GEORGE TOWN, Oct 12 — The Penang Chinese Chambers of Commerce (PCCC) has called on the government to do away with race-based policies.

The PCCC said it was concerned and uncomfortable with the proposal to include “advancing Bumiputra agenda” as one of the seven strategies in Budget 2015.

“We cannot subscribe to the proposal of putting ‘advancing Bumiputra agenda’ as one of seven main strategies proposed in the budget.

“For many years, especially during the years of the New Economy Policy, race-based policy had caused counter-productive effects on the country’s economy. 

“Such policy has delayed the pace of development in the country, caused serious brain-drain and is against the mega trend of globalisation,” it said in a statement on Budget 2015 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Friday.

The PCCC was pleased that Najib made several clarifications which would help towards the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

“We are glad that the government has agreed to widen the scope of items that will not be subjected to GST after taking into account feedback from the rakyat. 

“We also welcome the announcement to reduce personal and corporate income taxes. We hope that once the revenue from GST has increased, the government will further reduce the income tax.” 

It also lauded the government for its funding for education and that it was taking a serious view on the standard and proficiency of English language among graduates.  

“We hope that in the implementation of the budget, all races would be treated equally, in line with the spirit of 1Malaysia,” it said.