Chua appointed to economic council

PETALING JAYA: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek has been appointed to the National Economic Council (NEC).

This would allow the concerns of the Chinese community to be made known to the council, Dr Chua here Saturday.

“To MCA, the appointment is significant as it enables the party to express the concerns of the Chinese community and play an active role in contributing to the nation’s economy.

“The role and contributions of multi-ethnic Malaysians are vital as well as complementary in developing the nation and enhancing its competitiveness in the world economy,” said Dr Chua, thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for the appointment.

The NEC panel is chaired by Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, and comprises 12 members, including senior Cabinet ministers and officials such as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah.

Earlier in his speech before presenting gifts to children at the Agathians Shelter here Saturday, Dr Chua said NEC’s primary role was to act as advisor to the Government in order to boost economic growth for Malaysia to achieve high-income nation status.

The council, he said, would meet every Monday, aimed at gathering various opinions from its members on how the Government could maintain the country’s Gross Domestic Product at 6% growth rate in order to achieve the status.

“As such, I also see my appointment as a huge responsibility and I look forward to working together with all members of the council and doing my level best to deliver,” Dr Chua said.

THE STAR (Saturday November 20, 2010 )