IPOH: The main thrust for the Year of the Dragon will be to improve the country's economy, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said everyone must work together to achieve this.
"Unity among all races is very important to ensure a stable economy.
"Political parties must not continue to harp on old and rhetorical issues, but move forward," he said in his speech at the Perak Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) Chinese New Year event at a hotel here on Monday (Feb 12).
Nga also said upgrade works on the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here, as announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke during their recent visit, were expected to start after Hari Raya.
"The work will be completed by Chinese New Year next year.
"The optimisation of the airport, bringing the possibility of greater connectivity, will attract investors to Perak," he added.
PCCCI president Datuk Liew Chee Ming hoped that in conjunction with Visit Perak Year, more tourists from China would come to the state.
He said this year was also the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.
Liew said the visa exemption policy between Malaysia and China should attract more Chinese tourists to visit the country, especially Perak.
"I hope promotions to visit Perak will be intensified.
"In addition to the tourism sector, PCCCI also welcomes the state government’s efforts in encouraging industrial development, and even drafting the Perak Industrial Plan as a driving force for economic growth," he said in his speech.
Liew said although the unity government had been governing the country for more than a year, there were still rumours about political instability from time to time, which created issues for the country's economic development.
"Political stability is key to domestic and foreign investors increasing their investment in Malaysia.
"Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can focus on national development, and the people's livelihood, so that our country continues to progress and achieve greater development," he added.
