National Leaders look forward to transformation in 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — National leaders are looking forward to 2010 as a year of transformation for the nation and opportunities for
the people.
MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said while 2009 may be seen as a year of promises and challenges by some, 2010 will be a
year for transformation.
“I took the opportunity over Christmas holidays to reflect on our achievements in 2009. I had forewarned a year full of challenges brought
about by both the economic and political tsunami but am glad that we, Malaysians had collectively sailed the turbulent waves towards
calmer seas.” “Whilst some of us may debate whether our economy has bottomed-out or not, no one can deny that our Government had
put into place the correct mechanisms and had made the right decisions to steer our country out of the global storm filled with
uncertainty and danger, unto the path of hope and opportunities,” Ong said in his today.
Ong, who is Transport Minister, said any attempt at transformation must be premised on the people.
“I will not let up and am determined to do my part to ensure that equal opportunities, respect and concern is given to each and every
Malaysian, regardless of colour or faith,” he added.
MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu hoped that 2010 would provide many more “windows of opportunity” for Malaysian Indians in key
sectors as the government strives to make 2010 “a year of implementation”.
He said MIC was confident that more opportunities would be created for the community in educational, employment and economic sectors
following the Prime Minister’s announcement that next year would be the year to implement all the government’s programs.
“I urge the Indian community to continue placing priority on education and training as it will ensure their socio-economic progress,”
he said.
He said that the MIC would continue to take up issues affecting the Indian community with the government, especially through the Special
Cabinet Committee for the Malaysian Indians.
He said MIC had mapped out many programs and activities next year for the benefit of Indian community, not to mention a key
performance index (KPI) exercise for the MIC leaders to ensure they deliver on their promises.
“Our priority is to ensure adequate opportunities for Malaysian Indians in all sectors through negotiations with the government.
“What is important now is for the Indian community to remain steadfast in their struggle and be united to realize our vision of a
progressive community,” he added. Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) President Datuk M Kayveas said the stability enjoyed by the people
throughout the year despite a global economic downturn was due to a concerted effort by the government and the people of all races.
He added that Malaysians are fortunate and grateful to be able to usher the new year in peace despite numerous happy and tragic
incidents that happened in the country.
“As such, we must carry it through into 2010 and enhance our efforts to stimulate growth in all sectors as well as adopt the 1Malaysia
concept to ensure unity, peace and harmony,” he said
To place the country’s economy on the right track, Malaysians must remain strong, sincere, committed, knowledgeable, competitive,
creative and innovative, he said.
Gerakan President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the people must look forward to the New Year with greater vigour and anticipation
as “we seek to transform and renew Malaysia”. “This coming of a New Year brings hope for better things to come. However, we must
not overlook our shortcomings and the experiences learned in the past.” “We must build on our strength and rectify our shortcomings
as we seek to build a nation that is more prosperous and united,” said Koh. Koh who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department, in charge of National Unity and Performance Management, said he was eagerly anticipating 2010 as the government
moves towards implementing the six National Key Results Areas (NKRA) aimed at improving the standard of living, quality of life
and quality of education as well as to combat crime and corruption.
He called on all Malaysians to support the government in implementing the Government Transformation Plan (GTP).
“In the coming New Year, as we seek to promote greater mutual respect and understanding in line with the spirit of 1Malaysia, we
must accept and celebrate our diversity as our asset and strength, and build a stronger foundation for harmony and unity as we
move into the new decade,” he added.
Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said Malaysia must double the talent pool of professionals to help grow
knowledge-based industries which are creative, innovative and globally competitive to successfully transform into a high-income economy.
He said the only economic model that works is people-centric and human resources-based.
“There is no reason why Malaysia cannot succeed when we have both natural and human resources that is superior to either
Singapore, Korea or Hong Kong,” said Lim in a statement here today. — Bernama