United for the future: Dr Mah (centre) together with Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Ling and other delegates at the 60th MCA Youth Annual General Meeting. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is a non-profit institution offering affordable tuition fees that has helped students from B40 families achieve their academic pursuits, says MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
As such, he said UTAR was taken aback when the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) sought payment of RM83mil in outstanding tax and penalties from it.
“UTAR has contributed greatly to the nation, producing nearly 90,000 graduates who serve in various fields,” said Dr Mah.
“So, UTAR’s efforts should be recognised and supported by the government. It should be incentivised and not the other way round,” he said after opening the 60th MCA Youth annual general meeting at Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Dr Mah said that UTAR is not owned by MCA and the party does not gain any profit from it.
The taxation issue facing the university has shocked many, especially those concerned about the accessibility of affordable tertiary education to Malaysian youths, he said.
“As the founder, MCA has never gained any profit from it,” he said.
He added that LHDN’s imposition of outstanding tax and penalties could reduce donations from the community and businesses.
“We call on the government to look into this, as more non-profit organisations could be adversely affected along with their beneficiaries in the future,” he said.
Dr Mah also urged youth leaders to remain resilient, especially during challenging times.
“We cannot stop others from attacking or challenging us. We must be strong and resilient to face all obstacles.
“We’ve been at our lowest but with party members’ support, we’ve overcome past difficulties like in the recent Nenggiri and Mahkota by-elections.
“It shows that voters are now confident of Barisan’s multi-party cooperation and appreciate the development and prosperity brought by the coalition,” he said.
Dr Mah also urged young people to join MCA Youth to safeguard the nation’s future.
In his speech, MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon referenced the popular Labubu toy, urging youth leaders to actively engage with young Malaysians.
(Labubu, a furry elf toy created by a Hong Kong artist in 2015, has exploded in popularity when celebrities were seen with it.)
“We must be willing to immerse ourselves in the world of the youth to understand their thoughts, trends and the issues they care about most.
“Only then can we truly speak their language and champion their causes,” he said.Understanding the thoughts and emotions of young people is crucial for leaders to connect and resonate with them, he said.
“I hope all MCA Youth members will embrace the spirit of ‘four dares’ – dare to speak, dare to question, dare to suggest and dare to strive,” he said.
Ling also urged the government “not to be shy” to bring back the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is a globally-recognised, effective and fair tax system that can increase revenue and support pro-people policies.
Also present were Umno Youth deputy chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, MIC Youth chief Arvind Krishnan, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah Youth chief Prof Dr Edwin Laimin, Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress Youth leader Rais Ahmad Mohamed Hussain and Indian Progressive Front Youth chief Ganeshkumar Sambathan.
