DARE TO CHANGE!

RE: Program Pemimpin Turun Kampus.

2012-05-09T21:42:00.001+08:00

LAUNCH OF DUCATI CENTRE MALAYSIA

2012-05-01T21:07:00.001+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

LAUNCH OF DUCATI CENTRE MALAYSIA

UNVEILING OF DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE

19 APRIL 2012 (THURSDAY)

NAZA AUTOMALL, PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR

ASSALAMUALAIKUM W.B.T, GOOD AFTERNOON AND SALAM 1MALAYSIA.

YANG BERBAHAGIA DATUK WIRA SM FAISAL TAN SRI SM NASIMUDDIN,

JOINT GROUP EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF NAZA GROUP OF COMPANIES;

HIS EXCELLENCY FOLCO DE LUCA GABRIELLI,

AMBASSADOR OF ITALY TO MALAYSIA;

MR. MIRKO BORDIGA,

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF DUCATI ASIA PACIFIC;

YANG BERBAHAGIA DATO’ SM ZULKIFLI SM AMIN,

GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF NAZA GROUP OF COMPANIES;

DUCATI DISTRIBUTORS FROM ASIA PACIFIC REGION;

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA;

HONOURABLE GUESTS,

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MANAGEMENT OF NEXT BIKE SENDIRIAN BERHAD FOR INVITING ME HERE TODAY TO OFFICIALLY OPEN YOUR IMPRESSIVE NEW DUCATI CENTRE AND LAUNCH THE LATEST DUCATI MODEL, THE 1199 PANIGALE. I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE DATUK WIRA SM FAISAL AND HIS TEAM FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN STRENGTHENING THE DUCATI BRAND IN MALAYSIA. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO HIS EXCELLENCY FOLCO DE LUCA GABRIELLI FOR GRACING THIS EVENT WITH HIS ATTENDANCE.

2. FOR MANY YEARS, THE NAZA GROUP OF COMPANIES HAS BEEN ONE OF THE DRIVING FORCES OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY GREATLY CONTRIBUTING TO ITS GROWTH. TIME AND TIME AGAIN, NAZA HAS PROVEN ITS COMPETITIVENESS AND SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCED INTERNATIONALLY LOVED VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLE BRANDS TO THE MALAYSIAN MARKET.

3. I AM MADE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THROUGH NEXT BIKE SENDIRIAN BERHAD, NAZA OFFERS MALAYSIAN MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT LINE-UP SUCH AS SUPERBIKES, DUAL PURPOSE BIKES, TOURING BIKES, STREET BIKES AND CLASSIC BIKES. WITH TODAY’S EVENT NAZA IS ONCE AGAIN STRENGTHENING ITS POSITION AS THE BIGGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF INTERNATIONAL BRAND BIG BIKES WITH THE LAUNCHING OF THIS AWARD WINNING MOTORCYCLE, THE DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE AND THE OPENING OF ASIA PACIFIC’S LARGEST DUCATI CENTRE RIGHT HERE IN MALAYSIA. I AM ALSO TOLD THAT THIS DUCATI CENTRE IN MALAYSIA IS A CERTIFIED 4S CENTRE WITH FEATURES SUCH AS ADVANCED AFTER SALES SERVICE, A CENTRALISED SPARE PARTS CENTRE, A DUCATI CAFE, A DUCATI APPARELS STORE AND A DUCATI PRE-OWNED SHOWROOM.

HONOURABLE GUESTS,

4. THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA IS WELL ESTABLISHED. THE LOCAL MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY PROVIDES MORE THAN 100,000 JOBS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, DISTRIBUTION, RETAIL, AND AFTER SALES SERVICE; AS WELL FOR THE SUPPORT SECTOR SUCH AS VENDORS. THEREFORE, UNDER THE NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE POLICY (NAP) REVIEW WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED IN 2009, THE FREEZE ON ISSUANCE OF MANUFACTURING LICENSE FOR SEVERAL INDUSTRY SEGMENTS WHICH IS DEEMED STRATEGIC AND HAS HIGH IMPACT ON MALAYSIA’S ECONOMY HAS BEEN LIFTED. THIS INCLUDES MOTORCYCLES WITH ENGINE CAPACITY OF 200 C.C, HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

5. FOR YOUR INFORMATION THE 2011 STATISTICS TELL US THAT THE REGISTERED NUMBER OF MOTORCYCLES FROM ALL CATEGORIES AND ENGINE CAPACITY WAS 542,997 UNITS – THIS REPRESENTS THE SECOND HIGHEST VOLUME REGISTERED FOR THIS INDUSTRY. THE SALES OF BIG BIKES ABOVE 500 C.C CONTRIBUTED 5800 UNITS TO THIS INDUSTRY OF WHICH 3002 UNITS ARE CBU MODELS FROM NON-ASEAN MARKETS. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT NAZA SOLD AS MUCH AS 1,392 UNITS OUT OF THE 3002 UNITS SOLD. THIS MAKES NAZA THE BIGGEST DISTRIBUTOR OF FULLY IMPORTED NON-ASEAN BIG BIKES. CONGRATULATIONS.

DISTINGUISHED GUESTS,

6. AS THE GOVERNMENT TAKES FURTHER MEASURES TO BOOST THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT KEY PLAYERS IN THIS INDUSTRY BE PROACTIVE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE MALAYSIAN COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR TO BE EVER MORE CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE TO THIS END.

7. ACCORDING TO THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP, INNOVATION INVOLVES THE CHALLENGE OF THINKING ABOUT AND MANAGING INNOVATION’S BROAD SET OF INTER-RELATED ACTIVITIES AS A UNIFIED PROCESS. HENCE, THE VALUE CREATION OF ANY ORGANISATIONAL INNOVATION IS DETERMINED BY ITS LINKAGES WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS. COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION IS ALSO RELATED TO THE MODERN APPLICATION OF ‘SWARM CREATIVITY’ THAT COMPRISES THE CREATION OF SELF-MOTIVATED TEAMS, COLLECTIVE VISION, SHARING OF IDEAS, INFORMATION AND WORK AND COMMON GOALS. THEREFORE, THE PRACTISE OF COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION COULD OPEN THE DOOR TO A MEANINGFUL TRANSFORMATION.

8. THE ACCEPTANCE OF COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION IS IMPORTANT AS OUR NATION EMBARKS ON A TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY AS ENVISIONED IN THE GOVERNMENT TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM (GTP) AND THE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME (ETP) AS WE HEAD TOWARDS VISION 2020. TO MY MIND THIS PRACTISE OF COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION FITS WITH 1MALAYSIA.

9. IN THIS CONTEXT, I AM DELIGHTED TO NOTE THE PROGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION BETWEEN NAZA AND DUCATI AND I BELIEVE BOTH ARE ON THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE RACING TRACK. AS MY MOTORCYCLE BUDDIES WOULD SAY THAT LIFE DOESN’T REALLY GET INTERESTING UNTIL IT REACHES 110 MPH.

10. ON THAT NOTE, I WOULD LIKE TO ONCE AGAIN THANK THE ORGANISERS FOR THEIR KIND INVITATION.

11. IT IS NOW MY PLEASURE TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE DUCATI CENTRE MALAYSIA AND LAUNCH THE LATEST DUCATI MODEL, THE 1199 PANIGALE.

12. THANK YOU.

MRCA 8TV Awards Speech.

2012-04-11T15:23:00.002+08:00

MRCA 8TV Awards Speech.

Assalamualaikum and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Johan Jaaffar, Chairman of Media Prima Berhad

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Tay Sim Kim, President of MRCA

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Amrin Awaluddin, Group Managing Director, Media Prima Berhad

Ahmad Izham Omar, Chief Operating Officer,Primeworks Studios, Media Prima Berhad

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Nelson Kwok, Deputy President of MRCA

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Eddie Choon, Founder President of MRCA

Mr. Lee Hwa Cheng, Immediate Past President of MRCA

Mr. Albert Chiang, Honorary President of MRCA

Mr. Goh Hin San, Chinese Content Advisor, Media Prima Berhad

Ms. Shareen Ooi, Chief Marketing Officer, Television Networks, Media Prima Berhad

1. I would like to begin by extending my sincere appreciation to the organizers for hosting me tonight. I am delighted to be a part of this event that honours our local entrepreneurs. This topic of entrepreneurship in one that I personally take great interest in.

2. The Government has pulled out all the stops to encourage entrepreneurial spirit and to boost our SMEs participation in our national economy. This is in tandem with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report that has found “fostering entrepreneurship means fostering a country's competitiveness”.

3. Therefore, allow me to briefly outline some of the Governments policies and initiatives in this regard. Let’s start with the overall benefits that our Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) has brought to the Rakyat.

4. FDI Inflows and Total Approved Investments (in the Manufacturing, Services and Primary Sectors) have surged to new heights in 2011.

5. UNCTAD ranks Malaysia as a top host country for FDI in 2011-2013.

6. Economic Transformation Plan objectives are on target as Domestic Investment has overtaken Foreign Investment as the main driver of the economy. And by that we mean better quality investments in high-technology now form a large portion of new investments.

7. Malaysia’s competitiveness ranking improves significantly in independent surveys conducted by the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. The World Bank Doing Business Report in 2012 states that Malaysia has improved up five places to 18th position from 23rd in 2011. The World Economic Forum, Global Competitiveness Report for 2011-2012, ranked Malaysia 21st out of 142 countries thus gaining five spots up from the previous years. The Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook 2011 states that Malaysia is still among the top 20 most competitive economies. This is just the beginning; MITI aims to make Malaysia amongst the top 10 nations by 2015 in the World Bank Doing Business Report.

8. Total FDI inflows into Malaysia in 2011 increased by 12.3 per cent to RM32.9 billion as compared with RM29.3 billion in 2010. The manufacturing sector accounted for the largest share of FDI inflows accounting for 50.1 per cent of total FDI inflows followed by the services sector (27.3%), mining and quarrying (22.2%) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (0.4%).

9. As you well know, Malaysia has set its sights to become a high-income and knowledge-based economy under the New Economic Model (NEM) introduced by the Government. To achieve this aim, the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in contributing to our national economic growth has become even more important.

10. Furthermore, the impact of globalisation, liberalisation of markets and the advent of technology and innovation have shown that today’s businesses can no longer continue to operate as how it used to in the recent past. This indeed is a defining moment especially for our entrepreneurs and SMEs, as they shift into higher gear and transform their business operations in order to protect their market share in this ever-changing and challenging business environment.

11. Therefore, to strengthen the economic foundation of SMEs in key industries, the Malaysian Government continues to provide strong support in developing competitive and resilient SMEs.

12. Most of the support programs provided by the Malaysian Government are focused towards building the capacity and capability of our SMEs, especially in the areas of entrepreneurship and human capital development which are vital in fostering productivity-driven business and economic growth.

13. At the same time, better access to financing is also given due emphasis particularly in promoting SMEs in new growth areas which include those identified as the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA).

14. Innovation and creativity is the way forward for a developing and progressive nation like Malaysia and in our quest towards becoming a high-income economy. Stronger economic growth can certainly be achieved through technological innovation.

15. The retail industry is another major contributor to the Malaysian Gross National Income (GNI), with almost half a million jobs generated in this sector. Acknowledging its importance to the Malaysian economic growth, retail has been designated as a National Key Economic Area (NKEA) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), and targeted to more than double its GNI contribution by the year 2020.

16. These said initiatives and incentives are but a fraction of what the Government has instituted to help entrepreneurs and fortify our economy. Too many to mention here but we are indeed serious in improving the lives of the Rakyat. I welcome you to MITI if you require further information or assistance. We will do our best.

Honourable guests,

17.When I am asked what differentiates an entrepreneur from the rest, I tell them you have to have true grit. It is your fortitude and determination that makes the difference. I am sure that many of you present tonight have your own success stories and if it were not for your grit; success would not have been achievable.

18. My advice to young entrepreneurs is to hunker down for the long run.

19. In the words of the late Steve Jobs-“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

20. And so before I end my short speech, I would like to commend Media Prima in particular 8TV as well as NTV7, Nanyang Siang Pau and MRCA for giving airtime and publicity to the nominees of tonight’s awards. This event complements the Government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and we can thank the organizers for their contributions. I would urge other private entities to assist the Government in fostering entrepreneurship particularly among our youth.

21. To my mind the categories of Entrepreneur of the Year, Most Innovative Entrepreneur as well as Up and Coming Entrepreneur includes the right aspects of assessment.

22.I wish the finalists the best of luck. You are all success stories as far as I am concerned. And with that, in keeping with the time allotted to me I take my leave.

23.Thank you.

THE INAUGURAL JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE (JAFZA) SEMINAR

2012-04-11T15:20:00.000+08:00

AR BY JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE (JAFZA) IN CONJUNCTION WITH MIHAS 2012

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

THE INAUGURAL JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE (JAFZA) SEMINAR

3 APRIL 2012 (TUESDAY)

KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Mr Ibrahim Al Janahi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority;

Mr Adil Al Zarooni, Senior Vice President Global Sales, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority;

Yang Berusaha En Mohd Shukri Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of MIHAS Secretariat;

Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Dato-Dato’,

Members of the Media,

Honourable guests,

First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Ibrahim al Janahi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), for his willingness to grace today’s significant occasion. Your presence this afternoon is a clear indication of the commitment of one of the world’s biggest port authorities in developing and nurturing local Malaysian businesses onto the international marketplace.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all participants of this timely half-day seminar. This event is indeed appropriate given the fact that the West Asia region constitutes a sizeable share of the global consumer demand and also a major source of potential investment.

Distinguished guests,

Malaysian exports to the West Asia region expanded 15.1% to RM28.06 billion in 2011, accounting for approximately 4% of Malaysia's total exports to the world. Malaysia's biggest export market in West Asia is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), buying approximately RM12.86 billion worth of Malaysian goods throughout 2011.

This is followed by Saudi Arabia (RM3.97 billion), Turkey (RM3.09 billion), Iran (RM3.21 billion) and Kuwait (RM1.06 billion). Together, these five countries make up over 86% of Malaysia's total exports to West Asia.

Other markets which showed large increases in exports include Oman (RM728.5 million) and Qatar (RM559.7 million). Electrical and electronics (E&E) products, palm oil, jewellery, chemicals and chemical products as well as machinery, appliances and parts were Malaysia's major export products to the region.

This trade surge shows not only the improving quality of Malaysian offerings to be at par with the world’s best, it is also indicative of the promotional efforts played by Government-related agencies as well as the important role Malaysian companies are playing in expanding potential markets.

Despite these trade promotion efforts the Government also realises the need for a viable platform for Malaysian producers, traders and service providers to launch into the Middle East as well as the North African region known as the MENA region.

It is heartening to note that the relationship between Malaysia and these regions and UAE in particular has deepened over the years to include not just bilateral trade and commerce but also cooperation in various related fields including political, economic, scientific and cultural areas.

Indeed, Malaysia regards the UAE as an important trading partner and a source of potential investment. Therefore, it isn’t a surprise that since 2008, the UAE has become Malaysia’s biggest trading partner among the GCC countries. A number of UAE companies have invested in Malaysia including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Mubadala, Limitless LLC and ADIA-to mention but a few.

Malaysia continues to aggressively promote trade through participation in Gulfood Dubai, Big Five, and other specialised trade missions/exhibitions.

Tourism is another sector where Malaysia has been promoting itself through participation in the Arab Travel Mart held in Dubai; Dive Middle East; Gulf Incentive & Business Travel and many other tourism related events. Malaysia is also attempting to draw in medical tourism and promote Malaysia as an education hub to Middle Eastern professionals.

To sustain Malaysia's growth exports in 2012, MITI will intensify export promotion programmes in the MENA Region. In addition, special projects targeting new and high value exports especially those identified under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) will be undertaken to niche and affluent markets within West Asia.

However for these types of programmes to generate exports for the country, it is important for the private sector to participate actively in these events and projects to promote their products and services to the international market.

Brothers and Sisters,

It is through such initiatives as this JAFZA S\seminar today that we hope to see greater participation by export-oriented Malaysian companies into the Middle East. Surely the large number of global Fortune 500 companies having existing presence at JAFZA is indicative enough of its inherent strengths and unique selling propositions in enlarging the bottom line of any companies, be it large multinational conglomerates or even small and medium-sized industries (SMEs).

I sincerely believe that there are numerous viable Malaysian producers and service providers out there that have similar or even higher industry accreditations as their international counterparts. For one, not only do they possess the usual international standards such as ISO, TUV or BRC, but they are also certified halal with the Malaysian Halal standard, making penetration to the Muslim majority countries within the Middle East desirable.

In this regard, continued partnership between JAFZA and MIHAS as the world's largest halal trade fair could prove vital in ensuring the steady supply of viable export-oriented halal-certified companies which are all keen in expanding their operations into the Middle East.

Furthermore, The Malaysian Government is appreciative of the large presence of almost 6,000 Malaysians in the UAE today. Since many are professionals working with foreign and local companies, they play an important role in strengthening the people-to-people relationship between our two countries and in promoting Malaysia as a brand.

Thus, before I take my leave, I would like to once again thank Mr Ibrahim Al Janari, Deputy CEO of JAFZA and the MIHAS Secretariat for making this positive event a reality. Ours is a long-term and mutually beneficial business relationship that I hope will grow stronger.

I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of MIHAS Secretariat to call upon the JAFZA management team to survey all the openings and opportunities that is prevalent at MIHAS 2012. With over 400 exhibitors from 32 countries and over 16,000 quality visitors from 70 countries, MIHAS has indeed firmly placed itself and Malaysia as the ideal platform to facilitate the sourcing and selling of quality halal consumables, products and services globally.

Finally, I would like to bid all local participants a warm thank you for taking the time to come today and wish that JAFZA and MIHAS 2012 which will begin tomorrow would provide a lucrative and fruitful outing for you and your company.

To all our distinguished guests and members of the media, thank you again for your kind presence and we look forward to your continued support in the coming years, Insha Allah.

Assalamualaikum WBT and thank you.

THE 5th WORLD HALAL RESEARCH SUMMIT 2012

2012-04-11T15:17:00.000+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

THE 5^th WORLD HALAL RESEARCH SUMMIT 2012

4 APRIL 2012 (WEDNESDAY)

KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Morning and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim,

Chairman of Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC);

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin,

Chief Executive Officer of HDC;

Distinguished Speakers;

Members of the Media; and

Honourable guests,

1. It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to this opening of the World Halal Research Summit (WHRS) 2012. To our foreign guests, I wish all of you ‘Selamat Datang’ and welcome to Malaysia.

2. Since its inception in 2007, the World Halal Research Summit has strategically positioned Malaysia on the global halal map as an important venue for intellectual discourse on issues pivotal to the growth of the halal industry. I am told that apart from presentations by our guest speakers who will share their findings, views and experience, the sessions will also reveal opportunities to generate wealth and achieve economic prosperity.

3. The World Halal Research Summit (WHRS) has over the years brought together researchers from established institutions committed to the development of halal knowledge both locally and internationally. Research on related products, processes, services and standards relevant to the halal industry are especially important-particularly in the commercialisation process.

4. Over the years, WHR attracted more than 2000 participants from over 165 organisations in 22 countries and has received worldwide media coverage. The theme this year – ‘Innovation as Catalyst for Business Transformation’ emphasizes the need to enhance innovation of our products and services, new processes, new business systems and new methods of management, which can have a significant positive impact on productivity and growth.

