PETALING JAYA: Incentives and aid for the B40 community initiated by the government before 2018 during the Barisan Nasional administration should remain, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said reducing the financial burden of those in the lower-income group is of utmost importance.
The MCA president said in the past, financial aid such as the 1Malaysia People's Aid, as well as the 1Malaysia Book Vouchers and Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia had served their purpose to help the people.
There was also the 1Malaysia Clinics programme, of which the people pay only RM1 for general medical services, he said.
“We had a good start and we only need to improve it.
"We need to help them (B40) or else they will be burdened," he said in a Facebook post on Friday (July 21), adding the country's economy needs to be improved in order to carry out these measures.
Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, said the M40 community, which has experts in various fields, need to be empowered with knowledge and income.
In order to achieve this, he said focus could be placed on infrastructure projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which saw the nation producing thousands of engineers.
"They (the engineers) are from the M40 group and have jobs. Their expertise is recognised overseas.
"Malaysia also has its own tunnel-boring machine system because we have the expertise," he said.
On infrastructure projects, Dr Wee said the MRT and ECRL, which spans 665km, are impressive achievements.
"These are important developments, which not only provide job opportunities to Malaysians but also open the door for Malaysia to become service providers," he added.
As for the T20 group, Dr Wee cited the pouring in of foreign direct investment, including from Chinese automobile manufacturer Geely, is vital.
"In the past, we (Barisan) were criticised for 'selling' our child (Proton) and how we could allow this to happen, but after several years, the move is proven to be successful with Proton making profits. I have seen it (progress) since day one.
"It has been successful with Proton cars being sold widely. This is what we want as the foundations were laid out long ago and we should build on this.
"I am also awaiting the (outcome) of Geely's RM45bil investment as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he said.
