Appointment of MCA, Gerakan reps not a burden - Ahmad Maslan

The appointment of five leaders from MCA and one from Gerakan into the Cabinet does not burden the government as it has been able to manage its finances well, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

He said the appointment of those Barisan Nasional component party leaders was very much needed as Malaysia had only six years to go before reaching a developed nation status.

"We must not compare our country with other nations as their needs differ from ours. Our nation's has a greater need because we are heading towards a developed nation status.

"The next five to six years is a crucial period for us to continue boosting our economic growth and distribute the nation's wealth fairly to all," he told reporters at the breaking-of-fast event hosted by the owner of the Bianco Mimosa boutique, Datuk Ida Suraya Mustapha, here on Saturday.

Prior to this, several quarters had questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's move in appointing MCA and Gerakan leaders to join his Cabinet, saying that it would only increase the financial burden of the government.

At the event, Ahmad also presented Ida Suraya's donations to 150 orphans from the Ar-Rahmaniah orphanage, Rawang.