Honourable Guests,

5. The Malaysian Government has put into place numerous initiatives to further develop Malaysia as a preferred centre for halal R&D and Innovation. Besides providing the platform to network and exchange research findings such as this very summit, collaborations between HDC with strategic partners, universities and research institutes has successfully led us to tap on ideas and inventions which are ripe for commercialisation that will also be showcased at this event.

6. For your information, the WHR Poster Presentation will also be featured for the third time due to the overwhelming participation and support from higher learning institutions, both locally and internationally. It is encouraging to note the increasing involvement of the academia in halal innovation and research.

Honourable Guests,

7. Agensi Innovasi Malaysia and HDC will affirm their collaboration to drive innovation in the halal industry as a means to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global halal market. This will be done through customised innovation programs and activities to cultivate an innovative culture within the halal-related sectors. Both parties will provide continuous nurturing and advisory services on product viability to interested halal companies or venture capitalists. Coaching will also be provided to the innovators or researchers to market their innovative products or services. I hope investors and venture capitalists will take this opportunity to explore the possibility of commercialising their prospective halal products.

Honourable Guests,

8. As Malaysia transforms to a high-income nation, we need to put in place an eco-system where productivity, competitiveness and innovation drives the economy.

9. The holistic development of the halal industry and the rigorous application of new and emerging technologies in innovation and R&D throughout the halal supply chain can generate extensive growth and diversity within the industry. Coupled with the commercialisation of prototypes, the halal industry is set to make Malaysia the Centre for Halal Research and Innovation.

10. The future of Malaysia's economy will increasingly depend on the strength of our innovativeness and creativity. Our competitive edge will depend on our ability to innovate and commercialise those ideas. There is a need to embrace an environment where unique ideas and business can blend and eventually emerge as innovative products and services.

Honourable Guests,

11. I am sure this year’s summit will prove to be another fruitful event for the halal industry. I understand that our distinguished speakers will share their insights and views covering topics on innovation, branding, best practises, market access and many other halal related matters. Certainly, these are interesting topics which could be thought provoking to our participants. Therefore, it is my hope that this World Halal Research Summit will encourage extensive networking and mutually beneficial deals that contribute towards the prosperity of the halal economy. I hope you will all have meaningful and productive sessions throughout this summit.

12. On that note, let me thank our distinguished speakers and participants for their support. I wish all of you every success. As for our foreign guests, I hope you will take some time out to enjoy the sights and sounds of Malaysia.

13. Thank you.

HARI KECEMERLANGAN FAKULTI PERAKAUNANA 2011/2012

2012-04-11T15:15:00.002+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

HARI KECEMERLANGAN FAKULTI PERAKAUNANA 2011/2012

‘EXCELLENCE: THE DOOR TOWARDS FUTURISTIC TRANSFORMATION’

10 APRIL 2012 (TUESDAY)

DEWAN BANKUET INTEKMA RESORT

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Afternoon and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Profesor Ir. Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar,
Vice Chancellor of UiTM;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Abdul Nasser Abu Kassim,
Regional Head, Government and Middle East Business Development, Air Asia;

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Rozman Hussin,
Managing Director, Digicity;

Yang Berbahagia Datin Paduka Norazlina Zakaria,
Timbalan Pengurus Besar, Hal Ehwal Korporat, PKNS;

Yang Berbahagia Prof Dr Rozainun Abdul Aziz,
Dean, Faculty of Accountancy UiTM;

Lecturers and Students;

Distinguished Guests.

1. First of all, I would like to thank the organizing committee for inviting me to officiate this event. I am glad to be amongst the promising accounting students of UiTM.

2. My sincere congratulations go to all of you for being exemplary students. I am certain that your faculty and UiTM are proud to count you as their students. You make the noble concept that is embodied by UiTM a success.

Honourable Guests,

3. As you well know, Malaysia is embarking on a momentous transformation into a high-income economy by the year 2020. We envision ourselves as having a highly productive culture that rests on high-technology industries which will create higher income for the Rakyat. This will then lead to a better quality of life for Malaysians.

4. One of the fundamental prerequisites of a high-income nation is the quality of our human capital. We want our human capital to not just be competent and equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills but to also be creative and innovative. This is what will take Malaysia forward and into a developed-nation status.

5. The future of Malaysia is about you and your place in it. In fact, if recent trends are anything to go by then all of you will be at the centre of the new world economic order. With Asia as the renewed engine of global growth I would expect you to be at the forefront of new discoveries and trends.

6. It may be of interest to you that the Guardian newspaper published some startling figures last year. The report found that a common factor of revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt and protests elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa is the “soul-crushing high rate of youth unemployment”. According to the report up to twenty-four percent of young people in the region cannot find jobs. The nonexistence of employment opportunities served as the spark for the unrest. Youth unemployment is also a reality of life in other parts of the world. In the UK, young people aged between 16 to 24 who make up approximately 40% of all unemployed which translates into 1 million young adults without work. In Spain more than 40% of young people are unemployed. In France the rate is more than 20%, and in the US it's 21%. In country after country, many young people have even given up looking for work. Furthermore, the report cites a recent survey in the UK that revealed more than half of the 18-25 year olds surveyed expressed their intention to emigrate to look for jobs.

7. The situation in Malaysia is very very different. We haven’t enough young skilled and educated people in the right industries to fill the present vacancies. The Economic Transformation Programme is creating ever more opportunities on the horizon. My young friends, as they say the world is your oyster. Do not be afraid to embrace this world in a way that will make others look in awe upon your religion, your nation and your race.

8. However, in our pursuit of success let us always be honest and sincere. Having integrity is something that we can truly be proud of and this quality will never go out of fashion so to speak. Our good name is what others will remember us for and the best legacy you can leave your children and the next generation.

9. Warren Buffet or popularly known as the Oracle of Omaha said, ‘In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity; intelligence and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you’.

My young friends,

10. The role of accountants is important to maintain order in how finances are managed. Leaders have to be accountable to the way a country's finances are handled. We can't be spending more than we have or can afford by way of borrowings lest we want to end up bankrupt like Greece sending ripples throughout the EU and indeed the world.

11. It’s easy for Pakatan Rakyat to make promises purely to confuse and deceive the electorate, but they don't have any sound plans on how to fund these concessions other than taking more and more money from Petronas. It is just a pie in the sky. Empty promises. Deceit and lies. The abolishment of highway tolls, PTPTN, to increase fuel subsidies etc are empty promises which will leave us with a destabilised economy that would do more harm to the people when all hell eventually breaks loose like in Greece.

12. Will we end up begging for bailouts from the International Monetary Fund like what the former Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Finance did in 1998? Isn't it enough proof that the BN Govt has been practising good governance in managing our national coffers when we have paid off completely our World Bank debts amounting to RM7bil, and have only 10% left to pay to the Asian Development Bank for its RM3bil loan to us?

13. Also, it is general perception that accountants are only interested in balancing numbers, and are risk adverse - and as such they make bad entrepreneurs. Thus it is important that accountancy-trained entrepreneurs be able to take calculated risks in order to compete in the biz world.

14. Malaysia's way to generate wealth is by taking risks, albeit calculated ones, which have proven to be correct in making us the 24th largest trading nation in the world. We are among the most attractive investment destination for hi-tech industries. If we were timid in our approach to develop the economy, we wouldn't have succeeded as well as we have.

15. Allow me to cite an example of our determination, resolve and intelligence in solving problems in how we used capital controls to defend our currency and stock market from foreign attacks despite the foreign currency speculators and Western dominated international organizations like the IMF working hand in glove with the Western media and colluding with our own Deputy Prime Minister then to severely rupture the Malaysian economy. Images of Presidents and Prime Ministers of South East Asian Nations bowing before the IMF in signing ceremonies effectively handing over their economies to the IMF made headlines in magazines such as the Times and The Economist. Malaysia was deemed the “pariah” of the global economic and financial order. Our former Prime Minister faced relentless attacks from Western leaders and a barrage of disparaging reports on the so called “sin” that Malaysia has committed. If it was wrong to want to protect our sovereignty from foreign control, to want to have control of our own destiny, to want to protect our banks, small and medium companies or family owned companies- or to do what we think is right for us then so be it. And guess what? Today the world acknowledges that the IMF forced flawed instruments on countries that took its aid. That destroyed many people livelihoods and drove many more to suicide. In fact, if you are following recent events in the United States you can’t help but think of the wrong policies and theories that they have adopted and indeed forced other nations to adopt to their own detriment. I would argue that Western nations can learn from Malaysia’s experience in handling the 1997 Asian crisis though I doubt that they would be able to effectively implement even parts of what we did considering the political gridlock in the US for example.

16. Thus, it is our prudent management of our finances and our sound economic theory and stable Government that cares for the people which is why we have made PTPTN available. This fund is meant to give students from poor backgrounds an opportunity denied to them due to their unfortunate circumstances. We want to give everybody a chance to achieve their full potential even if they come from poor families. Furthermore, the Malaysian Govt foots 90% of our education costs unlike some countries like Chile for example where students rioted for months burning cars, throwing rocks and smashing windows with scores of students and police injured. All the students wanted were “free and equal” public education. That is exactly what we have here and more.

17. On another note, I believe that accountants have another important role to play in the fight against corruption. With your skills you are equipped to sniff out irregularities and corruption. It is part of your profession to assist the Govt to reduce corruption in whatever capacity you serve be it in Government or in the private sector. To date many organizations and companies have signed a Corporate Integrity Pledge or an Integrity Pact with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency. Most recently, Felda Global Ventures Berhad and Federal Land Development Authority signed both types of pledges with the MACC.

My friends,

18.Work with me and let’s chart the future of our nation together. It won’t be easy and will require lots of sacrifice but our struggle will be worth it and rewarding in itself. As our Tokoh Pendidikan, Aminuddin Baki rightly said – ‘Tuah itu tidak datang menggolek atau jatuh ke riba kalau kita tidak mengusahakannya’.

19. And with that, I would like to end my short speech by congratulating the recipients of today’s awards. I wish you the very best in your future endeavours. Please feel free to contact me on my twitter @MukhrizMahathir and perhaps we can exchange new ideas.

20.Thank you.

MAJLIS PELANCARAN PENJENAMAAN BARU WAWASANITA MALAYSIA

2012-03-06T09:06:00.000+08:00

DERAF TEKS UCAPAN

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
TIMBALAN MENTERI PERDAGANGAN ANTARABANGSA DAN INDUSTRI

MAJLIS PELANCARAN PENJENAMAAN BARU WAWASANITA MALAYSIA

6 MAC 2012 (SELASA)

KOMPLEKS SOGO, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T dan Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Hajah Noor Hayati Ab Rahman,
Presiden Persatuan Usahawan Wawasan Wanita Malaysia (Wawasanita); dan

Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan yang saya hormati sekalian.

1. Terlebih dahulu marilah kita bersama-sama memanjatkan setinggi-tinggi kesyukuran kehadrat Allah S.W.T kerana dengan limpah kurnia-Nya dapat kita berkumpul pada majlis tengahari ini.

2. Sebelum meneruskan bicara, saya terlebih dahulu ingin mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada pihak Wawasanita kerana sudi menjemput saya merasmikan majlis ini.

Para hadirin sekalian,

3. Persatuan Usahawan Wawasan Wanita Malaysia atau lebih dikenali sebagai Wawasanita merupakan satu platform efektif kepada para usahawan wanita Bumiputera, terutama kepada Usahawan SOHO yang berniaga secara kecil-kecilan dari rumah untuk terus bersaing dan merebut peluang–peluang perniagaan dalam menghadapi suasana ekonomi yang mencabar di era globalisasi masa kini.

4. Saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Hajah Noor Hayati, selaku Presiden Wawasanita, di atas komitmen beliau bagi melaksanakan pelbagai program pembangunan keusahawanan. Saya dimaklumkan antara pendekatan bersepadu bagi program pembangunan usahawan wanita Bumiputera yang sedang dilaksanakan oleh Wawasanita adalah melalui Program Pembangunan Usahawan SMART SOHO (Small Office, Home Office). Program SMART SOHO ini adalah satu inisiatif dan kesungguhan Wawasanita untuk menggalak, memupuk dan membangunkan usahawan SOHO, bertujuan supaya usahawan SOHO mempunyai sikap positif, berilmu dan berkemahiran untuk menjadi sebuah entiti yang besar dan berdaya saing di peringkat domestik dan global.

5. Malah, kesungguhan Wawasanita menerajui Keusahawanan SOHO adalah amat dialu-alukan dan bertepatan pada waktunya. Saya melihat bahawa Keusahawanan SOHO ini dapat membantu ibu-ibu yang ingin meninggalkan pekerjaan harian mereka, ibu tunggal, Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU), warga emas dan graduan lepasan universiti untuk memulakan perniagaan dari rumah sambil dapat meluangkan lebih bnayak masa bersama keluarga. Apabila perniagaan itu dapat dibudayakan di dalam kehidupan masyarakat, maka penglibatan pelbagai pihak di dalamnya akan menjadi lebih mudah kerana persekitaran perniagaan yang wujud itu sendiri akan membantu membangkitkan rasa minat dan memecah segala halangan persepsi yang selama ini membelenggu masyarakat orang Melayu. Saya ingin menyarankan agar para usahawan untuk terus berusaha gigih di dalam mempertahankan dan memperkembangkan perniagaan yang sedia ada dan menerokai potensi peluang-peluang perniagaan yang baru.

Para hadirin sekalian,

6. Saya ingin mengucapkan tahniah kepada Wawasanita kerana mengambil inisiatif untuk bekerjasama dengan Rakan Strategik daripada pihak swasta. Peranan Rakan Strategik amat penting untuk merialisasikan agenda persatuan. Ini merupakan satu perkembangan yang positif. Dengan penglibatan Rakan Strategik seperti Shamshul Smart Ventures, Sogo (K.L.), Agel Malaysia dan Zazen Health Solutions, dapat mewujudkan lebih ramai Usahawan SOHO dan produk-produk baru serta program yang bersepadu untuk membimbing usahawan-usahawan di bawah naungan Wawasanita. Saya ingin mengambil kesempatan ini mengucapkan ribuan terima kasih kepada pihak SOGO (K.L) kerana sudi tampil ke hadapan bekerjasama dengan pihak NGO seperti Wawasanita untuk membantu menjayakan aspirasi transformasi ekonomi kerajaan di dalam membangunkan lebih ramai usahawan.

7. Kerajaan akan terus membantu serta membimbing para usahawan atau bakal usahawan untuk terus berdaya saing dan menjadi usahawan glokal menerusi bimbingan, bantuan modal serta khidmat nasihat teknikal. Agensi-agensi kerajaan khususnya di bawah MITI seperti Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN), SME Corp, MATRADE, MIDA, MIDF, MPC dan SME Bank sentiasa bersedia dengan fungsi tersendiri mereka di dalam memberi bimbingan, membangun, memantapkan perniagaan, meningkatkan kualiti, memberi bantuan berupa geran persamaan dan pembiayaan, seterusnya bersedia membantu mencari pasaran-pasaran bagi produk dan perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan oleh pengusaha tempatan. Agensi-agensi kerajaan yang lain seperti JPW, FAMA, MARDI, SIRIM, MARA, TEKUN dan lain-lain juga adalah di antara agensi-agensi yang boleh menjadikan visi dan cita-cita tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian menjadi realiti.

Para hadirin sekalian,

8. Sektor PKS merupakan antara enjin penggerak ekonomi negara. Sektor ini menyumbangkan kira-kira 30 peratus daripada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) dan 50 peratus peluang pekerjaan di Malaysia. Dengan adanya usahawan-usahawan yang ramai menerokai pelbagai sektor perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) seperti sektor pertanian, penternakan, pembuatan, pelancongan dan sektor perkhidmatan, maka negara akan lebih dapat bergantung kepada kekuatan ekonomi dalaman. Inilah di antara strategi Kerajaan di dalam menyerap ketidakstabilan dan kelembapan ekonomi di peringkat global.

9. Sehubungan dengan ini, saya ingin mengingatkan bahawa tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sebenarnya berperanan di dalam memastikan ekonomi negara terus berkembang maju. Kerajaan sangat menghargai peranan yang telah dan sedang tuan-tuan dan puan-puan mainkan. Oleh itu, peranan sokong menyokong yang wujud di antara pihak Kerajaan dan swasta sentiasa perlu dipertingkatkan dari semasa ke semasa.

10. Asal saja ada kemahuan, di situlah membenihnya kejayaan. Berusaha, berazam, berdisiplin dan jujur terhadap perniagaan yang tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sendiri bangunkan, Insya-Allah kejayaan pasti akan datang. Tidak mungkin Kerajaan mampu untuk menyediakan segala-galanya. Tiada mana-mana Kerajaan di dunia ini yang menjalankan ‘dasar lampu aladin’. Tetapi hakikatnya Kerajaan telah, sedang dan akan terus menyediakan segala prasarana samada prasarana fizikal mahupun prasarana kewangan untuk membantu para pengusaha dan usahawan. Jika tuan-tuan dan puan-puan bijak untuk memanafaatkan sepenuhnya peluang dan kemudahan yang disediakan ini, saya yakin tuan-tuan dan puan-puan akan berjaya mencapai sepertimana yang dicitakan.

Para hadirin sekalian,

11. Saya mengharapkan agar Wawasanita akan menjadi peneraju Usahawan SOHO di kalangan usahawan wanita. Agar program pada hari ini dapat membuka minda para usahawan wanita sekalian agar lebih berdaya maju dalam bidang perniagaan masing-masing. Saya juga berharap agar Wawasanita akan dapat terus memainkan peranannya dalam membantu Kerajaan menjayakan matlamat mewujudkan Masyarakat Perdagangan dan Perindustrian Bumi (MPPB).

12. Akhir kata, saya mengucapkan selamat berjaya kepada semua yang hadir. Dan tahniah saya ucapkan kepada seluruh warga Wawasanita di atas inisiatif memperbaharui jenama persatuan. Saya yakin ianya merupakan satu transformasi yang positif untuk memajukan persatuan dan ahli-ahli persatuan yang terdiri daripada usahawan dan bakal usahawan yang turut sama menjayakan misi kerajaan di dalam memacu perkembangan pelbagai sektor perniagaan dan industri negara.

13. Dengan lafaz 'Bismillahirahmanirrahim', saya dengan ini merasmikan Majlis Pelancaran Penjenamaan Baru Wawasanita.

14. Sekian, terima kasih.

LAUNCHING OF COLLABORATIVE PRODUCT ON POWER MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

2012-03-06T09:05:00.000+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

LAUNCHING OF COLLABORATIVE PRODUCT ON POWER MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

20 FEBRUARY 2012 (MONDAY)

BALLROOM C, KUALA LUMPUR HILTON

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Abdul Wahab Abdullah,

President and Chief Executive Officer of MIMOS;

Yang Berbahagia Dr. Kamarulzaman Mohamed Zin,

Chief Executive Officer of Silterra Malaysia SdnBhd;

Members of the Media;

Honourable Guests.

1. First of all I would like to thank the organizers for their kind invitation for me to witness this new beginning between two Malaysian-owned semiconductor companies engaged in the area of semiconductor process development and wafer fabrication.

2. To my mind this is a smart consolidation if not collaboration between these two local businesses which complement the Government’s desire for higher value and knowledge-intensive investments to boosts our nation’s competitiveness.

3. I am made to understand that this collaboration involves Power Management Integrated Circuit (PowerMOS) technology transfer. These Integrated Circuits are used mainly in power management and energy efficiency applications. This derived application functions to regulate the delivery of energy to components of electronic devices or equipment. This will then improve the power efficiency of electrical systems. Therefore, this outcome is also in line with the Government’s policy to reduce energy wastage.

