Let me first record my deepest appreciation to the organisers of Penang Outlook Forum 2010, the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore, and Socio-economic and Environmental Research Institute (SERI), Penang, for inviting me to deliver the keynote address this morning.

The theme of today’s forum Penang in Asia is timely as it comes at the heels of the State trying to emerge stronger after the recent crisis that decimated the global financial and property sectors and crippled global trade and economic growth. The fall in investments was made more challenging by the centralised nature of Malaysia’s growth model that gives little discretionary spending powers to the state.

However before we peer into the future, let us understand our past. For almost 3 decades, the landscape of Penang’s economy has been transformed from a sleepy agricultural economy to a thriving manufacturing industry. The Penang GDP has grown from approximately RM1.3 billion in 1970 to RM33 billion to date and this increase is largely due to the expanding manufacturing sector that now accounts for 39% of Penang’s economy, with the services sector 57%.

Penang has a history of economic success in becoming a middle-income economy. The presence of a world-class electrical and electronics industry populated by practically all the global brands and augmented by a growing cluster of bio-tech companies is reflected in Penang’s share of Malaysia’s electronic exports of 49% and total exports of 31% in 2007.

This history of success and continued growth can not be sustained if we do not escape the middle-income trap. With new emerging economies such as Vietnam and India fast becoming major competitors to Malaysia, Penang must develop a tangible plan that provides a vision for the state.

This industrial blueprint must develop a positive environment that will attract the investments required for sustaining growth and revitalizing the State’s economy to its fullest potential. There are 11 strategies or “11 points of light” of the Penang Blueprint which focuses on efforts to transform Penang into an International city and high income economy.

1. Capable, clean and efficient civil service;

2. An over-riding commitment to economic growth;

3. High degree of public-private partnership (PPP);

4. Development of human capital towards excellence, creativity and innovation. It has always been said that small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events and great minds discuss ideas and we need to grow great minds to make your dreams come true;

5. Sustainable and balanced development that helps to achieve a green state;

6. A people oriented government based on 3Es to Enrich the people for an equitable share in the economic cake, Empower the people with rights, opportunities and freedom, Enable the people with skills and knowledge;

7. Observing the rule of law to promote certainty, justice and public order;

8. CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) governance to establish open tenders and a leadership with integrity;

9. Branding for Penang to ensure quality, reliability, safety, sustainability and integrity;

10. Social cohesion and inclusion towards a shared society that allows democratic participation, respect for diversity and individual dignity, equal opportunity and prohibition of discrimination; and

11. Building reciprocity, reputation and trust through civic education and communications towards a civil society.

PENANG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY

Our vision to transform Penang into an international city that is the location of choice for investors, destination of choice for tourists and also a habitat of choice for those who desire sustainable living is premised on our human and communications connectivity.

For this to become reality, Penang must step up regional engagement, cooperation and collaboration. Penang’s economy can only flourish when it is intertwined with the rest of the world. In fact, in this global age, Penang must foster many new kinds of collaboration. We must work across borders between governments, industries and even academic institutions.

We must embrace agglomeration city-economies by taking full advantage of economies of scale, specialization and networking. We are not under the illusion that we have all the time in the world. We are looking at 2015 as too long a time-frame would not lead to a realistic appraisal in view of changing circumstances.

Our challenge today is to maintain Penang’s competitive edge by converting into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. The proposed 200 acre Education Hub in Balik Pulau, the formation of an industry-driven Penang Science Council to establish Penang as a talent pool for scientific and technological excellence together with the expansion of the existing PSDC would serve as an incubator to develop knowledge, skills and human capital.

To be able to sustain our growth objectives, there must first be economic innovations that would encourage us to think globally but act locally. Penang is a state without natural resources we can only rely on our human talents and intelligence. Our success is greatly dependant on our ability to harness the three types of intelligence mentioned in standard literature:

· Human intelligence of an individual basis;

· Collective intelligence to harness the benefits of synergies and networking;

· Digital intelligence by making Penang the first wifi state in the country;

But we need to have institutional intelligence and integrity intelligence in place so that institutions such as government and the private sector can craft policies that chart the future for the benefit of all, including our future generation. All our efforts will be futile if we do not have intelligent leaders with integrity as can best be shown by the sterling performance of Singapore.

If there is anything we can learn from Singapore, it is that institutions must be properly grounded and manned by properly trained leaders, technicians, bureaucrats and administrators. The recent demise of Singapore’s Dr Goh Keng Swee, the architect of so much of Singapore’s successful institutions, comes as a much needed reminder to all of us of that simple fact.

Education is where Penang has always had an advantage with some of the brightest people with the best educational insititutions in Malaysia. This is attested by the brain drain, how Penang has always exported its educated people overseas, especially Singapore. We are a very generous state on that score.

But jokes aside, we should perhaps also look at this positively, that Penang can position itself as a training ground to train and retrain talent. The issue of education also includes our industrial workforce. Some of the factories located in Penang already have world-class R&D.

For this reason the Penang the Penang Science Council is tasked with establishing the Innoplex(Innovation Complex) to showcase the amazing inventions and products done in Penang as well as being an incubator for R&D work. This is expensive but a necessary public good. Just as talent breeds talent, innovation also feeds innovation.

Apart from the development of education and manufacturing sector, where we should be able to quickly enhance our relative advantage, there are many other areas that the Penang State government has identified for immediate development.

One is of course Tourism. Penang, like Singapore, has always been a popular port of call for tourists from all corners of the world. With the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Geroge Town, Penang offers tourists a nostalgic glimpse of our past and a taste of the rich cultural diversity that is both timeless and unforgettable. Heritage preservation is based on the simple principle of doing as much as you can by changing as little as possible. Come to George Town so that you can see, touch and feel its distinctive character and soul that makes it a Unesco World Heritage site.

Medical tourism is a growing sector where many Singapore companies have benefited. Penang draws two thirds of Malaysia’s total medical tourism receipts of RM 300 million. Penang intends to have more private hospitals to meet the shortage of hospital beds due to the increasing demand.

To be a truly international city, there must be sustainable living where the problems of cleanliness, crime and traffic congestion are dealt with. On that score, Penang has made progress with ECA International upgrading Penang from No. 9 to No.8th most livable city in Asia last year – on par now with Kuala Lumpur. We will continue to do more with “No Plastic Bags” campaign in our efforts to make Penang the first green state in Malaysia.

