantages and to open up more opportunities for wealth creation. With strong Malaysia-China relations and the tremendous development opportunities via the Belt and Road Initiative, we are determined to upgrade the MCA Belt and Road Center besides strengthening and deepening Malaysia-China relations so as to benefit our small and medium enterprises. MCA will steer the way to promote Malaysia in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This Belt and Road Initiative will lead the ASEAN region to maximise the benefits of the new- economy.

32.      MCA is determined to establish a highly-representative Digital Economy and Innovation Council consisting of industry stakeholders, trade associations, chambers of commerce, academics, relevant non-governmental organisations, and professional bodies to assist the government in the formulation of policies, legislations and directions besides establishing global business linkages. For the citizens of the country, especially Chinese businessmen, we aim to steer them to adapt to changes, locally based but global aim.

33.      Confronting global competition and pressures arising from the increasing cost of living, MCA undertakes to open up more economic opportunities, including the establishment of the Kojadi Co-operative Bank with branches in various states to provide financing facilities for young entrepreneurs and SMEs. This is a pioneering initiative by MCA for the country and our citizens. It can also provide more substantial opportunities for the Chinese community whilst opening up opportunities for entrepreneurship and generating wealth.

34.      MCA was founded for the Malayan/Malaysian Chinese. This is the lifelong mission of MCA. With widespread support from the Chinese, MCA can fully promote the rights and interests of the Chinese community without any hindrances and create more favourable conditions and benefits for the survival and development of the Chinese community. MCA pledges to introduce an investment scheme ala Amanah Saham Nasional for the Malaysian Chinese to enhance the income, especially for lower and middle-income groups.

35.      Times have changed. While we face more challenges, we also encounter more development opportunities. As mentioned above, self-reliance is the norm for sustainable development. MCA undertakes to create better conditions for entrepreneurship and enable the Malaysian Chinese to generate wealth and create a better life with their unremitting efforts. This is the aspiration of everyone and my intention to make everyone's life better. I want my countrymen to live a more decent life and live with more dignity. Please support MCA. We can do it and we will do better.

36.      The roots of the Chinese are linked with New Villages. Similar with the Chinese community, MCA has long been synonymous with New Villages. We share our common memories and common lifeblood with New Villages. But times have changed and New Villages must be also be innovative and adapt to changes. MCA undertakes to establish 10 neo-urbanised townships ala the Bentong and Yong Peng model to stimulate and modernise the local economies of New Villages and generate new employment opportunities for youths. By retaining young talents, we retain the roots of the nation.

37.      MCA has drawn up plans to carry out digital revolution of New Villages, breath a new lease of life into New Villages, promote digital services and e-commerce, and provide online services through online orders, e-wallet, online transfers, transportation and logistics infrastructure, and New Village neo-urbanisation to feel the pulse of the times. Simultaneously, through collaboration with China via the Belt and Road Initiative, New Village products and tourism will be promoted. My fellow comrades, let us work together to rebuild our home!

38.      When the Chinese community is in need, there will be assistance from MCA at any time. This is the original intention for the founding of MCA. Therefore, regardless of how much outsiders may criticise, our conviction will be strengthened to serve society wholeheartedly, especially the Malaysian Chinese. MCA will continue to persevere and enhance our commitment to social outreach via our party’s extensive organisation throughout the country whilst modernising the agencies within the federal Government.

39.      I would like to ask, who knows who Michael Chong is? The face of MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau continues to serve with dedication exceeding 30 years. How much aid has the Chang Ming Thien Foundation and Huaren Education Foundation provided to the education industry, and how many students have been assisted? The 1MCA Medical Foundation and the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) help people of all ethnicities. GoCare Donation Crowd Funding is a fantastic method to raise funds for causes which transcend beyond race. In any hour of the day, it can be done. How many people have regained their interest and confidence in learning through the “Langkawi Education Excellence Project” and have found their goal of life? We have set up a task force to assist stateless adults and children of parents, whom at least one is a Malaysian. As long as we have sufficient information, we will to obtain formal citizenship for these compatriots whom citizenship was not granted to, and thus are denied the privilege of enjoying their rightful dues as citizens.

40.      This is the reason why the MCA exists. These are the details that MCA contributes to society. We affirm that we will continue to serve it. Not only have we planned and implemented these outreaches, but as an important component of the Barisan Nasional government, MCA also needs to make good use of our decision-making power and resources within the government to ensure that policies are properly implemented by the government.

41.      In this context, MCA is determined to establish a Central Monitoring Unit to monitor government policies, plans and programmes to ensure fair, just and effective implementation. This Unit will consist of academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, party and non-governmental organisation leaders. With assistance from public figures of the Chinese community, the Unit will supervise procedures in government administration are transparent. This will not only ensure that the rights and interests of the Chinese community are not only given attention to and safeguarded, but will also ensure that our country’s governance will benefit the all people and that no one will lag behind.

42.      My fellow comrades. From the ground, MCA must fully be mobilised to comprehend the needs of different grassroots groups totally. This clearly puts forward the MCA’s transformation plan, and explains our 10 Promises and 10 Initiatives. The MCA GE14 Manifesto strives for everyone's approval and support. Let us work together to complete the innovative transformation plan. We have the determination and we have confidence. Please support MCA. We can do it.

43.      The Malaysian Chinese community must be cognisant of the social reality that we are a multiracial nation. In this general election, BN will resume full federal power. MCA must also regain the trust of voters and re-establish ourselves to be in the political mainstream to ensure that we have enough representatives to influence the government and have a strong voice in our Cabinet.

44.      In the past 10 years, due to the results of the 308 and 505 general elections, the political situation in our country has grown turbulent. The development of the Chinese community in various fields has also been affected to a considerable extent. Whenever the Chinese community faced the most severe test, MCA stood firm in the front lines without hesitation. Standing at the forefront, to protect the rights and interests of the Chinese community from being harmed, MCA needs to have the backing of sufficient political power. I hereby urge the Malaysian Chinese community to give MCA greater support in this general election to jointly create a better future.

45.      Summing up:

My fellow comrades,

          War is just around the corner. In this war, MCA must not only secure victory, but reap better results than previously so that we can re-enact a pivotal role in the country’s political mainstream, and no longer be ridiculed or underestimated. In the past five years, although MCA suffered humiliation and blows after the setback, MCA has never been knocked down. Instead, we have striven forward against challenging situations and have proudly made progress in all aspects.

46.      Whether MCA can stand up in the general election, apart from the crucial role and support needed from the majority of voters, our party’s candidates can also exert important influence to ensure that candidates who contest in the GE, do so under the banner of Barisan Nasional and can achieve a brilliant triumph. Therefore, all MCA members must render a stronger spirit of solidarity and fully support BN and MCA candidates in order to demonstrate MCA’s strengths.

47.      Fellow comrades should display loyalty and spirit of loving the party, fight for people’s dignity and destiny, for the future of the Chinese community, and for the prosperity and harmony of the country.

Negaraku Hebat! BN Hebat! MCA Hebat!

Zhan! Zhan! Zhan!

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