4. I am also told that globally the Total Available Market (TAM) for Power MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) is estimated at USD5 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 7%. The TAM for China alone is expected to grow from USD2.5 billion to USD3.5 billion between 2012 and 2015. It is envisaged that this collaboration will create the right kind of synergy to capture a slice of this lucrative China market.

Honourable Guests,

5. As a result of this technology transfer whereupon Silterra being the technology provider and MIMOS having state-of-the-art wafer fab facility would jointly be able to monetize current equipment capacity in MIMOS’ fabrication facility located in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) while still providing R&D support for our countries needs.

6. For your information, MIMOS Wafer Fab currently serves local and international foundry customers from Taiwan, Korea and Singapore. Thus it is encouraging to see two local companies work together to reduce our nation’s production dependency on foreign countries or companies.

7. To my mind, we must leverage off Silterra’s process technology and know-how for the benefit of their stakeholders as well as our nation. This exercise could help generate additional economic activities that contribute to our country’s GNI while optimizing available assets. MIMOS would also be able to offer its expertise to a wider range of customers be it local or foreign with this newly acquired technology. This is a win-win strategy.

Honourable Guests,

8. I am further made to understand that this year 2012, Silterra has locked in several new customers for the manufacturing facility at MIMOS to the tune of 1,000 to 2,000 wafers per month at the very least. A large portion of these wafers will be marked for the export market.

9. Also, human capital development is another facet of this collaboration which positively contributes to our talent pool as we ready ourselves for the push towards intensive wafer fabrication and integrated circuit design activities in tandem with our Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). It brings us closer to our goal of creating high-income jobs. For your information, under the Entry Point Projects (EPPs), our target is to develop as many as 2000 jobs through integrated circuit design firms.

10. Finally, it is hoped that spin-off business opportunities will be created through this Silterra-MIMOS collaboration.

11. Rest-assured we fully support such high-technology transfers. In fact, I would urge other companies to do the same and get in touch with MITI. We will do all we can to help you.

Distinguished guests,

12. Allow me to end my short speech with a quote from an icon; Steve Jobs- “When you're a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you're not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You'll know it's there, so you're going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through."

13. And with that, I would like to once again thank the organizers for their kind invitation. I wish you all the best in this collaboration.

14. Thank you.

MALAYSIA GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM 2012

2012-03-06T09:03:00.000+08:00

MALAYSIA GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM 2012

STRATEGIC PARTNERS: MALAYSIA & THE ARAB WORLD

21 FEBRUARY 2012

Your Excellencies and distinguished guests.

Thank you for inviting me to this session of yourforum on Malaysia’s relations with Arab nations.

We have always regarded the Arab countries as our strategic trade and investment partners and this forum gives us an opportunity to forge closer business links between Malaysian and Arabentrepreneurs.

The global economy is facing very challenging times. Sluggish growth in the United States and a worsening debt crisis in the Eurozone suggest that we need to be prudent in managing our economic affairs.

The coming months will therefore test our economic resilience to the fullest. Let us, therefore, intensify our trade and investment engagement so that we can minimize the impact of the global economic slowdown on our countries. We need to build on our strengths and find ways to sustain the momentum of our own economic growth.

Honourable guests,

Allow me to share with you an overview of how Malaysia is positioned to do business with the Arab world. In the past, Malaysia’s economy was driven by manufacturing and the export of commodities. Over the last two decades, we have expanded and diversified our economy, and are now focussed on developing more high value and capital-intensive manufacturing industries.

Our strategic geographical location has also enabled us to serve as the gateway to Asia for Arab businesses.

For your information, we recovered quickly from the economic slowdown of 2009. Our economy grew by 5.1 per cent last year. And we are confident we will do just as well, if not better, this year.

Our manufacturing sector continues to attract foreign investment. Our focus has expanded and we are on the lookout for quality investments in the services sector.

Last year, the Government opened up 17 services sub-sectors to foreign equity participation. Foreigners can now own up to 100% of businesses in sectors such as telecommunications, private higher education, international schools and private hospitals services. This should pique your interest.

Distinguished guests,

On the trading front, our trade with Arab countries increased four-fold over the last ten years, topping US$17.6 billion in 2011. However, this trade is confined to a narrow range of products. Our main exports were palm oil, electrical & electronic products and chemical & chemical products. Petroleum & petroleum products constitute our main imports from the Arab region. Thus there is a lot of room for us to improve our trade mix.

There are also other industries where Malaysian companies can provide you with competitive products and services - such as halal food and services, oil and gas equipment and services, building materials, pharmaceuticals and healthcare services, including medical tourism. These are some of the areas I urge you to explore during your business matching sessions which have been scheduled for this afternoon.

It is heartening to note that investments into Malaysia from Arab countries, especially from the Gulf region, have been growing. Major investments are coming from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These investments are mainly in real estate, shopping malls, hotels, financial services and healthcare services.

Conversely, Malaysian companies are also investing abroad. Malaysian companies have established a strong presence in the Arab region. Companies such as IJM Construction, WCT Engineering, Eversendai Engineering and Malaysia Airports Holding have built a strong reputation in the construction of ports, airports, road and highways, bridges, residential and commercial buildings, and power generation facilities in the Western Asia region. Many of these Malaysian companies have teamed up with Arab partners and employ highly skilled Malaysians.

Malaysia is today a premier international Islamic financial centre for the origination, distribution and trading of Islamic capital market products, including treasury instruments such as sukuk. Currently, there are ten Islamic banks in Malaysia of which three are Arab, including a consortium led by the Qatari Islamic Bank. I would urge companies that are seeking Islamic financing facilities to take advantage of the wide range of Syariah-compliant services available in Malaysia.

The second sector that I would like to make a special mention of is halal products and services. Malaysia is actively developing and promotinghalal products and the halal services industry. We have a Malaysian Halal Standard that meets the requirements of the global Muslim community, and which also measures up to international health and safety standards such as C.O.D.E.X and H.A.C.C.P. The Malaysian Halal certification is already well received by O.I.C members.

The provision of halal products and services is a rapidly expanding business globally, with tremendous growth potential in Western Asia and among minority Muslim populations in largely non-Muslim countries. I wish to invite the Arab business community and representatives to collaborate with Malaysia to take advantage of this burgeoning market.

Distinguished guests,

Malaysia regards the Arab countries as our strategic economic partners. I am delighted to recall that last year, my Minister, the Honourable Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, visited the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We also received a number of high-level visits from the Western Asia region, including the visit by the Prime Minister of Qatar in December 2011 and various Ministerial visits from other Arab countries.

This frequent exchange of visits between our two sides is a testimony of the friendly relations and strong economic ties between Malaysia and the Arab world.

Allow me to conclude by reminding the business community that it cannot rely solely onGovernment initiatives alone to get going.Business Councils and Chambers of Commerce should assume a facilitative role and aggressively promote business to business exchanges. Itherefore commend the Arab Malaysia Chamber of Commerce for gaining recognition from the Arab League.

Finally, I’d like to thank the organisers of this forum and everyone for your presence here. I wish you every success.

Thank you.

4TH ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SUMMIT

2012-03-06T09:02:00.000+08:00

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

4^TH ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SUMMIT

5^th MARCH 2012 (MONDAY)

ROYALE CHULAN HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Megat Najmuddin,

Chairman of Asian World Summit;

Distinguished Delegates;

Menbers of the Media;

Honourable Guests.

I’d like to start by expressing my sincere appreciation to the organizing committee and in particular Asian World Summit for their invitation to officiate this 4^th Annual Corporate Governance Summit.

I believe that such summits are an integral part in a big network of vigorous debates on corporate governance that could sprout new ideas on effective corporate governance.

We need to have regular but honest discussions to this end.

Therefore I commend the Asian World Summit for organizing this international event on corporate governance. Perhaps, the confluence of the divergent cultures and economic systems within the Asian hemisphere could produce good if not better ideas on this topic to share with the rest of the world.

I am also delighted that we will hear from the experts on how we can improve on our efforts to enhance corporate governance. That coupled with the presence of a number of prominent entrepreneurs and corporate leaders here today will positively add to the deliberations.

Honourable guests,

Mark Twain said that - “It is curious - curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare”.

It is based on this profound sense of ethics that the Government has pulled out all the stops to do what is right for its citizens and create an environment where justice, ethics and integrity permeates.

I do not intend to speak much less lecture you on the topic of corporate governance of which you have dedicated your careers to. I would prefer to put into context the efforts of the Government to set Malaysia off on the right foot with the rest of the region.

For your information, Vriens & Partners, a Southeast Asia-focused corporate advisory firm specializing in political risk analysis, government affairs and public policy headquartered in Singapore has this to say about Malaysia in its ‘Good Governance for International Business 2011’ report. This report measures good governance based on 6 pillars namely Rule of Law, Openness to International Trade and Business, Political Stability, Taxation, Corruption Perception and Fiscal/Monetary Administration. These said pillars have a major impact on drawing in business and foreign investments.

For starters, Malaysia was ranked at 8^th position in overall performance out of 19 economies among Asia Pacific economies.

Malaysia was ranked 7^th for ‘Rule of Law’ which measures judicial independence, the protection of property rights, the effectiveness of contract enforcement, and the capacity of the legal system to settle business disputes

In terms of ‘Openness to International Trade and Business’ which assesses Government attitudes towards international business entering and operating in domestic markets-Malaysia was ranked 6^th position out of 19 economies. For this pillar, assessment is based on the incentives given to international investors such as dual regulatory regimes, the treatment of international acquisitions, capital controls and the openness of the economy to foreign goods and services.

In terms of ‘Political Stability’ which assesses the consistency of Government policies as well as the possibility of violence or terrorism occurring-Malaysia was ranked 8^th in the Asian region.

Malaysia scored well on ‘Taxation’ which assesses the tax environment in terms of the administrative transparency and efficiency in tax collection along with local taxation rates particularly the corporate tax rate.

In the ‘Corruption’ category that assesses perceptions in the abuse of power or fiduciary duties for personal gain in the public and private sectors be they petty or systemic forms of corruption-Malaysia was ranked 8^th position.

In terms of ‘Fiscal & Monetary Administration’ that assesses the management of state finances and monetary regulation that encourages economic growth and stability, Malaysia was at 8^th position which was a reflection of the stability of her macroeconomic environment and high national savings rate.

Thus, I would like to add that the said findings show that Malaysia has improved its standing in the stated categories even outperforming many other advanced Asian nations. While I don’t mean to discount the achievements of our fellow Asian countries but I think that competition amongst ourselves when it comes to corporate governance or battling corruption is indeed a good thing. I would applaud other countries that improve their rankings against ours.

Distinguished guests,

These results were the culmination of various laws and initiatives instituted by the Government. Allow me to share with you some of the more recent efforts of the Government in fighting graft as well as upholding ethical practices:

· ‘The Code of Business Ethics and Integrity Pledge for SMEs in Malaysia’ (SME Pledge) was introduced to create awareness among SMEs to adopt anti-corruption initiatives. It also allows SMEs to obtain up to date information on anti-corruption measures.

· The SME Pledge recently launched on the 23^rd of December 2011, is a collaborative effort between SME Corp. Malaysia and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC); with the support of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (MDTCC), Institute of Integrity Malaysia (IIM), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and Transparency International (TI).

· The MACC is also encouraging Government-linked companies (GLCs) as well as private companies to sign a corporate integrity pledge with the aim of creating a corruption-free business environment. One of the important elements of this pledge is the Corporate Integrity Pact (CIP), intended specifically for companies involved in the procurement of large projects. By virtue of the CIP, both the owner of the project and the prospective bidder will undertake a pledge not to engage in corrupt practices throughout the tender process.

· Furthermore, Malaysia has come up with the Kuala Lumpur Principles which for the moment is intended for the medical device sector. This is a business ethics guideline that will provide companies especially resource constrained SMEs without compliance personnel or adequate ethical procedures with greater clarity on what constitutes appropriate business interactions across the Asia Pacific region. This set of principles for the region’s medical devices industry is the first of its kind and will ultimately improve the quality of patient care, encourage innovation and promote the growth of SMEs that produce medical devices. However, it is our hope that the code of ethics for the medical devices sector will only be the beginning to many more guidelines that will cover all economic sectors in the country.

· For your information, the Government has also undertaken other anti-corruption initiatives such as various internal auditing systems and the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance to mention but a few.

· The MACC has also formed a dedicated division to further reduce the chances of corruption involving government departments, government-linked companies and enforcement agencies. Dubbed the Inspection and Consultation Unit- it is staffed with around 60 well-trained officers specialising in various fields that will identify and propose measures to fight corruption which is getting more complex in nature.

· The Government has also passed the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to encourage the disclosure of corrupt acts while protecting the informant’s identities. The Malaysian Judiciary has also set up special corruption High Courts as well as Session courts.

Honourable guests,

The fight for better corporate governance and anti-corruption is not merely the realm of the public service. Many people feel that the Government owes a duty to be transparent and ethical to its citizens but that the private sector operates in a vacuum where the free-market or being a capitalist is a licence for entrepreneurs to adopt unethical activities. This is not correct. Both the public service and the private sector must strive for better ethical practices and not seek loopholes around the law and rules. It is not uncommon for business people to employ the best brains be they accountants or lawyers to circumvent corporate governance rules to make profits. Private companies must not indulge in unethical or worse illegal behaviour while competitively bidding for overseas tenders as such acts affect Malaysia’s standing as a whole.

Mark Twain was spot on when he spoke for the need of moral courage. It will certainly take a lot of courage to do what is ethical and the Government is leading the charge.

My fellow Asians,

Let today’s summit be the catalyst for an Asian idea on corporate governance. Asian values have long rested on our sacred religious beliefs, strong family bonds and a concern for the greater good of our communities. Even to this day, we firmly hold on to our values while accepting the good in modernity and rejecting the negative aspects of Western culture. We must never trade those in for what the German historian and philosopher dubbed the “Faustian Civilisation” when he predicted the “The Decline of The West” in his book published in 1918. Indeed, it is undisputable that US capitalism devoid of the fibre of morality or ethics is partly to be blamed for their problems. Spengler charged that the West was on a destructive path in pursuit of money. The EU for that matter shows the world the devastating effects of economic mismanagement of intertwined national economies.

In this context, the US subprime mortgage crisis unravelled the failure if not complicity of an entire regulatory system of checks and balances. How did the likes of Lehman Brothers, Freddie Mac, Fannie May and American International Group carry on for so long what the Federal Bureau of Investigation calls the possibility of fraud? Why didn’t the relevant stakeholders check on their companies’ activities? Were the stakeholders equally greedy? To top it off, the Federal Reserve known to be a stickler for rules facilitated these transgressions and worst still exercised the largest bail out in modern history. These are all examples of how a system can not only discard good governance but actually encourage unethical behaviour.

This brings me back to my earlier point that no amount of rules and regulations can substitute a firm belief in ethics. We have to get our political and economic philosophy correct right off the bat. And we can do this premised on our good Asian values. Asia must develop its own corporate governance policies for this New Asian Century or suffer the same fate currently plaguing Western nations.

I entrust all of you with this enormous task. The future of Asia is bright and let’s keep it that way.

And with that, I take my leave. I wish all participants a pleasant stay in Malaysia. Please do revert back to my office on the findings of this summit and I hope to see you soon.

Thank you.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS HI-TEA 2012

2012-02-11T12:33:00.000+08:00

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

AT THE

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS HI-TEA 2012

10 FEBRUARY 2012 (FRIDAY)

SME CORP. MALAYSIA, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. (Ir.) Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid,

Chairman of SME Corporation Malaysia;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Hafsah Hashim,

CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia;

Puan Shamsimar Yusof,

Chairwoman,

Panel of Women Entrepreneurs, SME Corp. Malaysia;

Distinguished Speakers and Moderator; and

Honourable guests,

Before I begin, please allow me to express my sincere appreciation to SME Corporation Malaysia for organising the Women Entrepreneurs Hi-Tea today. Today’s event was proposed by the Honourable Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapha Mohamed last October during the Women Entrepreneurs Luncheon.

2. I am delighted to see the good turnout this afternoon comprising of prominent businesswomen from various industries. Thank you for sparing a portion of your precious time to be with us at this Hi-Tea despite your hectic schedule.

Distinguished guests,

3. Women of today have certainly achieved greater successes in society. A number of prominent women in society come to mind-Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz (Governor of Central Bank of Malaysia), Tan Sri Datuk Zarinah Anwar (Chairman of the Malaysian Securities Commission) and sportswoman such as Datuk Nicol Ann David, the world no. 1 squash player who serves as an inspiration to both men and women and Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza who has also ventured into the business world.

4. In MITI, we have our own Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria. In SME Corp, we have our own Dato Hafsah Hashim and in MATRADE we have our own Dr. Wong Lai Sum. All very capable women.

5. I believe that the presence of Malaysian women at the helm of various organisations or in the corporate sector will continue to be the positive trend as women continue to excel in various fields; even in those that were once dominated by men.

Honourable guests,

6. I wish to assure you that the Government will continue to provide support for women through various initiatives that will facilitate your empowerment. As all of you are aware, one of the key agenda in the 10^th Malaysia Plan is the empowerment of women. We will increase our effort towards addressing issues confronting women to enable them to realise their full potential and participate more effectively in the socio-economic development of the country.

7. Further efforts will also be made to improve women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities. This commitment is manifested by the National Key Result Area (NKRA) that has identified the prioritisation of creating 4,000 women entrepreneurs by 2012 by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

8. In addition, as announced by the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Y.A.B. Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak on June 2011, the Government is also determined at increasing the number of women in decision making positions. I am sure that most of you are aware that Malaysia’s corporate sector has been given a five year transition period to raise the number of women to at least 30% of women as members of the board of directors.

9. Furthermore, to accord due recognition of the contribution of women to nation-building the inaugural Prime Minister’s Award for Woman Entrepreneur and Social Activist was also introduced in September of 2011.

10. Also, the 2012 Budget allocated RM2.11 billion specifically for programmes to empower women. The details of such initiatives have been made public.

11. Last month, the Cabinet approved the setting up of a Woman Leadership Chair to boost women’s participation in this country’s development. The Chair, to be set up at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) will nurture leadership qualities amongst women in this country.

12. In addition, I was briefed that as at 31 December 2011, a total of 3,440 applications from women-owned companies were approved amounting to RM179.07 million for various types of grants and soft loan schemes under the Special Assistance Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs under SME Corp. This approval recorded an 81% success rate from the total number of applications.

13. The formation of the Panel of Women Entrepreneurs under SME Corp is another step forward for women in Malaysia. This panel’s task is to advise and recommend improvements to current programmes designed for women entrepreneurs carried out by various Govt. ministries or agencies. Among notable programmes of this panel include:

· The National Women Convention held in 2007 and 2009 which was participated by more than 800 participants respectively;

· The National Women Entrepreneurs Award in 2008 and 2009 that provides recognition to the achievements of women entrepreneurs;

· The Directory of Women Entrepreneurs in 2008;

· Outreach programmes such as talks with business personalities and regional workshops for women entrepreneurs.

· The Annual Women Entrepreneurs Luncheon that promotes networking.

14. For women entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the international market, MATRADE is well-positioned to facilitate export opportunities for them mainly through their programme called Women Exporters Development Programme (WEDP). WEDP can help women SMEs to develop the necessary skills and acquire knowledge to penetrate overseas markets. At present, 71 women-owned companies have been assisted since 2005 to venture abroad.

15. Cyberspace is a truly globalized business platform. For your information, SME Corp. has also engaged the online community to participate in this Hi-Tea. I am told that participations from Yayasan Keusahawanan Sosial (YKS) with its online marketing portal, eMak and also e-Entrepreneurs Women Association Malaysia (eWA) are with us today. Thank you very much for your support.

