Dr Wee (seated centre), Tan (second from left) and Mah (seated first from right) at the CNY dinner in Bukit Mertajam. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
MCA president: It is party’s duty to convey grievances to authorities
The Chinese New Year celebrations culminated with much joy and a lot to look forward to.
At an MCA dinner in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, attended by about 300, party members and those of the younger generation rekindled the spirit to serve the people better.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong thanked the members for their unwavering support and loyalty before urging them to continue to be the voice of the people.
“MCA will continue to speak up for the people. Our role as part of the government is to provide checks and balances.
“In a democratic country, it is important for the ‘wakil rakyat’ (elected representatives) to speak up for the people and understand that the grievances of people need to be conveyed to the authorities,” he said in his address at the dinner.
Dr Wee also spoke on several issues pertaining to the people, including the concerns of a 2% increase in the sales and services tax (SST) for water and electricity bills.
He said the hike in SST for both public utilities from the 6% to 8% would lead to higher costs down the line and eventually escalate the economic burdens of consumers.
“The increase of 2% in SST (for water and electricity) will cause a cascading effect. We better be careful and the best thing is for SST rate to remain as it is for water and electricity.”
MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, who is also Penang MCA chairman, said the party would embark on a new two-step strategy.
He said for state-level matters, the state secretary would cooperate with the state leaders to address concerns of the people, while party leaders within the state committee would focus on national issues.
He said that in Penang, the party would continue to serve and remain fully operational.
Several members took turns to sing on stage and toast to a better year ahead.
Dr Wee was not left out and sang Yi Lu Shang You Ni (You were there along the way) by Jacky Cheung.
The dinner, which started with a lion dance performance, ended with a prize-giving ceremony for the singers.
Also present was MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