My government is trying to make Penang more appealing with CAT governance centered on competency, accountability and transparency. We have managed to turnaround our projected deficit Budgets with the largest budget surplus of RM 88 million in 2008 and RM 77 million in 2009. Such success was based on open tenders and cost cutting as well as increasing revenue collection from RM 374 million in 2007 to RM 462 million in 2008 and RM 539 million in 2009. Transparency International praised Penang’s CAT governance, the first time any Malaysian government Federal or state has received this accolade.

Finally investments – the driver of Penang’s and even Malaysia future economic growth. Penang’s share of Malaysia’s exports have grown from 31% in 2007 to more than two thirds now. From March 2008 when the we took power till February 2010, Penang has attracted investments of RM9 billion. We target ourselves investments of RM 4.2 billion this year.

We recognise that Penang’s attractiveness is due to the availability of talented workforce, reliable logistics hub, competent supply-chain management, livable city where creative and innovative people desire to stay, Intellectual property protection and good governance. We need to sustain that.

In other words, Penang’s focus would be on our human resources to propel Penang forward as an international city, high-income & knowledge economy with a GDP of RM 45 billion and per capita income of RM50,000 by 2020.

Developmental work is never easy. But it is essential, and somebody has to do it. For now, that has become the fate of my administration. And I can promise you that we will be doing our best, and to do our best, we need the best from our friends as well.

Before I end my address, I would like to take this opportunity to thank ISEAS and SERI for organising this forum. I am cognisant that some of the work being done here will help put in place building blocks that will lead to a better Penang. On that note I wish you a successful forum.

DAP urges a rethink on the government’s decision to build a nuclear power plant not only for safety and environmental concerns but also doubts over its economic necessity when Malaysia enjoys a high energy reserve margin of 40%. Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui announced that the first nuclear power plant has been approved by the Economic Council to begin operations in 2021.

Peter Chin said a nuclear plant was needed to meet the country’s increasing demand for energy due to industrialisation and to ensure energy security. Chin said the country must have 20% power reserves. However Malaysia’s current reserve margin is double that at 40%, with the current power usage at 14,000 megawatt with a capacity of 23,000 megawatt.

Further the proposed RM 15 billion Bakun Dam producing 2400MW and RM 5 billion Murun Dam producing 900MW, both in Sarawak, will more than meet any increased demand. Clearly Malaysia has more energy than it needs. Without any economic grounds or energy security justification, why then does Malaysia need a nuclear power plant.

Malaysians are waiting to be convinced of the economic rationale of a nuclear power plant. Further Malaysians wonder what assurances can be given in relation to safety and environment following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear plant accident in Ukraine that claimed 56 lives and resulted in 4,000 cancer deaths.

Unless these environmental and safety concerns are addressed, there is also no economic logic and necessity for building a nuclear power plant in 2021 in a yet to be identified location in Malaysia.

Minimum wage

The absolute poverty rate in Malaysia is at 3.6 per cent, yet there are reports that some workers are still earning basic wages below the poverty line. Since the minimum wage is the lowest salary level that employers are legally bound to pay, I would like to propose a minimum monthly wage based on the poverty line of RM720 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM960 in Sabah and RM830 in Sarawak.

Although it may not sound much to some people, it must be understood that are still a lot of workers earning less than RM720 a month in this country. The minimum wage must be based on poverty level, and as such, different basic wages will paid in different states, according to the poverty line, as long as it is above the level.

Employers should not be alarmed by this proposal as this would only benefit them in the long run. The minimum wage will alleviate problems faced by their respective workers from the pressure of the ever-increasing costs of living such as prices of food, petrol, public transportation, lodging and other bills to be paid monthly. Such a personal pressure can affect a worker’s productivity and creativity.

Under the minimum wage law, workers will be secured as they no longer have to suffer living conditions forced upon them by having to accept pay below the poverty level. This in turn could encourage workers to work harder and smarter to increase their productivity, hence pushing companies’ productivity to a higher level.

The government has already fixed the minimum pension of RM720 a month for its retired civil servants. The government has even set the minimum wage of RM750 a month for RELA members who worked as part-time security guards.

Therefore, there is no reason why the government cannot fix the basic minimum wage of RM750 a month to all workers in Peninsular Malaysia and RM960 for Sabah and RM830 for Sarawak.

This will certainly help the workers in rural areas and those in the outskirts of major cities and towns.

Fair wage

A fair wage of RM1,500 monthly would be necessary, especially for those in the urban areas. However a fair wage would not be compulsory but should be aspired to according to a time frame that would be worked out between employers and employees after consultations to attain this level.

Although urban poverty has been defined as a family income of below RM3,000 a month, the proposed basic RM1,500 is meant to alleviate those who are currently paid less than RM1,500. As most urban families have husband-and-wife working, this will enable a family to earn more than RM3,000 a month, a first step to get out from the lower income trap.

This will also reduce our dependency on foreign labour because a fair wage could attract more Malaysians to join the work force rather than leaving the country, causing labour shortage in our country.

Penang Chief Minister YAB Lim Guan Eng will be visiting Taiwan from 10 th – 13 th January 2010.

While in Taiwan, the Chief Minister will meet Taiwanese businesses, industrialists who are interested in Penang. This visit is part of YAB Lim Guan Eng’s efforts strengthen existing business and industry ties between Penang and Taiwan after face of turbulent economic outlook. Taiwan is one of the primary contributors and important player in business, investment, ICT and manufacturing.

Accompanied by a delegation of senior state officials, Penang seeks to establish and consolidate Penang’s position as a preferred location of choice for Taiwan investors. Penang received year to year growth of Taiwan Investment from hit rock bottom RM 5.4million in 2007 to RM 254 million in 2008 and increasingly RM 520million from January to August 2009, especially turbulent period of global economy from January to March 2009 RM 410 million Investment from Taiwan has been approved by Penang there is the highest investment amongst the FDI to Penang in first quarter while total of Taiwan investment to Malaysia are RM 470 million.

While in the Taiwan, the Chief Minister will lead the Penang delegation to meet existing and new investors in the field of E&E and LED companies in Taipei and Hsinchu Science Park”. Meanwhile, Lim will meet with leaders of the education sector to seek new areas of co-operation and investment, especially in the Penang State Government’s proposed 200 acre Education Hub in Balik Pulau to attract both International Schools and Universities branch campuses. Lim and the Penang delegation will meet with Malaysian student based in Taiwan.