Cherished participants,

Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi, the Indian-born American CEO of PepsiCo has this advice which I believe holds true regardless of gender. She said “Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.”

16.And before I end my short speech, I would like to once again commend SME Corp for putting together today’s event. I hope that all of you will benefit from this and encourage other women leaders to join in. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.

Thank you.

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS MALAYSIA SDN BHD: FACILITY EXPANSION AND 787 FIXED LEADING EDGE PROGRAMME

2012-02-09T18:08:00.000+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS MALAYSIA SDN BHD:

FACILITY EXPANSION AND 787 FIXED LEADING EDGE PROGRAMME

9 FEBRUARY 2012 (THURSDAY)

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE CENTRE (MIAC), SUBANG

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

His Excellency Mr. Paul W. Jones,

United States Ambassador to Malaysia;

Mr. Francis Hiew,

Managing Director of Spirit Malaysia;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Noharuddin Nordin,

Director-General of MIDA;

Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid,

Managing Director of Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad;

Distinguished Guests.

1. Thank you for this invitation to officiate this twin event; the groundbreaking ceremony for Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia’s facility expansion and the launch of the company’s Boeing 787 Fixed Leading Edge (FLE) project.

2. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Paul W. Jones for his support and presence today.

3. In my opinion, both said projects are indicative of how far Malaysia’s aerospace manufacturing industry has progressed. We began in the 70s by providing basic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services to meet the demands and requirements of commercial as well as military aircraft. We have since acquired much experience and expertise. The expansion of Spirit Aerospace Malaysia’s facility here reflects the big strides we have made in this industry.

4. The launch of this company’s FLE project is testament to the high level of skills we have here in the aerospace industry. It also speaks volumes about the level of confidence major manufacturers of aircraft components have in our ability to deliver quality work and services.

5. I am made to understand that this FLE project has to do with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner project. This aircraft is Boeing’s latest high-technology product and Spirit Malaysia is involved in the sub-assembly of carbon composite skins for Boeing 787’s wing structure.

6. We welcome Spirit Aerospace’s decision to locate this new sub-assembly activity here. This project will create more opportunities for Malaysians to acquire new skills at the high-end of the aerospace industry. It will also give local companies the opportunity to be involved in engineering and technology integration of a new generation of sophisticated aircraft.

7. We hope, that with Spirit Aerospace’s increased presence here other global aerospace companies will set up their manufacturing operations in Malaysia.

Distingushed Guests,

8. The Government is fully committed to support the development of this industry. Our National Aerospace Blueprint calls for Malaysia to be developed into a major aerospace player by 2015. We anticipate that aero-manufacturing and MRO services are activities that will grow significantly over the next few years.

9. This growth however needs to be accompanied by increased investments in research and human capital development.

10. Today, most R&D activites in aerospace technology are undertaken collaboratively between industry and research institutions. In this context, the Malaysia Aerospace Council has established the Aerospace Manufacturing Innovation Centre to serve as the focal point for research in advanced aerostructures.

11. As for skills development, programmes such as LEADER Aerospace, a bridging programme with matching funds between the Ministry of Higher Education and Spirit and other aerospace companies will help to ensure a steady supply of professionally certified and highly skilled workers.

12. Thus, the future looks promising for the aerospace industry in the country. I am told that this FLE project is targeted to take off in July. I wish you every success in this venture.

Distinguished Guests,

13. Without further ado, it is my privilege to officiate this groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s new assembly complex and to welcome the company’s Boeing 787 Fixed Leading Edge programme.

Thank you.

2012-01-20T19:30:00.000+08:00

Salutations,

YBhg Dato’ Mokd Khalid Harun

President of MATTA & Patron of WITM 2012

Puan Zarinah Hashim

Chairwoman, WITM 2012

Members of the MATTA Executive Council

Members of the Media

Distinguished Guests

Salam 1 Malaysia and Welcome.

First and foremost, allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the organisers for their kind invitation to my office to officiate this event.

Malaysia has over the past few years, hosted many international events be it in the tourism sector or in other trade and industry sectors. Malaysia has certainly proven itself to be a capable organiser of these world-class events.

With our world-class exhibition and hotel facilities, not to mention other supporting world class infrastructure, Malaysia and especially Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming a preferred trade and exhibition destination. The geographical location of Malaysia located at the mid-point between the southern and northern hemispheres and between Greater Asia and the West with comfortingly warm year-round tropical weather and a stable political and economic environment makes us amongst the world’s preferred event destination.

Thus, coming soon in May & June of 2012, Malaysia will once again play host to an international event, the World Islamic Tourism Mart (WITM 2012) with the objective of enhancing and unlocking the great potential that Muslim tourism has. At the same time, events like WITM 2012 could help in making Malaysia, the Islamic business & tourism hub for this region.

For your information, WITM 2012 is organised by MATTA to cater to the expanding Muslim tourism market not only in this country but worldwide. Muslims make up about 1.6 billion of the world’s population and have over the years become more observant to Islam’s tenets andcertainly more affluent. This has led to a very large consumers’ market that is yet to be fully explored or tapped into. Even travel agents that are not Bumiputra or Muslim owned have set up their own Muslim tour departments.

WHY? Because they too have realised the potential of Muslim tourism. Therefore, I believe that WITM 2012 will help you and the tourism industry to realise this potential to a greater degree.

In my opinion, MATTA with its proven track record for organising successful events will make WITM 2012 the benchmark not only for Muslim tourism but for the local tourism industry as a whole.

Furthermore, WITM 2012 provides an opportunity to network. As such, I would encourage the various tourism industry sectors to network and create new joint-ventures that offer ever more exciting Muslim travel packages. There are still many destinations that could benefit from a unique Muslim sightseeing tour. A good package that includes halal food, the observance and ease of performing the solah as well as visiting historical Islamic sites and meeting other Muslims of different cultures could be a hot seller.

Honourable guests,

The Ministry of International Trade & Industry is proud to lend its support to WITM 2012. We encourage more Malaysian organisations to stage international events of all interests and sizes in Malaysia that will ultimately increase the inflow of visitors and increase the opportunity for Malaysian products and services to be showcased to an international audience.

Undoubtedly, The Muslim tourism market is an emerging market with huge potential. With a global population of 1.6 billion, and a combined GDP of USD 1.8 trillion, the Muslim tourist could reshape tourism as we know it.With that in mind, events like WITM 2012 are indeed heading in the right direction to make Malaysia the preferred business & tourism hub and to tap into the Muslim travel market. Being a majority Muslim country, Malaysia has that advantage in this region and we should look at supporting and participating in events like WITM 2012 so that we do not miss out on this golden opportunity to increase our business trade and lift our local tourism sector further.

In conclusion, WITM 2012 is the next big event happening in Malaysia that is not to be missed! I wish MATTA all the very best and hope to see this event grow in stature over the coming years. I hope to see you soon Insha’Allah.

And with that I officially launch the World Islamic Tourism Mart 2012.

Thank you.

OFFICIATING BMW CONCEPT CARS

2012-01-20T19:25:00.000+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

OFFICIATING BMW CONCEPT CARS

18 JANUARY 2012 (WEDENESDAY)

PAVILLION, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Morning and Salam 1Malaysia.

Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe,
Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia;

Members of the Press;

Honourable Guests.

1. First of all I would like to thank BMW Group Malaysia for organising the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics showcase here in Kuala Lumpur and for yet again inviting me to be a part of their innovative efforts here in Malaysia.

2. Despite tumultuous conditions in the global automotive industry over the past few years, I am pleased to report that the state of the Malaysian automotive market remains relatively strong. From January to December 2011, the total vehicle sales amounted to 599,877 units throughout the country compared to the total vehicle sales in 2010 which amounted to 605,156 units.

3. While it is true that this figure represents a modest decrease in the domestic vehicle market, Malaysia was able to demonstrate positive growth during such challenging times in the global industry. This remains to be a testament to the dynamism and resilience of our national economy.

4. Be that as it may, the Malaysian Government is appreciative of the possibility that this year will be one filled with economic challenges. Headwinds in Europe and several other Western countries forewarn of potential downward tendency in global markets which are still wary from the losses of the 2008/2009 recession.

5. To that end, the Malaysian Government has taken numerous steps to insulate the economy from recessionary pressures by promoting local investment as well as technology intensive foreign direct investment. We have also shifted the focus of our export and trade economy to non-traditional markets.

6. For your information, in 2009 the Malaysian Government implemented the National Green Technology policy with the aim of taking the nation into a new era of energy efficiency, economic growth, increased innovation and sustainable development. The key objective outlined by this policy was to ensure sustainable development and to conserve the environment for our future generations.

7. Further to that, to counter the effects of the economic slowdown, the development and adoption of advanced technology would be crucial in ensuring that Malaysia remains on track towards becoming a high-income status nation by the year 2020.

8. In the years to come, innovation and creativity will be key features which ensure that Malaysia will continue to develop itself as reputable manufacturers of advanced technology products. Greater emphasis will be placed on strengthening research & development and in the delivery of innovative products into global markets as a means of enhancing economic growth and national competitiveness.

9. With that objective in mind, the Government has placed significant emphasis on the introduction and development of environmentally friendly products and services which comply with the Green technology standards which have been set by the Government and have become a standard requirement in most Government procurement processes today.

10. Moving forward, we will continue to introduce significant measures to encourage the growth, development and adoption of Green technology. Being a strong passenger and commercial vehicle market, we are particularly keen to explore measures through which Green technology can be introduced to the automotive industry, and with the co-operation of companies such as BMW, we are confident that Malaysia can be developed into a hub for the development and assembly of advanced and environmentally friendly automotive technology.

11. Therefore, we would encourage the use of clean and Green technology alternatives such as Advanced Diesel Technology, Hybrid Technology and Electric Mobility domestically, while also creating strong economic opportunities for the country as an exporter of technologically advanced vehicles throughout Asean and beyond.

12. Today, our efforts in exploring Green technology development in the automotive industry have already born fruit and it is our hope that, with the co-operation of companies such as BMW, we will be able to explore new measures through which further opportunities in automotive sustainability can be implemented.

Honourable Guests,

13. It is encouraging to see a multinational such as BMW taking proactive steps towards introducing and improving alternative energy solutions for the local automotive industry. As the world’s leader in automotive sustainability, BMW’s efforts have not only led to significant contributions to the preservation of the world’s resources and environment but have fostered greater awareness of the development of sustainable technologies right here in Malaysia.

14. The positive impact which BMW has had towards the environment, and towards the growth of a sustainable automotive industry, through its comprehensive BMW EfficientDynamics strategy is a sterling example of what can be accomplished by private or non-government entities that display high levels of innovation and initiative as well as a genuine concern for the societies which they serve.

15. We welcome BMW Group Malaysia’s continuing emphasis on sustainability and support for the Green revolution. For our part, the Malaysian Government has been offering a comprehensive mix of fiscal incentives, duty exemptions and R&D grants to support further investments in the production of hybrid and electric vehicles in Malaysia. For example, in the Budget 2012, the Government has given full exemption of import duty and excise duty on hybrid cars and electric cars until end of 2013.

16. Therefore, it is our hope that BMW will choose to explore the possibility of introducing the manufacture and assembly of these vehicles in Malaysia soon.

17. The BMW Group’s BMW EfficientDynamics strategy is a demonstration of the possibilities and opportunities to be discovered with the power of innovation. It is my aspiration that other corporate entities from both Malaysia and abroad will emulate the commitment, initiative and concern for the societies which they serve. I would like to once again commend BMW for its bold, imaginative and passionate efforts.

18. As Henry Ford put it – “A business that makes nothing but money, is a poor business”.

19. With that I would like to thank BMW Group Malaysia once again for their kind invitation and without further ado announce the official launch of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics showcase here in Kuala Lumpur.

Thank you.

RE: SME Pledge.

2012-01-12T09:46:00.001+08:00

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

AT THE

LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF SME PLEDGE

23 DECEMBER 2011 (FRIDAY)

KL SENTRAL, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Hj Abu Kassim Bin Mohamed,

Chief Commissioner of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC);

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Sutinah Sutan,

Deputy Chief Commissioner of Prevention Section MACC;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Hafsah Hashim,

CEO of SME Corp. Malaysia;

Members of the Media;

Distinguished Guests.

1. First and foremost, please allow me to extend my appreciation to SME Corp. and the MACC for inviting me here today to be part of the launching of the SME Pledge.

Honourable Guests,

2. The business world today faces a grave concern focusing on corruption. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including the micro enterprises face a serious challenge of fighting corruption in their cycle of growing and sustaining their business.

3. At the recent APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA in November, the Leaders were unanimous in their opinion that transparency and good governance are key factors in ensuring long-term economic competitiveness leading to sustainable economic growth and prosperity. The Leaders were also supportive towards efforts to increase public trust by fighting corruption and by committing themselves to transparent and accountable governance.

4. Malaysia, in particular, came up with the Kuala Lumpur Principles (intended for the medical device sector) a business ethics guideline that will provide companies especially resource constrained SMEs without compliance personnel or adequate ethical procedures with greater clarity of what constitutes appropriate business interactions across the APEC region.

Honourable Guests,

5. This set of principles for the region’s medical devices industry is the first of its kind and will ultimately improve the quality of patient care, encourage innovation and promote the growth of SMEs that produce medical devices. However, it is our hope that the code of ethics for the medical devices sector will only be the beginning to many more guidelines that will cover all economic sectors in the country.

6. We acknowledge that corruption is a problem to be dealt with in our country. We also recognize the dangers that corruption poses to our economic growth and prosperity. It is for this reason that the KL Principles is adopted to promote anti-corruption practices in both the business dealings or corporate lifestyle of our SMEs. Surely, instances of corruption can be reduced if the Rakyat, public servants, business people and politicians perceive it as a ‘high-risk, low-reward’ activity. This education of society on the evils of corruption rests on the premise that a corrupt individual is likely to be caught and punished severely.

7. For your information, the Government has also undertaken other anti-corruption initiatives such as various internal auditing systems and the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance to mention but a few. In this context, today’s SME Pledge, is just one of the very many initiatives taken to create awareness amongst our local SMEs and to make it known that the Government disapproves of unethical business transactions and neither do we condone corrupt practices.

8. Furthermore, I am told that the MACC has formed a dedicated division to further reduce the chances of corruption involving government departments, government-linked companies and enforcement agencies. Dubbed the Inspection and Consultation Unit- it is staffed with around 60 well-trained officers specialising in various fields that will identify and propose measures to fight corruption which is getting more complex in nature.

9. In addition, the Government has also formulated the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to encourage the disclosure of corrupt acts while protecting the informant’s identities. The Malaysian Judiciary has also set up special corruption High Courts as well as Session courts.

10. On the whole, the Government has implemented numerous other initiatives to stop corruption. Perhaps too many to list here.

8. Rest assured, that Malaysia will soldier on and fight corruption with our arsenal of dedicated agencies such as the MACC that we have armed with effective laws. Starting with and not exclusive to this SME Pledge, Malaysia will continue to work towards reducing corruption across all sectors of our economy.

9. In this regard, I have no hesitation to lend my support to and affirm this SME Pledge initiative. I thus call upon all SMEs to participate in this initiative to ensure transparent business relations for the sake of long-term economic competitiveness which could lead to overall sustainable economic growth and prosperity for the Rakyat.

Distinguished guests,

11. Let’s address the elephant in the room. I am aware that there is a general feeling that the big crooks escape prosecution while only the small fish fry. Let’s be candid about this subject. Although the MACC has good reason to dispute this perception based on case history and statistics-it remains that the Rakyat is unconvinced. To educate the public on the evils of corruption we must create the confidence in people that powerful politicians or individuals of influence are treated no less different from the ordinary citizen or that it is only the lower rank public servants or minor political figures that are prosecuted. This applies to big corporations who shouldn’t be given any special treatment in comparison to SMEs on this issue of corruption. Creating public confidence and trust with regards to anti-corruption initiatives is also a perception battle. Therefore, I urge the MACC to do more to discard this perception. Until the Rakyat is reasonably convinced can our efforts be of greater impact.

However, let us bear in mind that as more arrests or prosecutions are carried out by the MACC, the Rakyat’s negative perception on corruption in Malaysia may be reinforced. The point is that as more corrupt activities are uncovered it unfortunately adversely affects our perception of the prevalence of corruption in Malaysia instead of positively shaping our view of the MACC’s efforts in reducing corruption. Perhaps this contributes towards the drop by four places to 60th place Malaysia's ranking in the Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International. It is again unfortunate that when such an index findings is made public, the perception perpetuated by some unscrupulous parties is lay the blame solely on the Govt's shoulders when the CPI actually pertains to private sector indiscretions overseas. So, in this context let us be fair to those entrusted with this fight against graft.

Thank you

SEMPENA MAJLIS PENYAMPAIAN SIJIL PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI (5S)

2012-01-11T09:04:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx

SEMPENA MAJLIS PENYAMPAIAN SIJIL PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI (5S)

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
TIMBALAN MENTERI
PERDAGANGAN ANTARABANGSA DAN INDUSTRI

SEMPENA MAJLIS PENYAMPAIAN
SIJIL PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI (5S)

22 DISEMBER 2011 (KHAMIS)

KULIM TECHNOLOGY PARK CORPORATION SDN. BHD.

ASSALAMUALAIKUM W.B.T DAN SALAM 1MALAYSIA.

YANG BERUSAHA TUAN HAJI MOHAMAD SOBRI BIN OSMAN,
PRESIDEN KULIM TECHNOLOGY PARK CORPORATION SDN. BHD;

YANG BERBAHAGIA DATO’ MOHD RAZALI HUSSAIN,
KETUA PENGARAH PERBADANAN PRODUKTIVITI MALAYSIA;

WAKIL-WAKIL INDUSTRI, KETUA-KETUA ORGANISASI,

TUAN-TUAN DAN PUAN-PUAN YANG DIHORMATI SEKALIAN.

1. TERLEBIH DAHULU SAYA INGIN MENGUCAPKAN RIBUAN TERIMA KASIH KEPADA PERBADANAN PRODUKTIVITI MALAYSIA (MPC) KERANA TELAH MENJEMPUT SAYA KE MAJLIS PENYAMPAIAN SIJIL AMALAN PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI ATAU ‘QE’ UNTUK KULIM TECHNOLOGY PARK CORPORATION SDN. BHD. DAN 3 BUAH ANAK SYARIKATNYA IAITU KULIM GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT SDN BHD, KULIM TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT SDN BHD DAN KULIM BIO RESOURCE CORP SDN BHD.

TUAN-TUAN DAN PUAN-PUAN SEKALIAN,

2. DALAM DUNIA PERNIAGAAN YANG SANGAT KOMPETITIF PADA MASA KINI, ORGANISASI SWASTA KHASNYA TERPAKSA BERLUMBA-LUMBA UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITI DAN TAHAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN SERTA MENGURANGKAN KOS OPERASI. SALAH SATU USAHA PENAMBAHBAIKAN YANG TELAH DIAPLIKASIKAN DI BANYAK NEGARA-NEGARA MAJU ADALAH MELALUI AMALAN PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI ATAUPUN LEBIH DIKENALI SEBAGAI 5S.

3. AMALAN ‘QE’ YANG UMUMNYA BERASAL DARI NEGARA JEPUN TELAH DIPOPULARKAN OLEH HIROYUKI HIRANO PADA SEKITAR 1980AN. PADA PERINGKAT AWAL IANYA DIPERKENALKAN UNTUK SEKTOR PEMBUATAN. ‘QE’ PADA HARI INI TELAH DIAMALKAN OLEH LEBIH DARIPADA 50 BUAH NEGARA DI SERATA DUNIA.

