Najib on Chinese education, GST and moderation approach

The Chong Hwa Independent High School will get a new sports complex, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the Government takes the issue of vernacular medium schools seriously and realised its importance for the Chinese community.

"In respect to the Chinese education issue, I have been reminded by Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and other Ministers from MCA and Gerakan, that the Cabinet had approved last week a piece of land to Chong Hwa Independent High School to build a sports complex.

"The Government will only charge RM1,090 of rent per year," he said in his address at the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong) appreciation dinner, Friday.

Najib said he had previously visited the school but his visit was cut short as he had to rush back to Parliament to support a motion.

"I promised to look into their request and I now have delivered my promise to them," he said.

Najib also defended the Government's decision to implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST), saying that it would benefit the country in the long run.

"If we only implement populist policies, it will only bring short-term success, but in the medium- and long-term, the country will lose out.

"I even indicated in the long-run that the Government was prepared to review corporate tax downwards because we want to be competitive.

"However, we cannot just give away the reduction without getting any money.

"If we reduce the corporate tax, you need to support the GST as that is how we can balance the national budget," said Najib.

The Prime Minister added that to ensure peace and stability, the Government would continue with its moderation approach and reject any form of extremism.

"Whether it is religious or racial extremism, we must always respect each other's religion and culture," he said. 

Also present at the event were MCA president and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong and MCA vice-president Datuk Lee Chee Leong.