MCA vice president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng has called for the government to ensure that citizens genuinely feel the benefits of recent investments given the cost-of-living issues that continues to plague Malaysians.
Wee’s statement comes following Google’s US$2 bil investment to establish its first data centre and Google Cloud region in Malaysia as well as Oracle’s plans to invest more than US$6.5 bil to open a public cloud region in the country.
“With the Ringgit’s ascent in recent days, the public has raised concerns about whether petrol and daily essentials will see a dip in prices, as well as whether the overall cost of living will decrease,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 2).
“Despite the impressive figures associated with these investments, everyday citizens are primarily focused over their daily expenses.”
Wee said while foreign direct investments (FDIs) undoubtedly drive national economic development, the government must prioritise the quality of life for the rakyat.
“Many citizens still endure rising living costs and income inequality. Hence, relevant policies are needed to ensure that these significant investments benefit all Malaysians while promoting economic growth,” the Tanjung Piai MP stressed.
“We support the government’s efforts to attract investments from global tech giants, as this will provide tremendous economic benefits and employment creation.
“However, it is crucial that these investments lead to real improvements in the wellbeing of the rakyat. Citizens need to feel that they have a share in the economic prosperity, especially as they come under pressure from living costs.”
Elaborating, Wee said as the government promotes these investment projects, it must remain aware of the challenges faced by the rakyat.
“Beyond the scale of investments, people care more about improvements in their quality of life, purchasing power, and support for daily needs,” he continued.
“The public seeks shared prosperity, where everyone can partake in the benefits of national development. Malaysia’s prosperity should not just be measured by economic data but should be evident in the daily lives of the people.”
As such, Wee said the government must balance large-scale investment development with improvements in living conditions, ensuring that citizens feel the fruits of the nation’s progress and develop confidence in the future.
“I believe a win-win situation is achievable for Malaysia – strong economic growth alongside enhanced welfare for her citizens, leading to a brighter future for all,” he added. – Oct 2, 2024