4. ORGANISASI–ORGANISASI GERGASI DUNIA SEPERTI TOYOTA, IKEA DAN GENERAL MOTOR TELAH LAMA MELAKSANAKAN AMALAN QE INI DAN IANYA TERBUKTI MEMBERIKAN KESAN YANG SUNGGUH MEMBERANGSANGKAN. SELAIN DARIPADA MEMBERI MANFAAT DALAM MENGURANGKAN KOS OPERASI ORGANISASI, AMALAN ‘QE’ JUGA TERBUKTI DAPAT MENGURANGKAN PEMBAZIRAN DAN MEMBANTU AKTIVITI LESTARI HIJAU (GREEN SUSTAINABILITY) DAN AKTIVITI 3R (REDUCE, RECYCLE AND REUSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT). PENDEKATAN INI ADALAH SELARAS DENGAN LANGKAH KERAJAAN UNTUK MEWUJUDKAN PERSEKITARAN HIJAU DAN MENGGALAKKAN INISIATIF TEKNOLOGI HIJAU.

5. AMALAN PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI INI JUGA SERINGKALI DIKAITKAN DENGAN KECEKAPAN DAN PELAKSANAAN KERJA YANG LEBIH BAIK, MUDAH DAN CEKAP. AMALAN QE JUGA DAPAT MENINGKATKAN DAYA KREATIVITI DAN INOVASI PARA PEKERJA UNTUK PENINGKATAN KUALITI KERJA DAN PENAMBAHBAIKAN PRODUK YANG DIHASILKAN. MELALUI PENDEKATAN QE SECARA TIDAK LANGSUNG BOLEH MENINGKATKAN DAYA SAING SYARIKAT. DI SAMPING ITU, IA JUGA DAPAT MEMUPUK SEMANGAT KERJA BERPASUKAN YANG TINGGI SERTA MENINGKATKAN MORAL PEKERJA.

TUAN-TUAN DAN PUAN-PUAN SEKALIAN,

6. MENURUT LAPORAN GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS 2011-2012 (GCR) OLEH WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF), MALAYSIA BERADA DI KEDUDUKAN YANG KE-21 BERBANDING DENGAN TAHUN 2010, DIMANA MALAYSIA BERADA DI KEDUDUKAN YANG KE-26. WALAUPUN TERDAPAT PENINGKATAN DARI SEGI PRESTASI NAMUN SAYA KIRA MASIH BANYAK LAGI USAHA YANG PERLU DILAKUKAN UNTUK MEMBOLEHKAN KITA BERADA DI TANGGA 10 TERATAS. PENCETUSAN IDEA MELALUI INOVASI UNTUK MEMBERI NILAI TAMBAH PRODUK, PROSES DAN PENGGUNAAN TEKNOLOGI YANG TERKINI PERLU DIGIATKAN LAGI. BEGITU JUGA DENGAN KAEDAH KITA BERURUSAN DENGAN PELANGGAN LUAR TERUTAMANYA PELABUR PERLU DIBERIKAN FOKUS UTAMA. INI MEMANDANGKAN MALAYSIA MEMPUNYAI PRASARANA YANG CUKUP BAIK SEPERTI YANG TERDAPAT DI KULIM TECHNOLOGY PARK INI.

7. BAGI MEMASTIKAN PELAKSANAAN AMALAN ‘QE’ INI DIBERIKAN TUMPUAN DAN MEMASTIKANNYA DIJALANKAN BERTERUSAN, PELBAGAI PROGRAM PENGIKTIRAFAN DIPERKENALKAN, CONTOHNYA DALAM BENTUK PEMBERIAN SIJIL DAN ANUGERAH. MPC JUGA ADA MENGANJURKAN KONVENSYEN ‘QE’ UNTUK MEWAR-WARKAN AMALAN TERBAIK DI KALANGAN ORGANISASI PELAKSANA ‘QE’. PEMBERIAN ANUGERAH DAN PENGIKTIRAFAN JUGA TURUT DIBERIKAN BAGI SYARIKAT PENGAMAL ‘QE’ DI LUAR NEGARA SEPERTI DI JEPUN. CONTOHNYA, JAPAN INSTITUTE OF PLANT MAINTENANCE MEMPERKENALKAN TOTAL PREVENTIVE MAINTAINTENANCE (TPM) EXCELLENT AWARD. PENGIKTIRAFAN YANG SAMA JUGA TURUT DIBERIKAN DI NEGARA-NEGARA SEPERTI KOREA SELATAN, UNITED KINGDOM, THAILAND, PERANCIS DAN SINGAPURA. DI MALAYSIA, KITA MEMPERKENALKAN PERSIJILAN ‘QE’ DI SAMPING MENGANJURKAN KONVENSYEN ‘QE’ PERINGKAT WILAYAH DAN KEBANGSAAN.

8. SAYA DIMAKLUMKAN SEHINGGA NOVEMBER PADA TAHUN 2011, MPC TELAH MEMPERSIJILKAN SEBANYAK 532 ORGANISASI YANG MELAKSANAKAN AMALAN PERSEKITARAN BERKUALITI, DI MANA SEBANYAK 313 MEWAKILI SEKTOR KERAJAAN MANAKALA 158 DARI SWASTA DI MANA SEBANYAK 61 SYARIKAT ADALAH DARI PERUSAHAAN KECIL DAN SEDERHANA (PKS). JUMLAH PENYERTAAN DARI SEKTOR KERAJAAN TELAH BERTAMBAH MEMANDANGKAN QE TELAH MENJADI SALAH SATU DARI KEPERLUAN YANG DIGUNAKAN UNTUK PENILAIAN ‘STAR RATING’ OLEH PIHAK MAMPU. INI MENUNJUKKAN BAHAWA QE INI BOLEH DIAPLIKASIKAN DIMANA SAHAJA BUKAN HANYA TERTUMPU DI SEKTOR PEMBUATAN MALAHAN UNTUK SEKTOR PERKHIDMATAN. SAYA MENYERU SUPAYA LEBIH BANYAK PKS UNTUK MENGAMALKAN QE YANG MANA SELARAS DENGAN INISIATIF MPC UNTUK MENGGALAKKAN LEBIH BANYAK SYARIKAT TERLIBAT DALAM AMALAN ‘QE’ MELALUI ‘ENTERPRISE INNOVATION INTERVENTION PROGRAMME (EIIP)’ ANJURAN MPC.

9. UNTUK MEMASTIKAN KESINAMBUNGAN PROGRAM ‘QE’ INI, MPC SETERUSNYA AKAN MEMPERKENALKAN PROGRAM ‘LEAN QE’ YANG MENEKANKAN KEPADA PELAKSANAAN PENGUKURAN DAN PRODUKTIVITI MENYELURUH BAGI MENENTUKAN IMPAK KEPADA PELANGGAN ADALAH LEBIH TINGGI.

TUAN-TUAN DAN PUAN-PUAN SEKALIAN,

10. AKHIR KATA, SAYA INGIN MENGUCAPKAN SYABAS DAN TAHNIAH KEPADA KULIM TECHNOLOGY PARK CORPORATION SDN. BHD. DAN KESEMUA 3 ANAK SYARIKATNYA YANG TELAH BERJAYA MENDAPAT PENSIJILAN ‘QE’. SEMOGA USAHA PENAMBAHBAIKAN BERTERUSAN DALAM BIDANG KUALITI, PRODUKTIVITI DAN JUGA ELEMEN LESTARI (SUSTAINABILITY) SEPERTI ‘CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY’ AKAN DITERUSKAN UNTUK MENJADIKAN SEMUA ANAK SYARIKAT DI BAWAH KULIM TECHNOLOGY PARK LEBIH KOMPETITIF DAN BERDAYA SAING DI MASA HADAPAN. ADALAH MENJADI HARAPAN SAYA JUGA AGAR AMALAN ‘QE’ INI DAPAT DILAKSANAKAN OLEH SEMUA ORGANISASI DI KAWASAN PERINDUSTRIAN KULIM DAN KEDAH AMNYA. MEMETIK KATA-KATA ARISTOTLE, ‘QUALITY IS NOT AN ACT, IT’S A HABIT’. SYABAS SEKALI LAGI DAN SEKIAN, TERIMA KASIH.

INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE SIGNING CEREMONY SECRET RECIPE CAKES & CAFÉ with SECRET RECIPE RESTAURANTS INDIA PVT. LTD & FABA GLOBAL GROUP CO., LTD, CAMBOD

2012-01-11T09:03:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx

INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE SIGNING CEREMONY SECRET RECIPE CAKES & CAFÉ with SECRET RECIPE RESTAURANTS INDIA PVT. LTD & FABA GLOBAL GROUP CO., LTD, CAMBODIA

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE SIGNING CEREMONY
SECRET RECIPE CAKES & CAFÉ
with
SECRET RECIPE RESTAURANTS INDIA PVT. LTD &
FABA GLOBAL GROUP CO., LTD, CAMBODIA

19 DECEMBER 2011 (MONDAY)

MECC HALL, MATRADE

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Afternoon and Salam 1Malaysia.

His Excellency Mr. Sevala Naik,
Deputy High Commissioner of High Commission of India;

Mr. Puth Hemonna,
Counsellor of Trade of Royal Embassy of Cambodia;
Dato’ Steven Sim,
Chief Executive Officer of Secret Recipe Cakes & Café Malaysia;

Mr. Chelikam Rajashekara Reddy and Mr. Ganesan KP Vijayan,
Directors of Secret Recipe Restaurants India Pvt. Ltd;

Mr. Luu Meng and Mr Ung Lyheng,
Directors of Faba Global Group Co., Ltd Cambodia;

Dr. Wong Lai Sum,
CEO of MATRADE;

Senior Directors Representatives from MATRADE;

Senior Representatives from Malaysia Franchise Association (MFA);

Senior Representatives from Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association (MRCA);

Senior Officers from MITI;

Members of the Media;

Distinguished Guests.

1. First and foremost, please allow me to extend my appreciation to Secret Recipe Cakes & Café Malaysia for having me here to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Secret Recipe Cakes & Café with Secret Recipe Restaurants India Pvt Ltd and, and Faba Global Group Co. Ltd Cambodia and to officiate this significant occasion.

2. The signing of these two memoranda will be a very positive boost in encouraging local brands, SMEs and companies to take similar paths. The collaboration between these companies represent the type of partnerships that we hope to see more of in the future. That is, partnerships that will bring together local enterprises and foreign investors, so that all parties can benefit from the cross provisions of best practices and trades.

Distinguished Guests,

3. Secret Recipe has been one of Malaysian’s favourite household names for many years now and has never failed to please and tempt our taste buds especially with its award-winning cheese cakes. In fact, Dato’ Steven has informed me that next year will be their 15th Anniversary. For the last 14 years, I believe many Malaysian families have grown up with this brand. We are proud to have such a strong brand with great products, born and bred in Malaysia.

4. I recall when I was involved in building the franchise industry through MFA a few years ago, Secret Recipe was growing its outlets steadily and had about 150 outlets at that time, and today they have grown to more than 211 outlets in Malaysia itself and another 76 outlets overseas. Their overseas outlets are also expanding quickly to fill the gaps in China; I believe there are 12 outlets in Shanghai and another 6 outlets in Melbourne, Australia.

5. For your information, over the last decade the local franchise industry enjoyed a healthy pace of growth between 10 per cent and 15 per cent each year.

6. As a matter of fact, the franchise industry currently contributes about 6 per cent to our country's retail sector revenue, while in the US and Australia franchises contribute more than 50 per cent. Therefore, it is evident that there is great potential and room for growth in this sector locally.

7. In this context, the Government is giving a lot of focus to SMEs and the franchise industry in line with the ETP (Economic Transformation Programme) to achieve key economic objectives. An example of support in this area will be The National Franchise Development Blueprint which has been finalised and launched recently to spur the franchise industry to greater heights.

Honourable Guests,

8. As franchise penetration to overseas markets is expected to grow between 10 per cent and 25 per cent next year especially among Asian countries-developing countries in high gear like India and Cambodia are both on the radar screens of global companies and businesses looking for expansion. Their anticipated economic growth, demographics expansion and robust GDP trends makes for a robust and very attractive consumers market. Thus, Secret Recipes venture into these markets is timely.

9. Secret Recipe’s strength lies in its branding, product positioning and franchise expansion that has opened many doors and possibilities for its ventures into the international arena. Though operating via the café chain outlets, through the franchise concept, Secret Recipe is able to also create further exports and trade from its manufacturing of food products to their overseas franchisees under the franchise system.

10. Consequently, Secret Recipe’s venture to overseas markets have increased their own manufacturing and productions activities from their base here in Malaysia as export volumes sharply increase as they now supply their own products to ten countries. Secret Recipe’s 360 degrees franchise and business model that includes managing the supply chain, manufacturing, export trade and franchise is truly commendable. Well done.

Honourable Guests,

11. Without further ado, I would like to thank you for joining me this afternoon and I commend all parties involved and wish you great success in your partnerships. Before I take my leave, I would like to once again thank the organisers for their kind invitation. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Sevala Naik for his support.

12. And with this I end my short speech with a quote – ‘Life has no limitations, except the ones you make’.

Thank you.

‘Q-CELLS IN FOCUS: A WORLD OF SUNSHINE’

2011-12-08T11:05:00.000+08:00

SPEECH

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR

DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

‘Q-CELLS IN FOCUS: A WORLD OF SUNSHINE’

8 DECEMBER 2011 (THURSDAY)

SELANGOR SCIENCE PARK 2, CYBERJAYA, SELANGOR D.E

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Morning and Salam 1Malaysia.

Mr. Franz Vollmann,

Managing Director of Q-Cells Malaysia;

Mr. Iruthaya Das Arulanadam,

Finance Director of Q-Cells Malaysia;

Mr. Hannes Behacker,

Senior Vice President of Asia-Pacific/Middle East, Q-Cells SE;

Members of the Media; and

Honourable Guests.

1. Firstly, I would like to thank Q-Cells for inviting me to officiate this event here today, named ‘Q-Cells in Focus: A World of Sunshine’.

2. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be back here again, as I had visited the Q-Cells manufacturing plant a few months back and had been very impressed by their technology, their emphasis on quality and the way the production activities are operated.

3. Personally, I am all for pushing forward the development of Green Technologies (GT) in Malaysia, and am confident that the solar industry has big potential in the local market as well as in the region.

4. As you are aware, the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program for renewable energy was implemented on 1^st of December. This marks the beginning of a new era for renewable energy and Green technologies in Malaysia.

5. Today, we are gathered here at the premises of Q-Cells, one of the leading PV companies worldwide. I am told that apart from its manufacturing facility in Thalheim, Germany, where the company’s headquarters are located, the manufacturing facility in Malaysia is the group’s second production plant.

6. I have been informed that Q-Cells have chosen Malaysia out of 30 countries to invest in. The Malaysian Government is delighted to have a technological leader which holds four world records for technologies it has created and made available to the world of PV -to establish its presence here in Malaysia, thus enabling the hoped transfer of knowledge & expertise and making its high-quality products easily accessible to the local PV market.

7. To date, with its manufacturing facility, state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, technology and knowledge transfer as well as continuous optimisation activities, the Q-Cells Group has invested close to RM1.5 billion in Malaysia.

8. Malaysia’s economy and population is growing and this has brought about an increasing energy demand along with sustainability and environmental issues. Since we are all; globally faced with finite energy resources and would also like to significantly reduce our CO2 emission, we will have to quickly take into consideration and manage the aspects of energy generation as the country strives towards a high-income economy.

9. With the recently passed Renewable Energy Act and Sustainable Energy Development Act, Malaysia has shifted its fuel mix from the 4-fuel strategy consisting of gas, coal, hydropower and oil to include renewable energy.

10. Malaysia has had the advantage of being more or less insulated against global fuel price fluctuation that has occurred in the past years. However, with fossil fuels depleting fast, the decision for a renewable energy of the future has to be made wisely. Malaysia, with its abundance of sunlight, is in an excellent position to make solar PV a very viable form of generating energy.

11. However, to build up a solid and high-quality solar industry in the local market, we need accurate data, we need proven technological know-how and we need technical expertise. Q-Cells to my mind offers experience of 3GW of built-up installations using its cell technology and about 500 MW of PV systems installed by Q-Cells as a system integrator.

12. We have heard from Mr. Vollmann that the new Q-Cells Solar Testfield provides performance data on various solar technologies, (for example, crystalline and thin film), used in the tropical climate. The analyses of these will bring the Malaysian solar market a step up and I understand that these data will also be made available to interested customers and business partners.

Distinguished Guests,

13. I would be remiss in my duties if I did not share with you some of the wonderful initiatives undertaken by the Government to incentivise the renewable energy industry.

· Firstly, you could apply for Pioneer Status which exempts you 100% from paying income tax of statutory income for a period of 10 years.

· Investment tax allowance of 100% on the qualifying capital expenditure incurred within a period of 5 years.

· Exemption from import duty and sales tax on imported machinery, equipment, materials, components, spare parts/replacement parts and consumables (as per section 14(2) Customs Act 1967).

· Exemption from sales tax on machinery, equipment, materials, components, spare parts/replacement parts and consumables purchased from local manufacturers (as per section 10 Sales Tax Act 1972).

· Under the Budget 2009 and 2011, Import duty and sales tax exemption on solar photovoltaic system equipment for the usage by third parties are given to importers, including photovoltaic services providers approved by the Energy Commission.

· Sales tax exemption on the purchase of solar heating system equipment from local manufacturers.

· These incentives are effective for applications received from 30 August 2008 till 31 December 2012.

14. For your information, at present a total of 101 projects benefitting from the said incentives have been approved. These projects are anticipated to generate approximately 530MW electricity from biomass and mini hydro, 187.22 KWP electricity from solar, 804,000 ton steam, 1,400 GJ heat and 1,000 RT chilled water. In this context, the new Renewable Energy (RE) policy will transform Malaysia to become a leader in renewable energy and also in Green technology applications.

15. In this way, Malaysia will progress into a nation that is able to satisfy its own energy needs from indigenous RE resources, be independent from fuel imports, a be a leader in Green technology development while able to conserve its natural environment so that it can also be enjoyed by future generations.

16. A sustainable local RE industry could help mitigate green house gas emissions due to power generation from fossil fuel while creating a new source of economic activity for the country. It is envisaged the new RE policy will put Malaysia on the forefront of ASEAN countries to pursue Green technology aggressively towards a sustainable future for our country.

17. Also, this policy aims to enhance the utilisation of indigenous RE resources to contribute towards national electricity supply security and sustainable socioeconomic development.

18. Allow me to crystallise the objectives of this policy. It is to:

· increase RE contribution in the national power generation mix;

· facilitate the growth of the RE industry;

· ensure reasonable RE generation costs;

· conserve the environment for future generations; and

· enhance awareness on the role and importance of RE.

19. Therefore, the Government has established the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) to administer and manage the implementation of the feed-in tariff mechanism which is mandated under the Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act 725).

20. You may also be interested to know that the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Programme functions as a support mechanism to the RE policy which allows electricity that is produced from indigenous RE resources to be sold to power utilities at a fixed premium price and for a specific duration.

21. For companies to generate electricity from RE resources there are 2 types of licenses:

· Public License (for sale to utility provider) e.g. TNB and SESB; and

· Private License (for own consumption).

22. Foreign equity allowed for FiT programme is up to 49 percent. Please do access www.seda.gov.my for further information.

