[Malaysia] Ong: We want share in three sectors

The New Sunday Times, Kuala Lumpur

Ong: We want share in three sectors

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 2005, Malaysian Chinese want opportunities to participate in the automobile, oil and gas, and telecommunication sectors. MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting today said while the Government assisted Bumiputeras in achieving 30 per cent equity, non-Bumiputeras also wanted enough opportunities to partake in the expansion of the economic pie.

"Malaysian Chinese hope to participate meaningfully in the economic development of the country so that the community will not be left behind," he said in his policy speech at the party's 52nd general assembly today. "We hope to be given the opportunities to participate in various fields via joint ventures or equity participation."Ong said the non-Bumiputeras, especially those involved in the small and medium enterprises and lower-income groups, faced many problems and challenges.

"For example, the SMEs face difficulties in obtaining government contracts and to be a vendor company to supply parts to them. "They find it difficult to deal with government agencies and companies where the Government holds an equity.

"He said Malaysian Chinese were willing to work with their counterparts from all races to find opportunities in international markets like China, Indiaand within Asean.

MCA had recently reached a consensus with the business community, relevant guilds and associations, he said, to form the Malaysian Chinese EconomicConsultative Council.The council would study and look for ways to forge closer co- operation among Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras in various economic fields, he added.Other issues Ong brought up included the eradication of urban poverty and higher education.