Corporate Players Told to Translate Pledge Into Positive Action (NST 22

22/10/1997 Corporate players told to translate pledge into positive action THE corporate world is reminded to prove its pledge and support to the Government during the current economic and financial turmoil. Dewan Rakyat Backbenchers Club president Ruhanie Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong) told the Dewan yesterday that there are a small number of corporate figures who tend to criticise and ridicule the Government when facing the challenges brought about by the country's current economic problems. He said this group which have enjoyed the benefits of the country's economic progress and wealth have even resorted to back-stabbing the top leadership of the country. Speaking during the debate on the 1998 Budget proposals, Ruhanie said many corporate figures have expressed their full support for the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his deputy Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in their efforts to overcome the present economic and currency problems. "However, there is a small number of people in the corporate sector who, while enjoying the economic properity, has resorted to activities that do not advocate what they have preached," he said. He said corporate players should translate their pledge of support into positive activities and measures to ensure the success in overcoming the current problems faced by the country. Ruhanie said there is no Government in the world except that of Malaysia which is openly pro-corporate sector. He said the corporate sector should realise that the profits they reaped over the years were the result of the Government's concerted efforts to boost the economic sector. "I am happy that a good number of the corporate sector are fulfilling their social obligations by helping the people in general especially those in the lower income groups. This should be emulated by all corporate citizens," he said. However, Ruhanie said he is equally sad that there are some corporate figures who thought they have more power and authority than the Government and the people who elected the Government. Ruhanie said in times of hardship, all Malaysians irrespective of political and religious affiliations should throw their full support and co-operation for the Government. He said he is happy to note that Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat and Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang had expressed their support for the Government in efforts to stabilise the ringgit and restore the confidence of both locals and foreigners, in the country's economic stability. Ruhanie said Malaysia has become the envy of the West because of its sound financial management and prudent policies and strategies in governing the country. "As such, there are unscrupulous people and groups which are all out to undermine the country's economic success by resorting to manipulation of the value of the ringgit and the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange," he said. Meanwhile, Robert Lau Hoi Chew (BN-Sibu) said all Malaysians must be united and stand firmly behind the Barisan Nasional Government in the current economic situation faced by the country. He expressed his confidence that the prudent and sound measures proposed in the 1998 Budget will contribute towards speedy economic recovery. The imposition of heavier duties on imports should encourage the people to enhance their productivity and concentrate on increasing exports now that the value of the ringgit had depreciated. Hashim Ismail (BN-Ledang) suggested the formation of an Economic Advisory Council to discusss realistic and pragmatic economic measures. "This economic council should be led by the Economic Advisor to the Government and comprises economic experts from both local and abroad," he said. (END).

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