Honourable Guests,

23. Before I take my leave, I would urge you to take advantage of this opportunity at this event to share and gain from discussions. We look forward to your contribution to help develop Malaysia into a leading hub in the region for the solar industry and to pave the ‘Green’ way for the country into the future. I would also like to once again thank the organisers for their kind invitation.

24. With that, I hereby officially declare today’s event, Q-Cells in Focus: A World of Sunshine officially open and wish all guests of Q-Cells an informative and fruitful event. I wish the Management of Q-Cells with all its staff success in helping to shape the future of solar energy in Malaysia.

Thank you.

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF SME@UKM PROGRAMME

2011-12-05T09:51:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx?v=148

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF SME@UKM PROGRAMME

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

GRADUATION CEREMONY OF SME@UKM PROGRAMME

21 NOVEMBER 2011 (MONDAY)

DANAU GOLF CLUB, BANGI

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, a very good afternoon and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Professor Dr. Saran Kaur Gill,
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry & Community Partnerships,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM);

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Hafsah Hashim,
CEO of SME Corporation Malaysia;

Mr. Sumiya Hayashi,
President of Tokyo SME University of Japan;

Excellencies and Distinguished Guests.
2. First of all, let us praise the Almighty that with his blessings, we are able to gather here today. I am pleased to be here this afternoon at this highly exciting event and I would like to thank all present for taking your time off your busy schedule to witness the achievements made under the SME@University Programme.

3. I am delighted to note that today 21 CEOs from 21 SMEs will be graduating from the SME@University Programme which commenced on 25 June this year, at University Kebangsaan Malaysia. As all of you are aware, the SME@University Programme is a programme aimed at enhancing the management skills of entrepreneurs, towards developing capable CEOs of SMEs. This programme which is based on the Japan SME University’s Programme model, is a coordinated and concerted effort of five parties, namely SME Corp. Malaysia, Human Resource Development Corporation which also known as Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB), SME Support of Japan and UKM-Centre for Entrepreneurship and SMEs Development (UKM- CESMED).

4. As for the SME CEOs, who participated in this 3 month programme, I am sure that they would have acquired better and deeper insights on the different perspectives of doing business, including creative marketing, appropriate finance and accounting standards, business growth strategies and innovation, which are key requisites for world class CEOs.

5. I believe that they would have also equipped themselves with the updated business tools to be applied in their businesses. Over the time they spent together with fellow CEOs, I am sure they would have the privilege of sharing knowledge and experiences, thus enriching their body of knowledge, while developing new capabilities. What makes this a very interesting experience is that, these pioneer group of ‘students’ who are CEOs of companies, have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in doing business, at classes in a university campus environment, mingling around with a top-notch professors, PHD students and industry players. Indeed, SME@University is an apt description of this unique programme.

Honourable Guests,

6. I understand that it is not easy for the CEOs to spend time away from business. For this I would like to applaud the ‘pioneer students’ of the SME@University Programme for their perseverance to complete this Programme, and if not for their strong will, they would not have been here with us today. It is definitely not easy to juggle between studies, managing a family and running a business. For your information, come rain or shine, these ‘students’ have worked their way to UKM every Saturday without fail to fulfil the requirements of this programme. And mind you, these ‘students’ did not come from within Klang Valley but from all over the country such as Kelantan and Johor. A lot of sacrifice has been made and as I pointed out earlier, and without persistence, their success would not have been possible. As the Japanese proverb says, ‘fall seven times, stand up eight’.

7. In this regard, I am happy to share with all of you on the outcome of SME@UKM. As I mentioned earlier, a total of 21 CEOs have participated in this programme, and after going through the 3 months course, I am pleased to inform that out of the 21 CEOs, three have taken a step further by enrolling themselves in the MBA program at UKM and another CEO has pursued her MBA at the University of Hull, United Kingdom. This is a good indicator of this programme, demonstrating that a balance approach of theoretical and practical lessons through semi-coaching and semi-consulting process have very much benefitted the participants of this programme. Over and above, I believe this programme has brought about a positive change in mindsets of these entrepreneurs on doing business. The ability of entrepreneurs, being able to look at business using different perspectives means that they are able to innovate thus bringing their business to greater heights.

8. In recognising the importance of continuous learning among the SMEs, I am pleased to inform that SME Corp. Malaysia is looking into the possibility to offer to all the ‘pioneer students’ of SME@UKM, enrolment in the ‘General Management Programme’, under the Cambridge Judge Business School. This intensely practical, skills-based programme will equip you with the understanding on integrating marketing, operations and strategy from a strategic business perspective. This two-week Programme, in Kuala Lumpur, will also enable you to develop your management skills and knowledge, alongside selected and highly motivated international peer group. Do let us know if you are interested.

Distinguished Guests,

9. This SME@UKM programme would not have been a reality without the unwavering efforts contributed by all parties involved. With this I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Professor Dr. Mohd. Fauzi Mohd. Jani, Director of Center for Entrepreneurship & SME Development (UKM-CESMED) and his team: Associate Professor Dr. Tih Sio Hong, Associate Professor Zaimah Darawi, Mr. Radzuan Rahid and their fellow professors and lecturers. Their dedication and tireless efforts has brought about fruition to this initiative. Thank you all again.

10. I’m sure all of you agree that an excellent initiative such as this should not just end here. We will strengthen the ties between SME Corp, the academia and industry players by working hand in hand again with other centres of excellence such as UiTM, UPM, UMK and UIAM. I was made to understand that the next SME@University is scheduled to kick-off at UiTM in January 2012, followed by UPM in February, UMK in April and UIAM in June 2012. I am delighted to mention that today, MITI and SME Corp is honoured to hand over the torch to the UiTM to initiate the implementation of SME@UiTM in 2012.

Distinguished Guests,

11. Before I conclude, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved especially PSMB for supporting the funding of the programme, to UKM as the pilot and prime content developers of the program module and SME Support of Japan for facilitating the collaboration in making this, a success! Not forgetting, to the ‘pioneer graduates’ of SME@UKM, Congratulations! You made it! Last but not least, it is my fervent hope that many more SMEs out there will come on board this programme next year. With that, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

Thank you.

OFFICIATING FIRST SOLAR (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD: 3000 WATT PANEL PRODUCTION

2011-12-05T09:50:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx?v=148

Wednesday November 16, 2011

OFFICIATING FIRST SOLAR (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD: 3000 WATT PANEL PRODUCTION

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

OFFICIATING FIRST SOLAR (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD:
3000 WATT PANEL PRODUCTION

16 NOVEMBER 2011 (WEDNESDAY)

KULIM HI-TECH, KEDAH

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Morning and Salam 1Malaysia.

Mr. P'ng Soo Hong,
Managing Director of First Solar (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd;

Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris,
Senior Director of Public Affairs;

Tuan Haji Muhamad Sobri Osman,
President of Kulim Technology Park Corporation;

Kulim Industrial Tenants Association (KITA) members;

Members of the Media, and

Honourable Guests.

1. Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank First Solar (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. for inviting me to this momentous occasion. Although this is my second time here, I’m still amazed with the fact that First Solar is the first solar module manufacturing plant in Malaysia but within four years, has turn from a single plant in 2008 to six plants fully ramped up by mid 2011, workforce growth from 109 employees in 2007 to approximately 3500 employees as of October 2011, currently the largest single site for thin-film solar module manufacturing in the world with a capacity of approximately 1.62GW power worth of solar panels annually and most importantly contributed approximately RM3.45 billion to the local economy since starting operations.

Honourable Guests,

2. Solar technology isn’t new. Its history spans from the 7th Century B.C. till today. We started out concentrating the sun’s heat with glass and mirrors to light fires. Its use and importance has increased significantly since.

3. Today, we have everything from solar powered buildings to solar powered vehicles. With an abundance of solar energy – enough shining on the earth every hour to meet the world demand for an entire year – it's no surprise that solar energy has time and again been harnessed to meet the growing needs of mankind.

4. From the ancient Mediterranean homes built to face the sun during the cold winter months to highly sophisticated thin-film photovoltaic cells which generate electricity from sunlight, solar energy continues to be a leading source of primary and alternative energy. Utilising solar technology and other forms of renewable energy helps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for energy production thus directly reduces CO2 emissions which contribute to climate change and consequently global warming.

Honourable Guests,

5. Climate change is not just about the warming of the earth but rather more profound is its impact on humankind’s existence on this planet we call home. It affects every facet of our lives and in particular our food security. This issue not only besets Asia but the entire world. The current events of extreme weather patterns are said to be the after effects of global warming. Just imagine the consequences if the great rivers of Asia like the Yangtze, Yellow River, Mekong, Ganges and the others run dry due to the effect of prolonged drought. Many would argue that this phenomenon is already occurring. It has been said that climate change is one that we ignore at our own peril.

6. Malaysia is in the fight against climate change. We are committed to reduce our carbon emissions. Our Prime Minister has envisioned Green technology as the new growth engine for Malaysia. We foresee that Green technology will help Malaysia remain competitive in the international marketplace as global demand for environmentally sound products increase. Furthermore, our PM has also said that Green development strategies are not only due to economic considerations but that we have a moral obligation to leave behind an ecosystem that future generations can live in.

7. Hence, the National Green Technology Policy was formulated to:

• minimise growth of energy consumption while enhancing economic development;
• facilitate the growth of the Green Technology industry and enhance its contribution to the national economy;
• increase national capability and capacity for innovation in Green Technology development and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in Green Technology at the global arena;
• ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for future generations; and
• enhance public education and awareness on Green Technology and encourage its widespread use.

Honourable Guests,

8. Today’s event is in line with the Government’s policy to facilitate the growth of our Green Technology industry and enhance its contribution to the national economy. Today, First Solar (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has reached the accumulative production of 3000 mega watts (more than 38,000 solar panel’s output). I was informed that this is achieved only within 3 years of production compared to others that require 6 to 8 years. I am certainly pleased with this development. Well done! I am also encouraged by the recognition by First Solar of our highly skilled and qualified workers. This is something that we can all be proud of.

9. With today’s momentous output, Malaysia is firming up its position as one of the largest solar panel producing nations-overtaking much larger competitor nations as world-class companies start to expand their capacities in Malaysia.

Honourable Guests,

10. The reasons behind Malaysia’s success are manifold. The Government gives support in the form of tax breaks, loans and clear regulations. Many world-class companies have started solar manufacturing operations in Malaysia including First Solar. With incentives such as a 15 year tax holiday for solar company profits, low interest rates and good infrastructure such as in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, I dare say that we are a favoured destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in this regard.

11. Thus, the message that I want to send out this morning is that the Government is committed to ensuring that we provide the best environment for investments both foreign and domestic to thrive.

Honourable Guests,

12. I believe this is just the beginning of a bright and profitable future for First Solar.

13. Bill Gates said and I quote, ‘Almost every way we make electricity today, except for the emerging renewable and nuclear, puts out CO2. And so, what we're going to have to do at a global scale is to create a new system. And so, we need energy miracles’.

14. With that, I wish First Solar (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd all the best and success in your future endeavours and congratulations on achieving the accumulative production of 3000 mega watt of solar panels. Once again thank you for the kind invitation and I look forward to further success stories from this company.

Thank you.

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx?v=148 Friday November 11, 2011 OFFICIATING THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE (PKT LOGISTICS GROUP)

2011-12-05T09:49:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx?v=148

Friday November 11, 2011

OFFICIATING THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE (PKT LOGISTICS GROUP)

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

OFFICIATING THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE (PKT LOGISTICS GROUP)

11 NOVEMBER 2011 (FRIDAY)

THE ONE LOGISTICS HUB, SECTION 32, SHAH ALAM

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Afternoon and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Wira Jalilah Baba,
Group Chairman, PKT Logistics Group

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ SK Tio,
Group Founder and President of PKT Logistics Group;

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Michael By Tio,
Group CEO and Managing Director of PKT Logistics Group;

Members of the Press, and

Honourable Guests.

1. Firstly, I would like to thank PKT Logistics Group for inviting me to officiate this momentous occasion.

2. Over 30 years, PKT Logistics Group’s growth has been on the uptrend. It has evolved from a custom brokerage and forwarding service provider and later diversified downstream to provide complimentary services such as NVOCC (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier), container haulage, warehouse and distribution-under subsidiary companies. This is a success story of which Malaysian companies can learn from the advantages of organic growth. Start small but move from strength to strength.

3. I am also encouraged by PKT Logistic’s vision, which is to be one of Malaysia’s champions of the logistics industry in this region and the rest of the world.

4. Logistics has assumed a very prominent role as it provides the backbone to facilitate international trade. The value chain involves integration of various service providers – transport, distribution, freight and ancillary services – to deliver a total supply chain solution. In order to give more focus on this sub-sector, the Government has set up the Malaysia Logistics Council (MLC) in 2007 to be the focal point for the overall coordination on strategies, policies, regulations and rules for the logistics sector.

Honorable Guest,

5. The services sector is already in the driver’s seat of the Malaysian economy but it had taken us sometime to realise its importance. In fact, this realisation only took place in 2006 when the Government launched the Third Industrial Master Plan for the period 2006 to 2020. The IMP3 had identified eight services sub-sectors, including the ICT, distributive trade, tourism and logistics sub-sectors, as growth engines of the future to be further developed to enhance Malaysia’s trade and global competitiveness. In this regard, the IMP3 also identified GDP growth targets and the quantum of investments required annually to increase its share of the GDP to 65 per cent by 2020.

6. We are therefore a new boy on the block as far as services are concerned. We are only now moving towards a services economy, particularly at a time when many developed countries, including those in the European Union, have already established competitive services sub-sectors that are well poised and geared towards taking full advantage of opportunities in this sector. The fact that services accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the GDP of the EU and for more than 75 per cent of the GDP in some of your member states indicates the competitiveness of this sector in your countries.

7. The services sector in Malaysia is poised to achieve greater heights. Apart from the NEM and the Third Industrial Master Plan, the Government is also actively engaging the private sector through the Tenth Malaysia Plan to focus on growth of specific services sub-sectors to uplift the sector’s contribution to the GDP. In addition, the Government also undertakes to better the enabling environment through revision of regulatory frameworks as well as liberalisation of select subsectors. Efforts are also being streamlined to raise the level of value-added, innovation and creativity into the sector.

8. If you browse MITI website through the list of sub-sectors that were unilaterally liberalised, you would appreciate that:

• We are liberalising these sub-sectors earlier than our commitments to liberalise by 2015 in the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services by 2015;

• We have gone beyond the 70 per cent ASEAN equity that we are committed to achieve in AFAS by 2015;

• Several sub-sectors, such as computer related services, are sub-sectors that our trading partners had expressed interest in our negotiations; and

• With WTO negotiations not making much progress, the unilateral liberalisation was aimed at offering international investors an opportunity to participate in the economy, thus not limiting it to only those countries with which we have free trade arrangements.

9. What does Malaysia want when it liberalises the services sector?

• We want foreign investors to invest in a wide range of services sub-sectors, not only limited to sub-sectors such as finance and insurance, real estate and distributive trade;

• We want to add new capacities and capabilities in the country, not only to fill in vacuums in services supply within the country but to position the investments to take advantage of ASEAN integration. The liberalisation of theme parks, convention centres, hotels and restaurants were aimed at further enhancing our attraction as a tourist destination. Such high impact projects have multiplier effect on the economy and build capacities for the future;

• We want technology and expertise to provide quality life for the aged and disabled, when we liberalised welfare homes and homes for the disabled;

• We want to create high value jobs and help up-grade skills and expertise in the country and not invest in sub-sectors where the domestic workforce will continue to compete with foreign workers for a decent wage; and

• We want to provide a first mover advantage in some sectors that is already liberalised in ASEAN, such as the logistics sub-sectors.

Honourable Guests,

10. Some people perceive that by giving more focus to the services sector, the manufacturing sector is no longer a priority. This is not a correct interpretation of this new focus. The development of the services sector would in fact complement and support the development of the manufacturing sector. This is particularly true of the reliance of the manufacturing sector on a competitive and efficient logistics supply chain to move its goods and products to the consumers in overseas market.

11. As manufacturers outsource production parts and components worldwide to lower the cost of production, the logistics sector assumes a critical role towards achieving this objective.

12. This brings me to the purpose of our meeting today which is the launching of PKT Logistic’s Green lighthouse. The modern and Green features to be incorporated in this lighthouse is indeed in line with the Government’s policy to promote the Green Building in Malaysia.

13. I am made to understand that PKT Logistic intends to invest over RM240 million in Malaysia over time. It is anticipated that this will contribute significantly to the country through various multiplier effects such as the creation of new high-income jobs that will help create a high-income society as mooted by our Prime Minister. This is a good sign and I would urge other companies to similarly increase their investments in Malaysia.

14. Finally, I would like to congratulate the management of PKT Group and all of PKT Logistics’ staff as you celebrate a new chapter in PKT’s history. I wish you all the success for the future. I am told that today the 11-11-11 (11th of Nov 2011) is particularly auspicious. This seems like a very good start.

Thank you.

RE: Gelombang Merah Speech

2011-12-05T09:47:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx?v=148

UCAPAN

Saturday December 03, 2011

Gelombang Merah Speech.

Bismillahirahmannirahim, assalamualaikum warohmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Y.Bhg Dato Pengerusi Tetap (YB Dato Timb Pengerusi Tetap), YAB Dato Seri Presiden & YAB Tan Sri Timb Presiden, Naib2 Presiden, Ketua2 Sayap, Ahli Majlis Kerja Tertinggi, Sidang Perwakilan seperjuangan yang saya hormati sekelian.

I Mukhriz Mahathir from UMNO Kubang Pasu representing UMNO Kedah Darulaman, rice bowl of the country, birthplace of two Party Presidents and Prime Ministers, with great pride stand here to debate the UMNO President’s Ucapan Dasar. Thank you for this privilege.

Strong and brave warriors,
UMNO exists to fight,
For the honour of Malay civilisation,

Honourable delegates,

Alhamdullilah we are gathered here today to affirm and give praise and thanks for the prosperity and success that we have attained from the pledges, zeal, leadership principals that has been carried by past successive leaders based on :

The believe in God,
Loyalty to King and Country,
The sanctity of our Federal Constitution,
Respect for our Laws,
Politeness and civility.

How wise were our founding fathers. Not only did they make history, returned to us our pride and glory but the most important thing is that they created a philosophy on how to govern ourselves in an environment that is both complex and unique.

If in the past our pride and stature was trashed by the colonial powers, our national resources stolen, our right to determine our own future denied for 400 years, now we can stand up on our own two feet with full confidence without depending on others.

If in the past we were in awe to the symbols of pride of foreigners that caused us to look down on ourselves, now we can take pride in Putrajaya and the Twin Towers of KLCC. They represent the sense of confidence and national pride that can never be broken by anyone.

If in the past we had to depend on the pity of foreigners that came to steal our natural resources, now Malaysia is renowned as a country that has its place as the 24th biggest trading nation in the world.

It is proven that our country is a special gift from God. With the abilities of the Rakyat guided by the correct policies, there isn’t any ambition that we cannot achieve.

The struggle that isn’t finished.

All that I have said so far is the truth. However, we must admit and accept that our struggle is not yet done There is just a lot of work that we must do.

We must work hard to fulfil the hopes of Kak Fauziah, the single mother from Kodiang that has diabetes and high blood pressure-her son Azzim’s salary that is not enough to pay for his mother’s required treatment and neither is it enough to cover the cost of Akmal’s studies in UiTM nor Azli who is still in school.

We must work hard to fulfil the hopes of Firdaus that intends to marry the girl of his dreams Farah whom he has known since he was still in school or even to buy his house coupled with his PTPN loan and credit card bills that have driven him to borrow from the loan sharks.