Lim will be accompanied by his wife, Y.B. Betty Chew, YB Mansor Othman, Deputy Chief Minister I, YB Law Law Choo Kiang, State EXCO for Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Rural Development Flood Mitigation, YB Tan Hock Leong, Deputy Speaker Penang State Assembly and Dato Lee Kah Choon, Executive Chairman of InvestPenang.

There are 5 lessons to be learnt. Lesson One is this: Without transparency and accountability, arrogance takes over which invariably ends in disaster, for everyone.

The second lesson we have to learn is that it was we – the small developing nations – who made ourselves vulnerable. We failed to move out of the Middle-Income Trap, and forgot that we have to continue climbing the value-added ladder, high-technology and knowledge-intensive high-income economy in order to develop the skills level of our people.

Thirdly, we have to learn is that out of every crisis, a new balance of power emerges. It is of course claiming too much, as many eager economists are doing, to say that the centre of economic power is moving to East Asia away from America and Europe.
2009 World Bank figures show that Developing East Asia had growth rates far surpassing OECD countries of 11.4% as compared to 2.5% in 2007, 8% in 2008 as compared to 0.4%, projected 6.7% as compared to -3.2% in 2009 and projected 7.8% as compared to 1.7% in 2010. (see table below)

In economic crisis as in boom times, the gap between the OECD and East Asia developing countries hovers around an average of 8.1% every year during these 4 years. This yawning gap in growth rates is the reason behind China’s astonishing leap within a generation past not only Germany but also Japan as the second largest economy in the world after US with the largest foreign reserves of USD 2.3 trillion.

However to say that the economic center of power now lies in Asia is untrue. In GNP per capita terms, Asia’s large population still puts Europe and US ahead. Despite having the 2nd largest economy China’s 2008 per capita income using purchasing power parity, was ranked 133th at a paltry USD 6,000, behind Turkmenistan, El Salvador and Namibia. In other words, what we are going to see is not a uni-polar world, whether centered in the West or East but a multi-polar world that leads to a more balanced economic order.

Growth Rates From 2009 World Bank

The fourth lesson, is the necessity to build for the future, not the present. We need each other: the West needs us as much as Asia needs them so that together we do not let our children down.

The fifth lesson we have had to learn – is to concentrate on basics at the local level. Economics, like politics, begins at home. Local economic innovations must take place. That is why we must invest in education, in tourism, in lifestyle enhancement, investing in regional ties rather than international ties.

In other words, we must think globally but act locally. There are 6 aspects of “Think Globally, Act Locally” for Penang to succeed in transforming itself as an international city, a knowledge-intensive and high-income economy.

One, openness not in economic terms but in pursuit of knowledge. This is characterised by a purposeful and determined willingness not to be bound by dogma but to learn from successful models combined with willingness to explore, experiment and progress through change.

Two, a people-centric approach through continuous emphasis and engagement with the people by emphasizing education over propaganda, competency over political background and excellence over indoctrination. There is no dispute that the energy, expertise and entrepreneurship of its people are the critical success factors of economic success. That is why Penang aspires to be the first wifi state in Malaysia that is provided free of charge.

Three, seeking social cohesion and inclusion to achieve a harmonious society.

Four, unbalanced growth must be compensated by the provision of development and social services that is inclusive – accessible, available and affordable to everyone. Efforts must be made to provide development services to those not touched by rapid economic growth.

Five, seeking new sources of growth such as a green economy. Green economy refers to a sustained growth model which features environment-friendly technologies, renewable energy resources and low carbon emissions. In Penang we aspire to be the first green state in Malaysia by reducing plastic bag compensation, implementing green buildings and finding alternatives such as manufacturing of bio-degradable food containers made from padi or sugar cane husks so organic that it can be eaten.

Six, a determined effort to branding as synonymous with quality, safety, sustainability reliability and integrity. Standards of service in all industry sectors, including good governance, must be at the highest level if we are to beat the competition. Penang’s CAT governance of Competency, Accountability and Transparency has achieved recognition from Transparency International in reducing corruption and inefficieny.

(Paper Presented By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng At The 5th Asia Economic Summit 0n 7.12.2009 In Sheraton Towers, Singapore On “Strengthening Economic, Trade &Investment Ties After the Crisis –Reconnecting Asia with Europe and USA” Released In George Town On 8.12.2009.)

Penang has willingly endorsed MIDA’s policy of never giving any guarantees unless we are certain that it shall be delivered. For this reason in 2008, when an investor offered to invest USD 3 billion if Penang can guarantee 1,000 electrical and electronic engineers, I refused to do so. I had pressed for urgent steps to train more professionals in short supply, especially as Penang lost a USD 3 billion investment in 2008, because the state government could not guarantee 1,000 electrical and electronic engineers.

Electrical and electronic engineers are in great demand in Malaysia’s Silicon Valley that is Penang. Of course, if they are paid at international rates, the companies can hire from overseas. But what these investors are searching for are electrical and electronic engineers at Penang wage scales. The investors might as well stay back at home and hire their own engineers if they have to pay international wage rates. Further no multinational company would just recruit electrical and electronic engineers unless they are from established or “acceptable” universities.

Any government with credibility can not give guarantees that it can not deliver as this will not only damage its reputation and trust but may also attract compensatory damages. If the Penang state government guarantees 1,000 electrical and electronic engineers when there is a huge shortage in the market, then this is irresponsible and untrustworthy not only to that investor but other investors as well. Further such letters of guarantees can result in expensive compensatory payments if not fulfilled.

Have we not forgotten the irresponsible granting of such letters of guarantees by the previous Minister of Transport Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy and other officials of Port Klang Transport Authority.. These letters of guarantee on the Port Klang Free Trade Zone scandal may ultimatedly cause the Malaysian taxpayer RM 12.5 billion. Penang will not fall into the same trap or scandals of irresponsible granting of letter of guarantees leading to billions of ringgit in possible damages.

Penangnites do not want a second Port Klang Free Trade Zone scandal in Penang. Instead what Penangnites want what investors want – a people-centric government with integrity that delivers on its promises that says what it means and means what it says.

