PETALING JAYA: MCA leaders brought various issues affecting the people to the Finance Ministry’s attention at a meeting ahead of next month’s presentation of Budget 2025.

The issues covered healthcare, taxation policies, education matters including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) studies, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and public transportation.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is prepared to work with the government to improve the medical and healthcare services in the country.

In addition, Dr Wee, who is also the Ayer Hitam MP, said its VTAR Institute will also do its part to aid in the country’s mission to emphasise technical and vocational education and training (TVET). 

“At the same time, we hope the government will continue to support the development of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) to ensure its sustainable growth,” he added in a statement.

It was issued after a MCA delegation led by Dr Wee had met with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Finance Ministry’s National Budget Office director Datuk Shahrol Anuwar Sarman at the minister’s office on Wednesday.

At the meeting, the group submitted MCA’s recommendations for Budget 2025 to the ministry.

According to Dr Wee, the proposals submitted have been researched and compiled by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) and are part of MCA’s commitment to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous Malaysia for everyone.

“I am grateful that the team, led by Amir Hamzah, was willing to listen to the needs of the people as they work diligently to prepare Budget 2025, which will be tabled in Parliament in a month’s time,” said Dr Wee.

On Aug 6, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he wants Budget 2025, which will be presented in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 18, to focus on addressing and reducing the cost of living for the people.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/20/mca-raises-budget-2025-recommendations