People’s welfare matters: Dr Wee (right) and Onn Hafiz (centre) greeting guests at the Johor MCA Chinese New Year celebration here. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
LABIS: Johor MCA will soon be having a meeting with the Mentri Besar to discuss issues concerning the Chinese community.
“This has been the tradition for MCA and Umno leaders for many years.
“We will have an annual meeting with the Mentri Besar, where we will talk about issues involving the Chinese community and look into ways for the state government to intervene or resolve matters,” said MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is also the Ayer Hitam MP.
He was at a Chinese New Year gathering here yesterday that was also attended by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, who is also MCA national youth chief, state investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resource committee chairman Lee Ting Han, as well as MCA Wanita national chairman Wong You Fang.
Dr Wee thanked the Mentri Besar for inclusive initiatives that benefit people of all races, especially in education.
“This once again shows that the state government under Onn Hafiz’s leadership is very inclusive and does not look at race,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Onn Hafiz said the state government has allocated some RM1.5mil for Chinese students in the B40 category.
“Apart from the economy, we also want to ensure that the people’s welfare is taken care of, and I know that education is very important for the Chinese community.
“That is why, last year alone, we allocated some RM2.5mil to the Southern University College, and this year we will allocate another RM1mil for them.
“We have also allocated RM1mil to Chinese students in the B40 category last year and will be allocating another RM1.5mil for them this year.
“I am sharing this to show that we do not look at race. When we help, we help everyone,” said Onn Hafiz.
Dr Wee also spoke well of newly minted state executive councillor Aznan Tamin, whom he said will be playing an important role as Johor works towards developing the special economic zone (SEZ) with Singapore.
He said Aznan, who is the education and information committee chairman, has to focus on elevating the education system.
“When developing the SEZ, talent is essential. This includes formal and tertiary education, vocational training, and job skills.
“Education is very important for us to ensure that we have sufficient manpower, especially with the exchange rate of the ringgit to Singapore dollar now exceeding 3.5.
“That is the biggest challenge, as the exchange rate makes working in Singapore very attractive to Malaysians,” said Dr Wee, who expressed confidence that Aznan, who is Tanjung Surat assemblyman, could carry out his duties well.
“I have full confidence in him, and I hope that he can bring the education sector to greater heights,” he said when asked about the new state exco.
Yesterday’s Chinese New Year celebration was Aznan’s first appearance at an official event since his appointment on Feb 13.