DAP reiterates its opposition to the BN government’s 2010 Budget proposals to impose the RM 50 and RM25 service tax on each credit/charge card and supplementary card respectively. This credit card service tax proposals would earn the Federal Government RM 555 millions annually which would impact more on the middle and lower income groups.

Prime Minister Dato Seri Utama Najib Tun Razak claimed that the people should look at the overall benefits of the 2010 Budget and not just at the service tax on credit card. The Prime Minister is wrong as the benefits of reducing the maximum tax rate of 27% to 26% and a RM 1,000 increase in tax reliefs from RM 8,000 to RM 9,000 would only benefit the wealthy and upper middle class.

BN leaders should look at the service tax from the perspective of the poor and not from their own comfortable lifestyle! Does BN know how the poor makes ends meet by rolling over their expenses through using credit cards? By increasing the service tax on credit cards, the ones most affected and paying the RM 555 million extra revenue earned from imposing service tax will be on the lower and middle income group.

The 2010 budget is supposed to benefit all Malaysians with tax deductions, tax reliefs and tax benefits. These should have reduced government revenue instead of increasing revenue by RM 6.5 billion. An extra RM 555 million is small compared to the RM 6.5 billion increase in revenue from RM 148.5 billion to RM 154.8 billion for 2010. BN government should abolish the service tax for credit cards to prove its credentials as a people centric government.

In order to protect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s credibility for financial soundness and accountability, Bank Negara must take action against those responsible for Maybank’s reckless acquisitions of BII and MCB Bank that caused impairment losses of RM 1.97 billion. Maybank’s 30 June 2009 fiscal year net profit plunged 76% to RM 692 million as a result of impairment losses of RM 1.62 billion for acquiring BII(in March 2008) and RM 353 million for acquiring MCB Bank.

Source : Maybank 4th Quarter Analyst Briefing 2009

Even though Maybank was advised not to proceed with the acquisition, Maybank had stubbornly and irresponsibly pressed on to spend an incredible RM 10.8 billion to acquire banks in Indonesia, Pakistan and Vietnam, months before the global financial crisis erupted last year. Now Maybank conceded that it has lost RM 2 billion in these investments in over a year.

However if we consider other losses due to exchange rate fluctuation and amortisation Maybank lost not just RM 2 billion but RM 2.73 billion. Looking at the graph above, Maybank bought BII for RM 7.9 billion which is worth only RM 5.77 billion now and paid RM 2.87 billion for MCB Bank which is worth only RM 2.25 billion now. In other words Maybank incurred RM 2.13 billion loss for BII and RM 620 million loss for MCB Bank for a total loss of RM 2.73 billion.

Public interest demands that action be taken against those who squandered Maybank’s funds in these doubtful investments. We do not know how much of the RM 10.8 billion investments will be left and this large sum, if distributed would allow each and every 27 million Malaysians to get RM 400. Why did Maybank proceed with the purchase despite every advice not to do so? As Maybank is owned by the government, the public has every right to demand full public accountability and action against those responsible for such reckless management decisions that has caused losses of RM 2.73 billion.

Otherwise there will be a loss of public and investor confidence that the government is committed towards fair, clean and orderly capital markets. In the light of the world economic recession brought about by the global financial crisis, markets must be subjected to stronger oversight. Governance arrangements and risk management standards at the financial level must be strengthened. Regulatory objectives of fair and orderly markets, transparency, financial soundness, investor protection and accountability must be met.

A good starting point for delivery is to take action against those responsible for Maybank’s huge RM 2 billion losses. Bank Negara must send an unmistakable message that Malaysia is a worthy destination for global capital finance that has a level playing field which plays by the rules of law, enforced impartially and committed towards competency, accountability and transparency.

Penang state government welcomes the triple assurances given by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop that twenty-two delayed projects in Penang under the Ninth Malaysia Plan costing RM 300 million will be completed as scheduled by the end of 2010, that the Federal Government would help to promote Penang as a tourism destination and also offer just treatment to all states for development projects under the 10MP (2011-2015). Penang pledges full co-operation with the Federal government to ensure speedy and timely completion of these delayed projects.

However Penang state government is deeply concerned at the shocking failure rate of 76%, where RM5.8 Billion out of the RM 7.6 billion worth of projects allocated for Penang under the 9MP, could not be completed on time. Bernama reported today Tan Sri Nor’s revelation that under the 9MP, 1,055 physical development projects involving an allocation of RM7.6 billion were approved for Penang, and that 496 of these projects worth RM1.5 billion had been completed, 22 were behind schedule and the rest(537) were at various levels of implementation. In other words 537 of the 1,055 physical development projects or more than 50% of those planned under the 9MP could not be completed on time by the end of 2010. In terms of cost, the performance failure is even more alarming. Only RM 1.8 billion of the projects out of a total of RM 7.6 billion are expected to be completed on time. This means that RM 5.8 billion worth of projects have failed, a shocking failure rate of 76%! This is a great loss to Penang and there should be some explanation how this could happen and what are the projects involved.

Of the 22 projects delayed, Nor Mohamed said there were under the Health Ministry (six projects), Education Ministry (three), Works Ministry (two), Housing and Local Government Ministry (two), Higher Education Ministry (one) and Youth and Sports Ministry (one). They included the Seberang Jaya Hospital quarters and upgrading of several health centres and rural health clinics, construction of SMK Bayan Lepas, SM Pendidikan Khas Persekutuan, quarters for SK Teluk Kumbar II, the Teluk Kumbar-Pekan Genting road, Federal House in Jalan Scotland, Balik Pulau polytechnic, Penang Fire and Rescue Department headquarters in Batu Kawan, Kampung Terang fire station, and sports arenas in 40 state constituencies.

However Tan Sri Nor did not mention the 537 federal projects worth RM 5.8 billion under the 9MP that could not be completed on time. This is a significant sum as Penang contributed some RM 20 billion to federal government coffers during the period of the 9MP. Not getting our rightful share is bad enough with only RM 7.6 billion compared to the RM 20 billion in receipts by the Federal government. But it is wholly unacceptable when RM5.8 billion of the RM 7.6 billion projects under 9MP cannot be completed on time. More information would be sought from the Federal government to see what are these projects that could not be implemented as scheduled, and whether both the state and federal governments can work together to resolve this problem in the public interest.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat must clarify to the public the veracity of a report in the Edge Financial Daily on 26 Jun 2009 that the PKA is to pay a total sum this year of RM 660 million to KDSB by July 2009. If Ong is committed to cleaning up the RM 12.5 billion PKFTZ scandal, then he must immediately instruct all payments to KDSB or any other parties be stopped until the culprits responsible are arrested and charged in court. KDSB is the turnkey contractor for PKFTZ.

