PETALING JAYA: MCA has urged the government to concentrate on four key areas ahead of the retabling of Budget 2023 next Friday.

Its president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong stated that rakyat welfare, business facilitation, economic development and delivery of government services were crucial to ensuring Budget 2023 benefits the greatest number of people.

“We faced numerous challenges in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. More jobs for the rakyat are required.

“We can do that by giving a boost to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that make up more than 70% of companies in Malaysia,” he said yesterday.

The former transport minister said Malaysia needed more business-friendly policies to encourage both domestic and foreign investment.

“The government must devote time and effort to reducing red tape and processes that impede business,” he said.

While many people are still affected by rising costs as a result of global inflation and other geopolitical challenges, he believed the government must provide a substantial boost for economic development by addressing issues at their source.

Dr Wee, in calling for improved public service delivery, stated that deliverables should be improved while reducing bureaucracy.

“When all efforts are directed towards these goals, we can produce positive results that benefit both people and businesses.

“As we adapt to new norms, these are the things we must provide to the people and facilitate the process,” he said.

On Thursday, Dr Wee presented “Recommendations for Budget 2023” to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister.

He said the memorandum stressed that Budget 2023 should not only focus on expanding the economy but also ensure steady growth while also looking after the well-being of the rakyat.

The memorandum, compiled by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research, includes input from more than 60 Chinese guilds and associations, chambers of commerce, non-governmental organisations, and stakeholders from various fields.

Under the focus area of rakyat welfare, Dr Wee said the Budget should focus on creating job opportunities.

“This could be accomplished through subsidies for upskilling and training programmes, as well as the creation of more platforms for local producers.

“Simultaneously, it is possible to reduce personal income tax and provide tax relief of up to RM3,000 for Covid-19 related expenses to ease the burden on the rakyat,” he said.

In order to strengthen social protection, MCA also proposed the establishment of insurance schemes for the B40 and single-parent families to overcome financial barriers to accessing healthcare.

“Funds should also be allocated to set up community childcare centres, establish more women’s shelters, and hold programmes or courses for the elderly to adapt to technological changes.

“To enhance community well-being, the government should encourage developers to have at least one residential care home, recreational facilities and a kindergarten in the residential area,” he said.

Dr Wee also called on the government to increase allocations to Chinese primary schools (SJKC), maintain financial aid for the construction and relocation of the 10+6 SJKC, and allocate RM20mil to national-type secondary schools (SMJK).

He also called for RM15mil to be allocated to Chinese independent secondary schools, RM50mil to the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital Building Fund, and RM15mil to initiatives by the Education Ministry in collaboration with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry among others.

On facilitating businesses, Dr Wee suggested that the government reduce the corporate tax rate, provide tax rebates of up to RM20,000 for SMEs, allocate RM50mil in micro-loans to hawkers and petty traders, and allocate at least RM50mil in low-interest loans through Kojadi, which was set up by MCA in 1981.

To ensure economic development, Dr Wee said the government should reduce disparities between regions and communities through inclusive development to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth.

“(This can be done by) promoting green growth and sustainable development, such as increasing the funding for capital expenditure or working capital classified under the Low Carbon Transition Facility and providing incentives for electric vehicles.”

In terms of enhancing government performance and delivery, which is the fourth focus area, Dr Wee said three major issues should be prioritised – improving the efficiency of public services, ensuring food security and strengthening public healthcare.