We must work hard to create business opportunities for Azwan so that he can help his father Abang Mi a fishermen in Kuala Sanglang and to help his disabled brother Azri.

It is evident my Honourable Delegates that there is much work to be done to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of Malaysians that still require our assistance and support.
Although they are hoping that their grievances will be addressed by the Government, but they know that they too have to work hard to attain a comfortable life and not just depend on the Government completely. They have never strayed from this responsibility.

They know all this. But they only hope that their leaders will not overlook their plight and let them drift away from mainstream development or lose out on a good education. They hope that their leaders won’t indulge in constant infighting that causes neglect to the citizens. That’s our citizens’ only hope and that has become our sacred trust and duty to the citizens to uphold.

Now, through the transformation programmes thought of by Dato Seri Najib, Firdaus can buy his first house with PR1MA. TEKUN can help Azwan start a small businesses.

Kak Fuziah is learning how to sow a baju kurung under the 1Malaysia Training Scheme that will prepare her to set up her own businesses. The subsidy received by Abang Mi helps him buy sugar and rice at reasonable prices at Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia in Padang Sera. These are all the approaches taken by our Right Honourable Prime Minister to solve the Rakyat’s problems. It is clear that our PM possesses the leadership qualities of former great leaders and he serves with sincerity and honesty solely for the Rakyat.

Foreign interference.

Notwithstanding all our PM is doing, the opposition practices the culture of politics of destruction. Theirs’ is to negate all our successes and thwart all our worthwhile initiatives.

They say our government is corrupt, practices nepotism, cronyism, and inefficient, not relevant, not liberal enough, not Islamic enough, too far left, too far right, not firm, restricts freedom and human rights and much more. The opposition is trying to portray our government that was voted in through 12 democratic elections by the will of the voters is to be considered according to the opposition the same as dictator governments in Arab nations that do injustice to their citizenry. Utter rubbish.

The opposition uses all sorts of labels to incite hatred within the people against UMNO and our leaders. Mahafiraun, Mahazalim, Hitler, thieves of the nation’s assets- all to vilify our leaders.

Human rights, freedom of speech, free and fair elections, equality, anti-corruption and etc are supposedly the exclusive campaign ownership or exclusive copyright of the opposition as if the opposition parties are the only ones allowed to use these ideas when in fact in reality their actions do not reflect this at all. They are the ones who have transgressed all these noble ideals in since assuming power.

Furthermore, the opposition has launched sustained intense attacks on institutions that have for so long diligently served the people and protect the people’s interests like the PDRM, Armed Forces, justice system, SPR and SPRM in a very planned and systematic manner both within the country and overseas.

Anwar Ibrahim himself has flared the seeds of revolution ala Arab Spring that he has renamed the Malaysia Spring. How desperate Anwar must be after having failed miserably to bring down our duly elected Government that Anwar orchestrated through undemocratic means on the 16th September 2008.

Lately, the opposition uses street protests as a means to challenge the mandate of the Government and when the Government is forced to react to maintain order and peace, the opposition with the planned support of Western media broadcasts to the world images that tarnish Malaysia’s standing internationally. Furthermore, in this tense situation where communication is super fast, one tweet or FB alone can result in riots and chaos like what happened in London recently.

Anwar says that they only want the right to assemble peacefully. But the fact remains that a planned opposition conspiracy was in play like the faked death at the BERSIH 2.0 rally that could trigger or serve as a tipping point that will flare up violence to erupt all over the country. In this situation, a Malay proverb says it all-an egg at the end of the horn-where bloodshed is imminent.

Is this what we want? Are these scenes of violence and chaos that we see in the Arab nations what we want for ourselves?

Anwar and his goons say street demos are a normal way in advanced countries and must be copied in Malaysia. According to Anwar and gang, this is true democracy.

Yes, we also practice democracy. The difference being that we practice democracy according to what is good for us based on our own interpretation. Yes, we too want to be a developed-nation by 2020. But certainly a developed-nation of our own definition and mould. If there are good practices in the West we will certainly apply them if it is good and beneficial for us. However, if those practices aren’t compatible with our Eastern values we will surely reject them. What is of pertinence is that we protect our rights and choose what is good and suitable for our country and her people without blindly copying all that the West does just because it is the norm for the Westerners.

Weren’t these very advanced nations that the opposition praises to the skies the very ones who transgressed human rights when they launched a war on an Arab country based on a lie? Aren’t these Western nations that the opposition so adore the very ones that kill in the most brutal fashion innocent civilians in the nations that they colonise? Aren’t these Western nations the ones that commit atrocities with the unconvincing justification to remove a dictator and promote democracy?

Weren’t these Western nations the very ones that brought on the worst financial crisis in history to the rest of the world? Aren’t these Western nations the very ones that negate anyone’s right to freedom of speech when you defy their will?

Despite all this, there are still those who are willing to be traitors from within our midst that collude with foreign powers to rape our nation. Unfortunately, when we expose these subversive activities, we are the ones who the opposition accuses of creating a conspiracy theory.

Actually my Honourable Delegates, whether you realise it or not, the opposition is the new tool of the foreign powers. The opposition gets a lot of funding and lots more of other support to attain their objective of what they have coined as regime change. Question I am asking is, are we going to allow the new era of colonisation to happen here?

It is our responsibility to state the facts to the Rakyat so that the Rakyat understands and are not easily deceived with the lies and deception of the opposition. I am confident that all of you will bear this burden to the best of your abilities.

If it is true that you are ready to fight with Dato Seri Najib to return the strength and glory of UMNO, if you truly are willing to sacrifice anything for UMNO and if you are convinced that we need a big majority in the next general elections for the sake of our children’s future-this is the time to unite and commit ourselves to a big win for our party. Even if our wings are broken we shall strive on!

PAS’s failures in Kedah.

Honourable guests,

In the three years since PAS has governed Kedah, there hasn’t been any plan at all to stimulate the state’s economy.

In the religious context, although PAS claims to fight for Islam, not one mosque or surau has been built since the 12th general elections. Despite this, they are still willing to destroy a madrasah that is a 100 years old to build a shopping mall! The top leaders of PAS themselves were grinning from ear to ear when moving the demolition machinery to break the ground! The reality is that UMNO representatives are actually the ones who build the mosques and suraus throughout Kedah.

PAS does not build mosque or suraus but the numbers of vice massage parlours are on the rise! At one point these parlours were told to shut down during the holy fasting month of Ramadan but under severe DAP pressure PAS relented and that order was rescinded. The excuse given is that these dodgy massage parlours do not permit Muslims during the fasting month. What’s the meaning of all this? Does this mean that other than Ramadan, the PAS led government allows Muslims to patronise the parlours of sin?

When Pas is questioned, their response is that these vice parlours are only to satisfy the demands of non-Muslims. This is a big insult to our non-Muslim friends. Are PAS Kedah leaders saying that non-Muslims in Malaysia love vice activities?

This is the attitude of PAS leaders in Kedah. In Kedah lingo, PAS is really ‘kemereh’. Do you Sirs and Madams understand what kemereh means? Kemereh is worse than koman-meaning to say that everything they do does not materialise. It becomes a mess. PAS will even resort to chopping down a small tree as big as your thigh to gain revenue from it. PAS can’t even breed catfish successfully what more to administer a state?

PAS leaders say that they have achieved 80.7% of their 12th general elections pledges. Not 80% mind you but 80.7%. Where in the world did they get that 0.7% baffles me. Even the Rakyat haven’t a clue of what election promises have they fulfilled! This is an insult to the Kedahans, as if Pas is treating the Kedahans like they are dumb and so easily deceived by the leaders of PAS. This PAS is really kemereh.

PAS is banking that the people of Kedah are forgetful. After three years of PAS sitting on their hands doing nothing, but as elections approach –they PAS start giving handouts to the people in the hope that Kedahans will remember these small insincere tokens and forget all the good work that UMNO has been doing all these many many years. For PAS, if the Malays are the type that easily forget and are easily deceived then the future for PAS to win is bright.

Question is, are Kedahans truly forgetful or ungrateful? PAS is really kemereh and insulting the Kedah people. I, We believe that the Kedahans are intelligent and wise people and will make the right choices in voting as the people in Kedah are so fed up with the excuses given by PAS government on why even rubbish can’t be collected all over Kedah! We are sick and tired of the excuses as to why PAS can’t develop this state. We are fed up that the village roads are NOT maintained NOR upgraded despite the fact the the Federal Government has provided funding for it. People are sick and tired of PAS incessantly blaming UMNO, BN and the Federal Government for all of PAS own failures and inadequacies.

As PAS keeps whining and giving one lame excuse after another, the bulldozers are about to destroy the small shops at Taman Ria Jaya, Sungai Petani at the GO from PAS. The Chinese small traders close shop in Alor Setar at rumah kampong Sungai Setar. The area of Sik experiences land slip because the big trees holding the earth have been chopped off. The Salahiah Madrasah in Kancut that is 100 years old is to be demolished to give way to a shopping mall.

We are livid with this predicament brought on by PAS and I believe that the Kedah people are ready and eager to return power to UMNO if we field the right winnable candidates.

Our pledge is our support,
UMNO Kedah heeds the call,
Whoever is selected the winnable candidate,
Our party success is foremost of importance!

The precondition to our party win is that we MUST be united. We must show the people that we are not caught up with infighting at the divisional level, we MUST be united. In order to prove to the Rakyat that we are serious and to safeguard the future of our children and grandchildren, we MUST be united. United we stand in loyalty shoulder to shoulder-this is our pledge at the beginning of our UMNO song!

When we are UNITED, our efforts no matter how small will combine with the efforts of our other comrades and this will create a wave that will create a tide and will turn into a great big red wave that will bring down the walls of hatred sowed by the opposition. Gone will be the walls of division built by the opposition. All the scurrilous lies and labels of hate created by the opposition will be erased. Smashed will be the shield of religion that PAS has manipulated and compromised just to win votes.

We call this great big wave the RED wave and it is engulfing all of Kedah. If you my brothers and sisters want to be part of this great strong wave – know this that there is no problem that we can’t solve, no dream that we can’t achieve.

We will regain Kedah for UMNO. We will defend Putrajaya. That is the solemn oath of UMNO Kedah!

Sekian, wabillahi taufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Kedah supports the President’s Ucapan Dasar.

YB Dato' Mukhriz Mahathir.

Membahas Usul Ucapan Dasar Presiden UMNO oleh Mukhriz Mahathir

2011-12-05T09:46:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx?v=147

UCAPAN

Saturday December 03, 2011

Membahas Usul Ucapan Dasar Presiden UMNO oleh Mukhriz Mahathir

Saya Mukhriz Mahathir dari UMNO Kubang Pasu mewakili UMNO Kedah Darulaman, negeri jelapang padi, negeri kelahiran dua Presiden parti dan Perdana Menteri, dengan rasa penuh bangga berdiri disini untuk membahas usul Ucapan Dasar Presiden UMNO. Terima kasih atas penghormatan ini.

2) Gagah berani pendekar perang,
Menyusun langkah menyinting baju
Wujud UMNO untuk berjuang,
Demi maruah keramat Melayu

3) Alhamdulillah berkumpulnya kita hari ini adalah untuk memperakui hakikat dan mensyukuri nikmat kejayaan yang telah dicapai hasil dari ikrar, keazaman dan prinsip kepimpinan yang datang silih berganti berdasarkan kepada :

Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan
Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara
Keluhuran Perlembagaan
Kedaulatan Undang-undang
Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan

4) Begitu bijaksana sekali pemimpin-pemimpin terdahulu. Bukan saja mampu melakar sejarah, mengembalikan maruah dan kegemilangan lampau, malah yang paling penting ialah keupayaan mereka mencipta falsafah negara di dalam persekitaran yang begitu kompleks dan unik.

5) Kalau dulu maruah dan martabat kita disepak terajang oleh penjajah, hak untuk menentukan masa depan kita sendiri dinafikan lebih 400 tahun lamanya, kini kita mampu berdiri sendiri dengan penuh yakin tanpa bergantung kepada orang lain.

6) Kalau dulu kita terpegun dengan mercu-mercu tanda kebanggaan negara asing hingga timbul perasaan rendah diri di kalangan kita, kini kita juga dirikan Putrajaya dan Menara KLCC sebagai lambang keyakinan dan semangat bangsa kita yang tidak boleh dipatahkan.

7) Kalau dulu kita bergantung kepada belas ihsan kuasa asing yang datang merompak hasil bumi kita, kini Malaysia tersohor sebagai negara yang mampu menguasai pasaran global sehingga menjadi negara pedagang yang ke-24 terbesar di dunia.

8) Terbukti, negara kita ini adalah satu anugerah Tuhan yang teristimewa. Dengan kebolehan rakyatnya, dipandu dengan halatuju yang betul dan benar, tiada cita-cita yang mustahil untuk kita capai.

PERJUANGAN YANG BELUM SELESAI

9) Kesemuanya ini adalah kebenaran. Namun hakikat yang harus kita semua akui ialah.. perjuangan kita masih belum selesai. Terlalu banyak kerja yang masih perlu kita lakukan.

10) Kita perlu bekerja keras untuk memenuhi harapan Kak Fuziah, ibu tunggal dari Kodiang yang sakit kencing manis dan darah tinggi – gaji anaknya Azzim tak cukup untuk bayar kos ubat, belanja Akmal di UiTM dan Azli yang masih dibangku sekolah.

11) Kita perlu bekerja keras memenuhi harapan Firdaus yang ingin berkahwin gadis pujaannya Farah yang dikenali sejak di sekolah lagi serta mampu membeli rumahnya sendiri walaupun berhutang PTPTN dan kad kredit yang mendorongnya untuk meminjam dari Ahlong.

12) Kita perlu bekerja keras untuk mewujudkan perniagaan untuk Azwan supaya dia dapat bantu ayahnya Abg Mi seorang nelayan di Kuala Sanglang yang anak seorang lagi Azri adalah OKU.

13) Jelas sekali, para perwakilan yang saya hormati, terlalu banyak kerja yang perlu kita lakukan untuk memenuhi segala harapan rakyat Malaysia yang masih memerlukan bantuan dan sokongan.

14) Walaupun berharap, mereka yang mengadu nasib kepada kami tidak meletakkan tanggungjawab untuk menentukan masa depan mereka sepenuhnya diatas bahu Kerajaan semata-mata. Mereka tahu mereka juga perlu bekerja keras untuk menempah kehidupan yang lebih selesa, dan mereka tidak pernah mengabaikan tanggungjawab ini.

15) Mereka tahu itu semua. Tetapi harapan mereka adalah agar pemimpin seperti kita tidak terlepas pandang akan nasib mereka. Tidak lalai, tidak biarkan mereka tercicir dari arus pendidikan dan pembangunan perdana. Tidak bersengketa sesama sendiri hingga abaikan tugas dan tanggungjawab kita. Itu sahaja harapan mereka, dan sudah menjadi amanah kita untuk tidak menghampakan mereka.

16) Kini melalui program transformasi cetusan idea Dato Seri Najib, Firdaus mampu membeli rumah pertama dengan adanya PR1MA. TEKUN membantu Azwan memulakan perniagaan secara kecil-kecilan.

17) Kak Fuziah sedang belajar menjahit baju kurung di bawah Skim Latihan 1Malaysia supaya boleh berniaga nanti. Bantuan subsidi diesel dan wang sara hidup nelayan juga dinikmati oleh Abg Mi yang boleh membeli gula dan beras dengan harga yang berpatutan di Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia di Padang Sera. Ini semua pendekatan Perdana Menteri untuk menyelesaikan masalah rakyat. Jelas Presiden kita mewarisi ketokohan pemimpin-pemimpin terdahulu dalam berkhidmat dengan ikhlas dan jujur semata-mata demi rakyat.

CAMPURTANGAN ASING

18) Namun begitu, pihak pembangkang yang mengamalkan budaya politik pemusnah menidakkan mentah-mentah segala kejayaan kita dan memperlekeh setiap inisiatif kita.

19) Kata mereka Kerajaan kita ini korup, mengamalkan nepotisme, kronisme, tidak cekap, tidak relevan, tidak cukup liberal, tidak cukup Islam, terlalu berhaluan kiri, terlalu berhaluan kanan, tidak tegas, mengongkong kebebasan dan hak asasi manusia, dan banyak lagi. Seolah-olah Kerajaan pilihan rakyat yang telah 12 kali memenangi pilihanraya ini mahu disamakan dengan kerajaan diktator yang menzalimi rakyat di negara-negara Arab.

20) Pelbagai label jelek digunakan untuk menimbulkan rasa marah serta benci rakyat terhadap UMNO dan pemimpin kita. Mahafiraun, Mahazalim, Hitler, perompak harta rakyat tak lekang di bibir mereka, menghina para pemimpin kita.

21) Hak asasi manusia, kebebasan bersuara, pilihanraya yang bebas dan adil, kesamarataan, anti-rasuah, dan sebagainya menjadi kempen hakcipta terpelihara, seolah-olah hanya mereka yang layak gunakan walhal tindakan mereka adalah sebaliknya.

22) Anwar Ibrahim sendiri telah mencetuskan bibit-bibit revolusi ala Arab Spring yang dia namakan Malaysia Spring. Betapa terdesaknya Anwar setelah gagal menggunakan kaedah tidak demokratik pada 16 September 2008 untuk menjatuhkan Kerajaan yang dipilih rakyat.

23) Demonstrasi jalanan digunakan untuk mencabar mandat Kerajaan, dan apabila Kerajaan terpaksa bertindak - maka dengan sokongan terancang media Barat, dunia disajikan imej-imej yang memburukan nama baik Malaysia. Dalam situasi sebegini tegang, ditambah pula dengan teknologi telekomunikasi yang serba pantas, satu tweet atau FB saja, mampu mencetuskan huru hara ala Kota London.

24) Memang Anwar akan kata, "kami hanya mahu hak untuk berhimpun secara aman". Tapi hakikatnya satu konspirasi terancang telah digerakan seperti lakonan kematian sewaktu perhimpunan Bersih 2.0 yang boleh dijadikan pencetus atau tipping point yang bakal mengakibatkan keganasan merebak keseluruh negara. Dalam situasi sebegini, ibarat telur dihujung tanduk, bila-bila pun pertumpahan darah boleh berlaku.

25) Adakah ini yang kita mahu? Adakah adegan-adegan ganas yang kita lihat berlaku dinegara-negara Arab hendak kita saksikan disini?

Kata Anwar dan kuncu-kuncunya, demonstrasi jalanan adalah perkara biasa dinegara-negara maju, dan seharusnya dicontohi oleh Malaysia. Menurut mereka, inilah demokrasi yang sebenar.

26) Ya, kita juga pengamal demokrasi. Bezanya kita amalkan demokrasi mengikut terjemahan kita sendiri. Ya, kita juga mahu jadi negara maju. Tetapi tentulah negara maju yang mengikut definisi dan acuan kita sendiri. Jika ada amalan-amalan terpuji dinegara-negara maju, sudah tentu kita akan mencontohinya. Tapi jika ada amalan-amalan yang tidak sesuai dengan budaya ketimuran kita, sudah tentu kita tolak.

27) Penting bagi kita untuk mempertahankan hak kita untuk memilih apa yang sesuai bagi negara dan rakyat, dan tidak meniru secara membabi buta setiap yang dilakukan oleh negara-negara Barat atas alasan ianya sesuatu yang lazim bagi mereka.

