PM calls for less dependence on foreign workers

He cited the implementation of the Industrialised Building System (IBS) in the construction industry, whereby the components are manufactured in a controlled environment or robotic technology used, which has been proven to increase productivity.

"I have heard that businesses need more foreign workers to increase productivity, which will bring more revenue. If we can use better technologies, then we can reduce the need for foreign workers.

"I would like our companies and others in the private sector to place greater emphasis on increasing productivity because we need to compete at the higher lever, not only locally."

Najib said this in his speech when opening the 70th Annual General Meeting of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), here, today.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, ACCCIM president Datuk Ter Liong Yap and Pahang Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Tan Sri Lim Sing.

Najib stressed that as a responsible government, it was always willing to listen to the issues and problems raised by the business sector and industry players to ensure they received all the help needed to develop their businesses.

"In the last meeting of the ACCCIM, you did mention the difficulties in terms of documentation with regard to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act and this is something we can look into. Sometimes bureacracy can overtake the right thing.

"I believe as a government, we must make it easier for people to do business in this country and the laws that we have here should also facilitate that. I will take your memorandum up to the next Cabinet meeting.

"Hopefully, by working together we can ensure that businesses will continue to prosper in Malaysia," he said which drew applause from the audience.

Najib also stressed the need for the Chinese and Bumiputera business communities to work hand in hand to strengthen the country's economy and at the same time help the government achieve its aim of reinforcing unity in society.

"We know the Chinese are good in making money, but you need stability and harmony that can attract more investors to come in. Only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government can assure that. We translate the concept into 1Malaysia where we can join the business programmes, work together and share the wealth together.

"Tell us how we can do better. I can assure you that I am a good listener. I do not talk much and I will do my best in what I am doing. Let's work together. I believe we can do better in years to come, InsyaAllah (God willing)," he said.

In his speech, Najib who is also BN president, also mentioned that the Chinese community had come out of the wall to give psychological support to BN in the Sarawak state election and in the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary seat by-elections recently.

He said what could be understood from the victory was that the Chinese were showing a desire to support BN, the only party that could guarantee unity amid the diversities in Malaysia, and stability and harmony that were vital for business to flourish.

"I believe most of the Chinese are not tied to any party, and may be a 'swing factor' in the next general election, for or against BN.