The Edge report had said that PKA will draw down RM 360 million from the government’s soft loan of RM 4.6 billion to pay KDSB on June 30 for the land and construction of scandal-hit PKFTZ project. Another RM 300 million will be drawn down in July as the next scheduled payment to KDSB. KDSB had received a payment of RM 510 million in 2007 and RM 660 million in 2008 from PKA and the government. With another RM 660 million this year, this makes a total of RM 1,830 million to KDSB in three years for a project that is clearly over-priced and without the prospect of ever earning enough to cover the costs incurred.

According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers(PwC) report, the PKFTZ had ballooned from an initial cost of RM 1.96 billion to RM 7.45 billion, including interest cost. PwC added that as it is highly unlikely that repayments to the loans can be made on time, further financial borrowings necessary would result in the cost of PKFTZ exploding to RM 12.5 billion.

The RM 12.5 billion huge losses are shocking. What is more shocking is that not one single person has been arrested and charged in court for this scandal even though the PwC report had clearly outlined cases of conflict of interest and those responsible that have acted against public interest involving a MCA Deputy Minister.

Is protecting MCA interests for Ong more important than protecting public interests? This is a sad day for Malaysia when not a single person can be arrested and charged in court for causing such a monumental loss to Malaysia whilst a person stealing milk powder can be sentenced to prison. RM 12.5 billion is a huge sum that if divided amongst27 million Malaysian will result in each child and adult losing nearly RM 500 each.

Why is Ong not pressing for action against the culprits? Or refusing to declare whether the RM 12.5 billion to be spent on PKFTZ is reasonable, cheap or expensive? Why is Ong also not instructing all payments to KDSB be stopped till action is taken?

By failing to do so, Ong and the BN government is continuing to throw in billions of ringgit for what is essentially a failed project. DAP fears that finally, no one will be punished for a scandalous crime that has enriched some at the expense of 27 million ordinary Malaysians forced to bear the price of BN and Ong Tee Keat’s failure to act.

DAP welcomes the comments made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak during an interview with Singapore’s Straits Times on his intention to dismantle the National Economic Policy (NEP) because ethnic quotas had damaged Malaysia’s competitiveness and ran counter to global trends. Najib had clearly come around to DAP’s contention over the past 40 years that the long-term benefits of ending the scheme would outweigh the “pain” involved.

Even though such comments had come 40 years too late, it is a case of better late than never. This clearly shows the impact and effectiveness of people’s power during the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections that can force the spring and bring about change towards democratic and good governance.

Just like Najib’s “One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now”, DAP has no objections to Najib copying from DAP’s handbook of ideas, ideals and principles of nation-building and Malaysian Malaysia. Instead of helping the poor and marginalised sections of society, especially the Malays, the NEP has become a huge gravy train of cronyism, corruption and nepotism where public interests are sacrificed for private benefit.

Instead of wiping out poverty and hard-core poverty amongst the masses, the NEP has created millionaires out of UMNO politicians and several other lucky non-UMNO BN politicians. The NEP should be replaced by a Malaysian First Economic Policy that guarantees equal economic opportunity and socio-economic justice based on merit and needs.

The time has come to create wealth by developing and retaining our human talents instead of the continuous brain drain to Singapore as well as distribute wealth equitably from the huge Petronas oil revenues. Giving RM 35 billion annually which allows each middle-income family earning less than RM 6,000 monthly to receive RM 6,000 annually would only come up to 1/3 of Petronas annual profits.

DAP hopes that Najib is committed to dismantling the NEP as he had described his move in combative terms, describing himself as a “warlord” who would face down opposition from smaller chiefs in his party. For the sake of our country’s future, DAP is willing to set aside political interests and ignore partisan differences to save the nation from the excesses, inefficiencies and malpractices endemic in the NEP.

Using Police State Mentality To Arrest Those Holding Candles As A Threat To National Security Is Detrimental To Democracy, Basic Human Rights And Freedom.

DAP unreservedly condemns Selangor police for continuing to arrest peaceful and law-abiding citizens exercising their democratic rights in candlelight vigils demanding fresh elections in Perak to allow the people to determine the government of their choice. The latest Ampang Jaya police action, where sixteen people including DAP Teratai state assemblywoman Jenice Lee were remanded for two days for allegedly holding a candlelight vigil, makes a mockery of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s calls for greater freedom and democracy.

Using police state mentality to arrest those holding candles as a threat to national security is not only making Malaysia an international laughing stock but also grossly detrimental to democracy, basic human rights and freedom. It is ridiculous that the 16 were arrested when they were also for lighting candles celebrating the birthday of Lim Swee Kuan who is DAP leader Lim Kit Siang’s assistant..

Home Minister Datuk Hishamuddin Tun Hussein Onn should intervene immediately and instruct the police to focus on its job of fighting crime by stopping the arrests of law-abiding and peaceful demonstrators. No wonder crime is getting worse every day when the police is not doing what they are paid for.

LIM GUAN ENG

Sungguhpun perolehan keuntungan Malaysia Airport Bhd (MAHB) di Pulau Pinang adalah lima kali ganda lebih besar daripada Kota Kinabalu, namun tidak ada LCCT di Pulau Pinang. Sebaliknya Kota Kinabalu ada LCCT yang dibina dengan kos RM200 juta sungguhpun jumlah pendapatan hanya RM 96.1 juta. Sungguh luarbiasa yang untung RM493.3 juta diabaikan seakan-akan “membunuh burung angsa yang bertelurkan emas.” Walaupun pembinaan LCCT di Kota Kinabalu tidak dibantah maka ia harus dibina di Pulau Pinang kalau dibandingkan keuntungan yang diperolehi oleh MAHB untuk semua negeri yang dinyatakan di bawah.

Dalam pertanyaan lisan Dewan Rakyat, saya minta Menteri Pengangkutan menyatakan jumlah keuntungan untuk Malaysia Airports Bhd. Untuk setiap tahun sejak 2000 dan berikan pecahan mengikut negeri. Nyatakan jumlah perbelanjaan baik pembinaan baru atau menaiktarafkan untuk tempoh yang sama. Nyatakan program untuk menaiktaraf Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang, kosnya dan bila dimulakan.

