PM pays tribute to Chinese business community

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak paid his tribute to the Chinese community over their role in the nation's development, saying their contribution was crucial to the nation's economy.

"The jobs that you create, the money that you spend and the taxes that you pay ... I value these greatly," he said.

He said that during colonial times and since independence, the Chinese business community had consistently performed to the highest standards.

"Thanks to their persistence, determination and sheer hard work, entrepreneurs like Lim Goh Tong and Jimmy Choo became hugely successful on a local, national and global scale."

He said this at the official opening of the Socio-Economic Research Centre belonging to the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia in Ampang, here yesterday.

Najib also said the public and private sectors must work together in implementing government initiatives such as the New Economic Model, Government Transformation Programme and Economic Transformation Programme.

"We cannot enhance Malaysia's national economy without the owners of small and medium businesses - the kinds of companies run by so many members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce - being given the freedom and support they need to grow.

"Quite simply, the public sector must work with the private sector to drive innovation, " he said in the event that was attended by business leaders from the Chinese community and senior MCA leaders. - from btimes.com.my