Pledges by Najib and Liow well received at MCA general assembly

The mood was upbeat at the end of MCA’s two-day annual general assembly which ended on Sunday.

Delegates left Kuala Lumpur with renewed spirit, and the sense of togetherness among MCA central delegates in Kuala Lumpur was palpable.

The assembly saw delegates discussing a range of topics, from the economy, education and security to the rising cost of living.

The highlight was the opening of the 61st assembly by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and also the speech by MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, addressed the delegates on issues such as education and the country’s economic situation, particularly the need to rationalise subsidies and the implementation of the GST (Goods and Services Tax) from April 1 next year.

He received several rounds of thunderous applause from the floor, including a standing ovation, when he reassured the community that Chinese primary schools were here to stay.

The Prime Minister also endorsed the MCA’s Transformation Plan to rejuvenate and revitalise the party and this had given MCA a big boost to move forward in the face of an increasingly challenging environment at home and abroad.

Najib also endorsed the leadership of Liow, who was voted in as the party’s 12th president last December.

He said he was glad that MCA had found its direction again and advised the party to stay united and harmonious to face the next general election.

Liow, at the conclusion of the two-day assembly, reiterated his pledge that he would not only listen to and represent the people, but also show results.

At the pre-AGM dinner on Saturday, members also took the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of those born in October.

Among the October babies were Liow, who was born on Oct 13, 1961 and his deputy Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was born on Oct 20, 1968.

-The Star-