KUALA TERENGGANU: MCA Terengganu is confident that the country can ride out current economic challenges and emerge a stronger nation.
Its president Datuk Toh Chin Yaw said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is putting into motion long-term plans to that effect, especially with his successful trip to China which secured mega business deals and investments.
“Initiatives like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) are long overdue and Najib’s announcement on kick-starting the project is very timely for the benefit of the region and its people.
“We hope for more such initiatives which the country as a whole will benefit from,” said Toh in response to criticism over the ECRL project by certain quarters, including former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He added that it is very uncouth for Opposition politicians to paint a negative picture of projects like the ECRL, as it is a major infrastructure project which will be undertaken after careful feasibility studies, valuations and due diligence.
“As such, it is unfair for the Opposition to bash the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership with untruths and negative comments which can confuse the people.
“Just when we are about to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the Opposition wants to derail and sabotage the ECRL project by purposely distorting the facts to say it is overly-expensive,” said Toh.
He called on Opposition politicians to be more responsible, accountable and realistic in helping the nation progress and be economically strong.
“They should concentrate on solving the water shortage in Selangor, the floods in Penang and the poverty in Kelantan, where the Opposition rules.
“We should look at things positively and how each state should move ahead. Constantly harping on negative issues is not suitable anymore,” said Toh.
MCA Terengganu, Toh said, is looking towards a synergy between economics and politics, especially in the forthcoming 14th general election, to help BN return to power.