28) Tidakah negara-negara maju yang pembangkang agung-agungkan itu juga - yang melanggar hak asasi manusia bila mencetus peperangan di rantau Teluk atas alasan yang kini terbukti penipuan? Tidakah negara-negara maju yang mereka sanjungi itu juga - yang membunuh dengan kejam rakyat biasa yang tidak bersalah dinegara-negara yang mereka jajah - atas alasan menjatuhkan diktator dan mempromosi demokrasi kononnya!

29) Tidakah negara-negara Barat ini juga yang kini mencetuskan krisis kewangan yang paling teruk dalam sejarah dunia? Tidakah negara-negara ini juga yang menidakkan hak bersuara sesiapa yang menentang kehendak mereka?

30) Namun, ada juga pengkhianat-pengkhianat dinegara kita ini yang sanggup bersubahat dengan kuasa-kuasa asing untuk memperkosa negara. Malangnya apabila kita mendedahkan kegiatan-kegiatan subversif ini, kita pula yang dituduh mempromosi teori konspirasi.

31) Sebenarnya, sidang perwakilan yang saya sanjungi, sedar ataupun tidak, pembangkang adalah alat penjajahan era baru kuasa-kuasa asing. Mereka ditaja dengan dana yang besar dan pelbagai bantuan yang lain untuk menjayakan apa yang diistilahkan sebagai perubahan rejim atau regime change. Soalnya adakah kita akan membenarkan penjajahan era baru ini berlaku?

32) Menjadi tanggungjawab kitalah untuk menerangkan fakta sebenar kepada rakyat supaya rakyat faham dan tidak terpedaya dengan tipu helah pembangkang. Saya yakin tuan-tuan dan puan-puan mampu menggalas amanah ini.

33) Jika benar Tuan-tuan bersedia bersama Dato Seri Najib ingin mengembalikan kekuatan UMNO,
jika benar Tuan-tuan sanggup berkorban apa saja untuk UMNO.
Dan jika benar Tuan-tuan yakin kita perlu menang dengan majoriti yang besar di PRU kelak,
demi masa depan anak cucu kita, inilah masanya kita bersatu hati dan bertekad untuk memenangkan parti keramat kita ini. Patah sayap bertongkat paruh. Perjuangan ini akan tetap kita teruskan!

KEGAGALAN PAS KEDAH

34) Dalam tiga tahun setengah sejak PAS mengambilalih Kedah, tidak ada langsung usaha mereka untuk merancakan ekonomi di negeri tersebut.

35) Dalam konteks agama pula, walaupun PAS kononnya memperjuangkan Islam, tidak ada satu masjid atau surau pun yang mereka bina sejak PRU12. Dah lah tak bina masjid, madrasah yang berusia seratus tahun pun nak diroboh untuk dirikan pusat beli belah! Malah pemimpin tertinggi PAS negeri sendiri yang tersenyum riang menggerakkan jentolak untuk acara pecah tanah! Hakikatnya wakil rakyat UMNO lah yang membina masjid dan surau diseluruh negeri Kedah.

36) Masjid tidak mereka bina, tapi rumah urut pula yang semakin bertambah! Kejap suruh tutup dibulan puasa, tiba-tiba atas tekanan DAP buka balik. Kononnya orang Islam tidak dibenarkan masuk rumah-rumah urut ini dibulan puasa. Apa maksud ini semua? Adakah selain bulan Ramadhan, Kerajaan PAS benarkan orang Islam melanggani pusat-pusat maksiat ini?

37) Bila kita tanya, depa kata "rumah-rumah urut ini untuk memenuhi permintaan masyarakat bukan Islam"! Ini satu penghinaan besar kepada rakan-rakan kita yang bukan Islam. Adakah pemimpin PAS Kedah bermaksud orang bukan Islam di Malaysia ini suka pi pusat-pusat maksiat?

38) Begitulah sikap pemimpin PAS di Kedah. Ikut loghat Kedah, PAS ni kemereh betoi. Kemereh ni lebih teruk dari koman, buat semua tak jadi, pendek akai. Balak sebesar betis pun depa tebang untuk cari duit. Nak bela ikan keli pun tak reti - apa lagi nak tadbir sebuah negeri?

39) Kata pemimpin depa 80.7% dari janji PRU12 telahpun ditunai. Bukan 80% tuan-tuan, tapi 80.7%! Yang 0.7% ni mai mana pun saya tak tau. Rakyat pun tak tahu janji mana yang PAS dah tunai! Ini satu penghinaan kepada rakyat Kedah, seolah-olah pemimpin PAS menganggap orang Kedah ni bodoh, begitu mudah nak ditipu oleh pemimpin PAS. Kemereh sungguh pemimpin PAS Kedah ni.

40) PAS berharap rakyat Kedah ni pelupa. Selama tiga tahun setengah PAS tak buat apa-apa, tapi bila dah dekat pilihanraya barulah macam-macam habuan depa hulur dengan harapan kerja sikit yang PAS buat itu lah yang rakyat ingat, kerja baik UMNO buat selama ini akan rakyat lupa. Bagi depa, kalau orang Kedah ni macam Melayu yang mudah lupa, cerahlah peluang untuk depa menang.

41) Soalnya betui ka rakyat Kedah lagu tu? Betui ka orang Kedah ni tak pandai bersyukur dan tak kenang budi? Pemimpin PAS ini begitu kemereh dan menghina rakyat sebenarnya. Kami percaya rakyat Kedah bijak dalam membuat pilihan nanti kerana kami Rakyat Kedah dah cemuih mendengar alasan kenapa sampah tak boleh dikutip sekitar Kedah. Kami dah cemuih mendengar alasan bahawa Kerajaan PAS tak mampu membangun negeri, kami dah cemuih mendengar alasan bahawa jalan-jalan kampung tak dibaiki walaupun peruntukan dah Kerajaan Pusat bagi, kami dah cemuih mendengar alasan bahawa segala masalah di Kedah - semua salah kita!

42) Sambil depa bagi alasan demi alasan, penjaja berdepan dengan trakter yang nak robohkan gerai di Taman Ria Jaya, Sg Petani. Peniaga runcit Cina gulung tikar di Alor Setar, rumah kampung di Sungai Setar, Sik alami hakisan tanah kerana pokok-pokok sebesar peha pun ditebang, Madrasah Salahiah di Kancut yang berusia lebih 100 tahun pun nak dirobohkan untuk beri laluan kepada pusat beli belah.

43) Serik dengan keadaan ini, saya percaya rakyat Kedah bersedia mengembalikan kuasa kepada UMNO sekiranya kita letakan calon yang boleh menang.

Ikrar diberi tanda sokongan
UMNO Kedah menyahut seruan
Biarpun siapa menjadi pilihan
Kemenangan parti sentiasa didahulukan

Cuma pra syaratnya ialah - kita perlu bersatu. Untuk tunjukkan kepada rakyat bahawa pemimpin bahagian tak lawan das sesama sendiri, kita mesti bersatu. Untuk buktikan kepada rakyat bahawa kita serious menjamin masadepan anak cucu mereka, kita harus bersatu. Untuk meyakinkan rakyat bahawa kita pilihan terbaik di PRU kelak, kita wajib bersatu. Bersatu kita bersatu dengan setia berganding bahu - itupun ikrar kita dipermulaan lagu UMNO!

44) Apabila kita bersatu, usaha kita yang sekecil mana sekalipun akan bercantum dengan usaha rakan-rakan lain lantas menggerakan arus, maka arus menjadi ombak, ombak menjadi gelombang, dan gelombang yang besar hasil perpaduan antara kita akan mampu meruntuhkan tembok kebencian yang pembangkang dirikan, retak dan pecahlah dinding pemisah antara keikhlasan kita dan harapan rakyat, leburlah segala fitnah yang pembangkang sajikan, berkecailah perisai atas nama agama yang pembangkang salahgunakan untuk memperdaya rakyat.

45) Gelombang yang kami namakan Gelombang merah ini sedang bergerak di seluruh Kedah. Jika Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan turut memainkan peranan menggerakan gelombang merah ini, tiada masalah yang tak boleh kita rongkai, tiada impian yang tak boleh kita capai. Kedah akan kita rampas semula, Putrajaya akan tetap kita pertahankan! Itulah bai'ah UMNO Kedah!

Sekian. Kedah mohon menyokong!

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC FINANCE & BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM AND HALAL CARNIVAL (IIBSC 2011): GO ISLAMIC, GO GLOBAL

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx

Thursday October 06, 2011

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC FINANCE & BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM AND HALAL CARNIVAL (IIBSC 2011): GO ISLAMIC, GO GLOBAL

YB DATO’ MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC FINANCE & BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM AND HALAL CARNIVAL (IIBSC 2011): GO ISLAMIC, GO GLOBAL

6 OCTOBER 2011 (THURSDAY)

DEWAN TUANKU CANSELOR (DATC), UiTM

Assalamualaikum W.B.T and Salam 1Malaysia.

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Professor Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Said,
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs) of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM);

Professor Dr. Faridah Hj Hassan,
Director of Institute of Business Excellence (IBE),
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM);

Distinguished Guests, Speakers, Professors and Students.

1. My heartiest congratulations go to the Institute of Business Excellence, UiTM and student organisation, KONSEN for organising this big event – International Islamic Finance & Business Symposium and Halal Carnival 2011. As nations begin to emerge not only from the worldwide recession and the credit crisis, we are now facing the uncertainty of climatic changes, more economic instability and political strife all over the world. This period of fragile recovery and change brings with it a series of new and important issues for the global community.

2. When world economies were reeling from the debilitating global financial crisis originating from speculative no-collateral junk loans such as subprime derivatives, spooked financial market players were looking for an alternative financial system which was more steadfastly ethics-based. In their desperation they looked everywhere only to finally find a safe haven and solution in Islamic Finance as espoused by Malaysia. So enamoured were they of the virtues of this values-based financing that investors from all religious denominations began to take it seriously and learnt about the many types of financial tools created by Malaysian banks.

3. In fact, as the number of syariah-compliant loans began to rise, indicating the growing demand for such financial tools from among Muslim and non-Muslim clients, more and more international banks not normally associated with Islamic tenets started to offer Islamic Financial products. Now it is no longer strange to see international commercial banks issuing Islamic loans to clients who are also non-Muslim. Such is the success of the global Islamic Finance and Banking system which had its principles and details thought out by intellects from Malaysia and the rest of the Muslim world, that the global financial system now has an alternative that provides much needed stability and safety to financial assets.

Distinguished Guests,

4. As testimony to the reliability of Islamic Finance and Banking, in 2009 the Vatican suggested that banks should look at the rules of Islamic finance to restore confidence amongst their clients at a time of global economic crisis. The Vatican’s official newspaper called ‘Osservatore Romano’ stated that – “The ethical principles on which Islamic finance is based may bring banks closer to their clients and to the true spirit which should mark every financial service”. Many non-Muslims can see the wisdom as well as the advantages of Islamic Finance over conventional systems. Therefore, Muslims have very little excuse to fall behind in this respect.

5. Furthermore, on the establishment of the global halal industry, it was during the OIC COMCEC meeting several years ago that Malaysia suggested for halal to be included as an item in the agenda of the meeting. There were many objections in the beginning-mostly questions on whether Malaysia was implying that food being consumed in Muslim countries were actually non-halal. Our explanation and response was that whilst Muslims may feel that they adhered to all the tenets of Islam to ensure the food we prepare for consumption are halal, but there are still weaknesses and loopholes that we have ignored for far too long. In this day and age, with the cutting edge technology that is at our disposal, it is unacceptable to use "darurat" as an excuse to not be absolutely sure we strictly follow out by the obligations and commandments of the holy Al-Quran.

6. When it was pointed out that as Muslims rise early in the morning to have their bath before performing fajr prayers, and they brush their teeth to keep themselves clean as they prostrate before Allah SWT, little did they know that either the toothpaste they used had pig bone as an ingredient, or the toothbrush was made of pig bristle. Surely using these items cannot be halal, and yet here we were confidently performing our prayers oblivious to the fact that we may have not adhered to our obligations in respect to halal.

7. Another good example is in the way we prepare our foods. Even if we make sure our meats are slaughtered properly but then use ingredients that are not permissible in their preparation such as the use of lard in sauces, then we would have been remiss in our religious obligations. Or even when we've done everything to ensure our food is halal, but then use a plate that says bone China on the back, then again we would have been negligent as the plate could have been made of pig bone.

8. Clearly we have to be more vigilant in the way we fulfil our religious obligations especially when we have all the means to determine whether the way we or others prepare food is indeed halal.

9. Such persuasive arguments were how we convinced our brothers and sisters in OIC COMCEC to put halal on the agenda. Since then, the production and export of halal food everywhere in the world has created a typical blue ocean market, and the non-food halal sector has seen healthy growth. Now the global halal market is valued at USD2.7trillion annually, fuelled not only because of a huge Muslim market or whether the Muslim minority in developed nations have high disposable income, but also because non-Muslims now consider halal products more hygienic in an era where diseases such as avian and swine flu had gone endemic in various parts of the world.

Honourable Guests,

10. I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that Malaysia has done a great service, in fact a fardu kifayah for the global Ummah by developing both the Islamic financial system and the halal industry. This fardu kifayah that we have spent much time and effort on has benefited not only Muslims but also non-Muslims from across the world. Sadly I don't think Malaysia gets anywhere near enough credit for the good work its put in. Despite that, it is with some level of satisfaction that we see Islam so directly associated with the highest form of ethics by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The association or branding of Islam with ethics or values-based finance is something that cannot be denied even by people who don't consider themselves to be friends of Islam. Whether they like it or not, they too have to use terms like sukuk, mudarabah, takaful etc as their clients demand for Islamic financial products.
11. Imagine the contradiction when someone says Islam promotes terrorism while at the same time making use of Islamic banking facilities or consuming halal products. How do these people justify their propaganda that Muslims are inclined towards violence while also acknowledging that Islam expounds ethics and good values? It is evident that the more demand there is for Islamic Banking and Finance as well as for halal products and services, the stronger our ability to defeat the propaganda to malign Islam as a violent religion.

12. Thus, brothers and sisters, I think that what you as the organisers of IIBSC are doing is truly noble and important. You may see it as another symposium that revolves around Islamic Banking and halal, but I see it as another step towards creating better understanding between peoples of the world and between different faiths. From where you sit, you may see a carnival, but I see an attempt to promote global peace.

13. Congratulations on such a noble endeavour.

14. Thus, with the recitation of Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim, I officially declare open the ‘International Islamic Finance & Business Symposium and Halal Carnival (IIBSC) 2011’.

Thank you.

19th ANNIVERSARY NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE

2011-10-07T09:58:00.000+08:00

http://www.mukhriz.com/speech.aspx

Saturday October 01, 2011

19th ANNIVERSARY NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE

YB DATUK MUKHRIZ MAHATHIR
DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY

AT THE
19th ANNIVERSARY NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE

1 OCTOBER 2011 (SATURDAY)

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

Assalamualaikum W.B.T, Good Evening and Salam 1Malaysia.

His Excellency David Pine,
New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia;

Mr. Richard Tankenserly,
Chairman of the Malaysia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce;

Members of the Malaysia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce;

Distinguished Guests.

1. Thank you for inviting me tonight and I would firstly like to convey Minister Mustapa’s apology for his absence as he is currently away on an official visit to Europe. I am indeed delighted to be sharing the floor with the rest of the members of the Malaysia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, or MNZCC and to address you tonight on your 19th Anniversary of New Zealand Annual Dinner and Dance.

2. As we will all be entertained by New Zealand’s finest singers and entertainers, The Kiwi All Stars, I will not bore you with a long speech and instead try to keep things short and simple.

3. Firstly, let me congratulate the MNZCC on its 19th anniversary. Indeed, the Chamber has been actively contributing in enhancing bilateral trade and economic ties between Malaysia and New Zealand since its establishment in 1992. For this, I must commend all the members of MNZCC for setting a track record other business councils here in Malaysia will find challenging to emulate.

Honourable Guests,

4. The Malaysia-New Zealand bilateral relationship has always been good. It is underpinned significantly by the commercial and people-to-people links, in which our business councils are so often involved.

5. Apart from a small aberration arising from the world wide economic slowdown in 2009, the state of the bilateral trade and economic relations between our two countries remain strong. Our bilateral trade enjoyed an average growth rate of 11.2% between 2000 and 2010. From January to July 2011 alone, bilateral trade which was valued at US$1.1 billion increased 5.8% over the corresponding period in 2010. And, this is expected to be further boosted following the implementation of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) which came into force on 1 August 2010.

6. From 2007 until July 2011, a total of 38 manufacturing projects are approved with participation from New Zealand, valued at US$75.8 million. As at 31st December 2010, a total of 26 manufacturing projects were implemented with total investments of US$34.7 million. New Zealand companies which have significant investments in Malaysia cover a wide variety of sectors, including food/food technology, ICT and telecommunications, electronics, software, information technology, and building products. Malaysia welcomes more New Zealand projects to be established here in Malaysia.

Distinguished Guests,

7. Food is usually a fond subject of discussion as you would notice in Malaysia due to the cultural and culinary diversity. In March this year, Malaysia participated in the International Cultural Festival 2011 (AICF) at Mount Roskill War Memorial Park, Auckland where we promoted the Malaysia Kitchen programme in New Zealand. This programme under the auspices of MATRADE is aimed at promoting Malaysian restaurants overseas including those in the USA and in UK. We promote better awareness and demand for Malaysian cuisine through an integrated, holistic and multi-pronged approach working with the restaurant operators.

8. I am sure most of you would have experienced, or at least have sampled some of the popular and varied Malaysian favourites such as Nasi Lemak, Satay, Laksa, Teh Tarik, Mee Curry, Roti Canai and other dishes like rendang and for the more adventurous, several other exotic and exquisite Malay, Nonya and a host of ethnic or regional specialties. Malaysia Kitchen operators offer an array of Malaysian menu from simple quick meals to fine dining to our overseas clientele. Presently, there are approximately 200 Malaysian Kitchen Restaurants all over the world.

9. There are 47 Malaysia Kitchen Restaurants operating in New Zealand, to be precise, 20 Restaurants in Wellington and 27 Restaurants in Auckland. We are hoping that our New Zealand friends would visit some of the Malaysia Kitchen Restaurants in New Zealand.

10. I also would like to take this opportunity to urge the New Zealand business community here to participate in the upcoming International Trade Malaysia (INTRADE 2011) which will be held in Kuala Lumpur on 22nd until 24th November 2011. In 2010, INTRADE attracted more than 8,000 trade visitors from 77 countries with sales of RM 4.2 billion recorded. INTRADE 2011 presents a unique platform for New Zealand participating companies to enhance their networking and business development given the international exposure.

Honourable Guests,

11. People-to-people relations between our two countries especially in the areas of education and tourism are doing extremely well. More than 30,000 Malaysians had received their education in the various colleges and universities in New Zealand. Today, there are approximately 2,305 Malaysian students pursuing their tertiary education in New Zealand. We welcome more New Zealand nationals to pursue post graduate studies and training in our tertiary institutions.

12. The number of tourists from New Zealand visiting Malaysia has also been increasing, from 63,000 in 2009 to slightly more than 66,000 in 2010. The most significant achievement in our bilateral tourism cooperation was the launch of Air Asia X in Christchurch on 2 April 2011. Air Asia X, currently has 4 return-flights a week between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch. This invariably will increase the exchange of tourist and business travel in a significant way.

Distinguished Guests,

13. In closing, I would like to thank MNZCC for the opportunity to be with you tonight. I am sure this close cooperation between the Chamber and MITI will continue to bring our business communities and our people closer.

14. I also would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all and the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team every success in the match against Canada soon in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Tournament.

Thank you and Selamat Malam.