Dalam jawapan bertulis Menteri Pengangkutan Datuk Ong Tee Keat dalam mesyuarat Dewan Rakyat kali ini ,beliau menyatakan bahawa：

” Jumlah keuntungan yang diperolehi oleh Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAHB) dari operasi lapangan terbang sejak tahun 2000 hingga 2008 mengikut negeri adalah seperti berikut:

(1) Negeri Sabah keuntungan sebanyak RM 96.1 juta

(2) Negeri Sawarak keuntungan sebanyak RM 71.8 juta

(3) Negeri Pulau Pinang keuntungan sebanyak RM 493.3juta

(4) Negeri Perak kerugian sebanyak RM 19.7 juta

(5) Negeri Pahang keuntungan sebanyak RM 10.8 juta

(6) Negeri Johor kerugian sebanyak RM 2 juta

(7) Negeri Kelantan kerugian sebanyak RM 15.7 juta

(8) Negeri Terengganu kerugian sebanyak RM 5.8 juta

(9) Negeri Selangor keuntungan sebanyak RM 1.5 billion

(10) Negeri Melaka kerugian sebanyak RM 7.1 juta

(11) Negeri Kedah keuntungan sebanyak RM11.5 juta

Jumlah keseluruhan keuntungan yang diperolehi oleh MAHB dari tahum 2000 hingga tahun 2008 adalah sebanyak RM 2.1 billion

Manakala bagi jumlah perbelanjaan yang telah dibuat bagi Projek Pembinaan Lapangan Terbang Baru atau Menaik Taraf Lapangan Terbang untuk tempoh yang sama oleh Kerajaan adalah sebanyak RM3.7 billion. Manakala perbelanjaan yang telah dibuat oleh pihak MAHB akan dimaklumkan secara bertulis setelah maklumat tersebut diperolehi dari agensi yang berkenaan.

Mengenai soalan tentang program menaik taraf Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang, sukalah saya memaklumkan di dalam Dewan yang mulia ini bahawa Kementerian Pengangkutan bersama-sama dengan Malaysia Airports mempunyai rancangan mengemukakan cadangan bagi pertimbangan Kerajaan untuk menaik taraf lapangan terbang tersebut dalam Rancangan Malaysia ke-10(RMKe-10). Di antara komponen projek utama yang akan dipohon di bawah RMKe-10 meliputi pemanjangan landasan untuk pesawat B747-400 tanpa had muatan, tambahan parking apron, pembesaran kemudahan kargo, pembesaran bangunan terminal serta pengasingan aliran penumpang domestic dan antarabangsa. Memandangkan projek tersebut masih lagi di peringkat awal perancangan, maka Kementerian pada ketika ini tidak dapat menentukan kos serta proses perolehan yang akan dilaksanakan. ”

Dan RM 15 bilion ini pun dipecahkan kepada dua tahun, RM 10 bilion tahun ini dan RM 5 bilion tahun depan. Hakikat perbelanjaan secara langsung sebanyak RM 10 bilion boleh dilihat dalam Rang Undang-undang dan usul pembangunan. Beberapa soalan yang ditimbulkan sekiranya ia perbelanjaan terus ialah di mana akan datangnya RM 60 bilion ini. Macam mana RM 10 bilion pelaburan ekuiti akan menfaatkan pekerja biasa. Jelas sekali RM 10 bilion ini akan berfungsi sebagai satu pakej penyelamatan syarikat-syarikat kroni tertentu sepertimana yang digunakan sebelum ini bila RM 5 bilion dana wang KWSP dipinjamkan kepada ValueCap untuk menyelamatkan beberapa syarikat kroni Bursa Malaysia tahun lepas. Apa lojiknya bila untung tidak berkongsi bersama tetapi bila rugi rakyat biasa mesti menanggungnya?

Di sini saya hendak tanyakan maksud pelaburan RM 10 bilion ekuiti bila Khazanah Nasional Bhd, telah menyatakan akan melabur sampai RM 58 bilion dalam 3 tahun akan datang. Pengarah Urusan Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar menyatakan 20% akan digunakan masing-masing oleh Iskandar Malaysia project d Teannaga Nasional Bhd’s cape,x 15% untuk High-Speed Internet Broadband project. Ini memberikan gambaran samada jumlah ini dikitar semula-recycle.

Pada masa yang sama prestasi Khazanah tidak memberangsangkan. Dalam tahun 2008, portfolio Khazanah turun RM 17.8 bilion dengan overall portfolio realisable asset value (RAV) merosot daripada RM 70.4 bilion pada Disember 31 berbanding dengan RM 88.2 bilion pada 31 Mei 2008. Nilai bersih lagi menakutkan dengan , “The net worth – RAV less total liabilities – stood at RM 33.7 billion at Dec 31 against RM 53.1 billion at 31 Mei 2008. Pengurangan RM 19.4 bilion atau 36.5% dalam hanya 6 bulan sahaja”

Rekod pelaburan ekuiti tidak begitu cemerlang bila RM 5 bilion dalam Silterra Corp sudah lenyap sama sekali, Jangan lupa pula penjualan MV Agusta pada 2006 oleh Proton Holdings untuk satu euro atau RM 5 yang dibeli pada 2004 dengan harga RM 368 juta. Selepas dijual pada tahun lepas pembeli telah jual dengan harga RM 800 juta kepada BMW dan Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles dari Amerika Syarikat.

Pengecualian cukai sebanyak ke atas bayaran pampasan kehilangan pekerjaan dinaikkan kepada 10,000 adalah baik. Bagi pihak kerajaan negeri Pulau Pinang, saya ingin mengucapkan terima kasih kepada YAB TPM atas peruntukan RM 250 juta untuk pembesaran Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang. Ini adalah satu petanda baik bahawa YAB sedar tentang betapa pentingnya Pulau Pinang tidak seharusnya sengaja digagalkan. Memang hakikat ialah sekiranya Pulau Pinang gagal maka Malaysia akan gagal kerana 30% daripada jumlah ekspot dan juga pelancong negara berasal dan melawat Pulau Pinang.

Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang telah memohon pertimbangan pembiayaan bagi pelaksanaan beberapa projek kritikal iaitu 21 projek berjumlah RM11,531.6 juta untuk menjana pertumbuhan ekonomi secara berterusan serta menjamin keadilan sosio-ekonomi rakyat seperti berikut:

i. Projek Pembesaran Empangan Mengkuang sebanyak RM1.1 bilion;

ii. Kerja-kerja Menaiktaraf Sistem Keretapi Sedia Ada di Bukit Bendera sebanyak RM40 juta;

iii. Pelaksanaan Program Membasmi Kemiskinan Tegar Sifar sebanyak RM7.9 juta;

iv. Usaha Meningkatkan Keselamatan Penduduk sebanyak RM58.45 juta;

v. Usaha Menangani Masalah Kesesakan Lalu Lintas sebanyak RM50 juta;

vi. Kerja-kerja Pendalaman North Channel sebanyak RM323 juta;

vii. Menaiktaraf Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Bayan Lepas, Membina Kompleks Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) dan Fixed Based Operation (FBO) sebanyak RM1.7 bilion;

viii. Projek Monorel/ Aerobus di luar kawasan Tapak Warisan Dunia sebanyak RM2.5 bilion;

ix. Projek Jalan Lingkaran Luar Pulau Pinang (PORR) sebanyak RM1.5 bilion;

x. Permohonan Pinjaman Mudah RM200 juta bagi Rancangan Tindakan Pemuliharaan Warisan sempena Pengiktirafan Georgetown sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO;

xi. Peruntukan RM200 juta bagi Membina Kereta Kabel dari Bukit Bendera ke Teluk Bahang;

xii. Cadangan Projek RM500 juta bagi Pusat Halal Hab di Balik Pulau dan Batu Kawan;

xiii. Projek RM500 juta Bagi Perumahan Awam (Pulau Pinang dan Seberang Perai);

xiv. Penyelenggaraan Stadium Negeri Batu Kawan sebanyak RM20 juta;

xv. Projek Pembangunan Tapak Ekspo Seberang Jaya sebanyak RM9 juta;

xvi. Menaiktaraf Kawasan Perindustrian Bayan Lepas dan Perai sebanyak RM66.2 juta;

xvii. Projek Rancangan Tebatan Banjir Bagi Mengatasi Masalah Banjir sebanyak RM970.0 juta; dan

xviii. Program Pembangunan Pelancongan sebanyak RM500 juta.

xiv. Program-program Bagi Memulihara Nilai-nilai Tidak Ketara (Tangible) Sempena Pengiktirafan Georgetown sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO sebanyak RM51.6 juta

xx. Projek Sistem Tram Hybrid Elektrik (Hybrid Electric Tram System) di Kawasan Dalaman Tapak Warisan Georgetown sebanyak RM720 juta

xxi. Program Melatih Semula Pekerja-pekerja Yang Hilang Pekerjaan sebanyak RM500 juta

Adakah suatu usaha dijalankan untuk menukarkan klasifikasi MSC kepada dua status iaitu MSC City dan MSC Centre. Difahamkan Pulau Pinang akan diturun pangkat daripada status MSC City kepada MSC Centre kerana kononnya infrastruktur itu tak lengkap. Ini menunujukkan Pulau Pinang telah diabaikan selama ini dan perlu ditingkatkan infrastruktur supaya boleh mencapai status MSC City ini.

Sebagai rumusan kami sedia menggembelengkan tenaga untuk sama-sama menghadapi krisis ekonomi sekiranya ia mementingkan rakyat. Yang kita lihat ialah bantuan secara langsung kepada rakyat tidak hanya memberikan tumpuan lebih kepada syarikat. Tengoklah Taiwan dan Singapura yang berikan wang tunai seperti perbenlanjaan RM 8.5 bilion atau RM 400 kepada setiap rakyatnya. Tidak ada satu sen pun untuk rakyat Malaysia biasa.

Marilah kita laksanakan Pakej Ransangan Ekonomi yang bermakna kepada rakyat di mana wang dibelanjakan dapat dinikmati oleh 27 juta rakyat Malaysia dan bukan oleh golongan kecil tertentu.

Penang has no natural resources to fight the coming economic crisis. We have no choice but to leverage on our human resources and our geographical position as a logistics hub and international gateway for tourists, high-tech manufacturing, biotechnology, green technology and halal hub. To succeed Penang must have a functional airport with all the modern facilities and amenities. We are not only talking about basic comfort such as toilets but also about modern necessities such as free Wifi.

The State government would also like to ask private sector to write to Finance Ministry in order to apply for MRO.

In his written reply to my question on 2 March 2009 released to me yesterday, Ministry of Transport Datuk Ong Tee Keat said:-

“……buat masa ini, Kerajaan tidak bercadang untuk membina sebuah Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT)[di Pulau Pinang]. Mengenai Pusat Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) pula, adalah dimaklumkan bahawa kemudahan ini adalah dimajukan oleh pihak swasta. Sehingga kini, Kerajaan tidak menerima sebarang cadangan untuk mendirikan Pusat MRO di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.

Namun begitu, sebagaimana yang telah saya jelaskan dalam jawapan kepada soalan yang sama yang telah dibangkitkan oleh Ahli Yang Berhormat Bagan, pada 23 Februari 2009 yang lalu bahawa Kementerian Pengangkutan sememangnya bercadang untuk manaik taraf lapangan terbang tersebut. Apa yang telah diambil tindakan oleh Kementerian adalah perancangan untuk Projek Menaik Taraf Lapangan Terbang tersebut yang akan dipohon di dalam Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10 (RMKe-10) kelak. Di antara komponen projek utama yang akan dipohon di bawah RMKe-10 meliputi pemanjangan landasan untuk pesawat B747-400 tanpa had muatan, tambahan parking apron, pembesaran kemudahan kargo, pembesaran bangunan terminal serta pengasingan aliran penumpang domestic dan antarabangsa. Memandangkan projek tersebut masih lagi di peringkat awal perancangan, maka Kementerian pada ketika ini tidak dapat menentukan kos serta proses perolehan yang akan dilaksanakan. ”

Saya menyeru agar kerajaan Pusat melaksanakan skim bantuan pemberhentian pekerja (unemployment benefit) dengan memberikan bantuan RM800 sebulan kepada setiap pekerja diberhentikan dalam Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi Kedua. Ini akan menyebabkan perbelanjaan sebanyak RM2 bilion untuk dua tahun 2009 dan 2010 sekiranya bantuan henti kerja RM800 sebulan dijalankan.

Bantuan yang saya cadangkan adalah amat penting bagi membolehkan setiap pekerja dapat menampung kos sara hidup sehingga mereka mendapat kerja semula.

Di samping itu, bagi tahun 2009 adalah dianggarkan seramai 40,000 hingga 58,000 pekerja dijangka akan diberhentikan. Manakalah bagi tahun 2010, dianggarkan seramai 70,000 hingga 90,000 pekerja dijangka akan diberhentikan.

Jika Kerajaan Pusat mampu menggunakan wang rakyat sebanyak RM 5 bilion dari Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja(KWSP) untuk menyelamatkan satu atau dua syarikat dalam pasaran saham, adakah begitu susah bagi Kerajaan Pusat untuk memberikan Bantuan Pemberhentian Kerja RM 556.8 juta untuk 58,000 pekerja pada 2009 dan RM1.42 bilion kepada 148 ribu pekerja pada 2010 yang diberhentikan?

Dalam pertanyaan lisan Dewan Rakyat, saya minta Menteri Sumber Manusia menyatakan jumlah pengangguran untuk setiap penggal sejak 2007 dan jumlah kehilangan pekerjaan dalam kegawatan ekonomi pada tahun ini dan tahun depan untuk Malaysia dan berikan pecahan mengikut negeri. Apakah langkah menyelamatkan pekerjaan dan jumlah wang untuk mengatasinya, khususnya di Pulau Pinang.

Dalam jawapan bertulis yang diberikan oleh Menteri Sumber Manusia S. Subramaniam, beliau menyatakan:

”Kegawatan ekonomi global telah mengakibatkan berlaku pemberhentian dan pengangguran. Pemberhentian pekerja kebanyakan berlaku di sektor pembuatan khususnya subsektor elektrik dan elektronik serta tekstil dan pakaian.

JUMLAH PENGANGGURAN BAGI TAHUN 2007 DAN 2008 ADALAH SEPERTI BERIKUT:

Bilangan Penganggur mengikut negeri pada Suku Tahun Ketiga 2008 adalah seperti berikut:

Jumlah pemberhentian pekerja(pemberhentian tetap dan secara sukarela) bagi tempoh 1 Januari 2009 sehingga 18 Februari 2009 berjumlah 10,450 pekerja yang melibatkan 303 majikan. Negeri yang mencatatkan jumlah pemberhentian tertinggi ialah Selangor iaitu seramai 3,487 yang melibatkan 90 majikan dan dituruti Johor seramai 2,240 pekerja (35 majikan) dan Pulau Pinang seramai 1,830 pekerja (47 majikan) .Sektor pembuatan mencatatkan jumlah pemberhentian yang tertinggi iaitu sebanyak 8795 pekerja yang melibatkan 151 majikan.

BILANGAN MAJIKAN DAN PEKERJA YANG TERLIBAT DENGAN PEMBERHENTIAN MENGIKUT NEGERI BAGI TEMPOH 1/1/2009 HINNGA 18/2/2009

Bagi tahun 2009 adalah dianggarkan seramai 40,000 hingga 58,000 pekerja dijangka akan diberhentikan. Manakalah bagi tahun 2010, dianggarkan seramai 70,000 hingga 90,000 pekerja dijangka akan diberhentikan. Angka ini hanyalah jangkaan dan bergantung kepada senario ekonomi global terutamanya Amerika Syarikat, Eropah dan Jepun serta Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi seterusnya oleh Kerajaan Malaysia.

Bagi melindungi pekerja di seluruh negara yang kehilangan pekerjaan akibat kemerosotan ekonomi, kementerian saya telah melaksanakan beberapa langkah seperti berikut:
a) Menubuhkan Jawantankuasa Tripartite Pemberhentian Pekerja di peringkat Kebangsaan dan Negeri termasuk Negeri Pulau Pinang bertujuan untuk membincangkan dan menentukan tindakan bagi menangani masalah pemberhentian kerja.

b) Sebanyak 80 Bilik Operasi Pemantauan Pemberhentian Pekerja telah diwujudkan di seluruh negara termasuk di Pulau Pinang untuk tujuan seperti berikut;

(i) memantau trend pemberhentian pekerja;
(ii) mendapatkan maklumat terkini mengenai kekosongan jawatan;
(iii) membantu pekerja diberhentikan mendapatkan pekerjaan baru (job-placement);dan
(iv) mengumpulkan maklumat mengenai pemberhentian kerja tetap, pemberhentian secara sukarela (VSS), pemberhentian sentara (lay-off) dan pengurangan gaji.

c) Melakasanakan program latihan semula dan penempatan (train & place)bagi pekerja-pekerja yang diberhentikan (termasuk belia dan siswazah menganggur)untuk membolehkan mereka memperolehi kemahiran baru yang diperlukan oleh pasaran pekerjaan semasa. Pekerja-pekerja yang diberhentikan perlu berdaftar dengan JobsMalaysia sebelum diberi latihan dan seterusnya dibuat penempatan. Untuk program ini Kerajaan telah memperuntukkan RM100 juta secara keseluruhan untuk semua negeri termasuk Pulau Pinang. Siswazah menganggur yang mengikuti program ini akan diberi elaun sara diri RM500 sebulan.

d) Bagi pekerja yang terlibat dengan pemberhentian pekerja sentara (temporary lay-off), mereka diberi latihan dalam bidang kemahiran yang diperlukan oleh industri .Melalui program ini, Kerajaan berharap kos operasi majikan dapat dikurangkan dan pekerja dapat bekerja semula dengan majikan asal selepas tamat tempoh latihan.
Bagi membantu meringankan beban pekerja yang diberhentikan, Kementerian saya sedang bekerjasama dengan agensi-agensi yang lain supaya mereka yang jatuh di bawah Garis Kemiskinan akibat pemberhentian kerja diberi bantuan ehsan.

Di samping itu, kerajaan telah memutuskan supaya pengambilan pekerja asing di sektor pembuatan terutamanya di sektor elektrik dan eletronik, tekstil dan pakaian serta sektor perkhidmatan dibekukan. Sebagai galakan kepada majikan, Kerajaan telah membuat keputusan supaya baki levi pekerja asing akan dikembalikan kepada majikan, manakala sebagai insentif kepada majikan, jaminan bank akan dipulangkan secepat mungkin.”