Let Chinese New Year usher in economic recovery

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw wishes all people Happy New Year.

Good Riddance to The Year of The Rat.
Welcome The Year of The Cow, which, we hope, will bring good tidings to the economy.

Last year, the American subprime fiasco gave rise to world economic recession. Although Malaysian economy has not been hit as badly as that during the 1997 crisis, we are facing big challenges. All, especially the Government, must tighten the belt, reduce wastage and improve efficiency.

Pakatan Rakyat (PAS) won the Kuala Terengganu by-election, signifying the momentum from the March 8 tsunami last year. Although some had brought up religious and racial issues, the voters were not influenced. Since the 70s last century, Terengganu has been producing offshore oil. Yet, it is the second poorest state in the country. According to an official figure, from 2000 to 2008, the oil royalty for the state amounted to RM6.1 billion. Where has the money gone?

The national incidence of crimes makes people unhappy: snatch-thieving, robbery, theft, murder, rape and so forth. For example, on 14 January, 2009, over thirty vehicles at Taman Aman Putri in Jinjang North were splashed with acid; only 15 owners reported to the police. We hope that during the Chinese New Year, the police will step up its efforts against crimes so that the people will feel safer.

Last year, Parliament passed the Anti-Corruption Commission Act; the Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency Datuk Seri Ahmad Said has become the first Commissioner. When he wants to charge a person in court for corruption, he must get approval of the Attorney-General. This limits his power. Ahmad Said says that more people of influence are being investigated. Let us hope that all corrupt people face the same laws.

The price of petrol, diesel and gas should go down further. This will lighten the burden of the public. We have to be very cautious in managing subsidies, which can be abused.

Let The Year of The Cow prevent inflation and stop the increase of price of all goods.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw