Muhyiddin: BN recognises contributions of the Chinese

PORT DICKSON, Oct 9 — The Barisan Nasional (BN) recognises the contributions of the Chinese community in the nation's progress, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said this was because the community shared a major portion of the national economy.

"In terms of value, 47 per cent of the nation's wealth is controlled by the Chinese, the Malays 18 per cent and Indians about one per cent," he said at the 2009 Lantern Festival held at Dataran Kemang, Telok Kemang here last night.

Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

"That is why I say to the (Malays) that if they want to succeed, they have to work hard. We cannot be envious if a Chinese, Indian or Malay attains success because in Malaysia, the government's policy is that who works hard, he or she gets the just rewards," he said, adding that the government never blocked anyone from striving to attain success in life.

"We do try and help those who need it. We help the Malays so that they too can be as progressive as others. We want all Malaysians to contribute to the nation's progress," he said.

On the festival, Muhyiddin said it was a Malaysian heritage which was not only celebrated by the Chinese but also other races as well.

He added that Malaysians were blessed in that the various races in the country were able to live together in harmony. — Bernama