KUCHING: The people have been warned against creating a drastic change which could have a backlash.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said while change was indeed necessary, it should be done systematically.

He said while people from all corners were calling for change which was imperative to remain relevant, a systematic change was what Malaysia needed, and Barisan Nasional was doing just that.

“Yes, change is a must. But what we want is a systematic change that takes many factors into consideration. We know that the Prime Minister is fully committed to bringing in a transformation which will bring better days ahead for all of us,” he said when addressing the Federation of Kuching Community Association at its Chinese New Year gathering here on Saturday night.

The event was graced by Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Norkiah.

He said in 2011, Malaysians witnessed the initiatives by the Government to bring about a steady transformation that tackled all sectors ranging from welfare to the economy.

He said the effects had been felt with numerous assistance given to the people.

“The National Transformation Programme is the first component in the realisation of the national programme to become a high-income nation.

“And later, the Government Transformation Programme and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) which aimed to attract both local and foreign investors,” he said.

These, he said, were followed by the new economic model, political transformation programme and rural transformation programme.

“All of these had since been implemented and we are looking forward to the emergence of a better economy for a new Malaysia,” he added.

Wong said this was the kind of change which the people should look forward to, as it was a stable one which looked out for the best interest of the nation.

He cautioned that anyone could talk about change but bringing about change in a positive and responsible manner was not something anybody could do.

He said it required experience and good foresight, which the top Barisan leaders had.

He then donated RM20,000 to the federation.

More than 500 people attended the gathering in which the federation donated RM10,000 to the Lahad Datu Heroes Fund in support of the security forces who were protecting the nation against Sulu intruders in Sabah.

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