Deputy Finance Minister Lin Huiying said that the recent tariff policies implemented by the United States on various countries have attracted attention within the global trade system. Although currently in the negotiation phase, if these policies are enforced, they could potentially exert significant pressure on Malaysia's economic system.
She stated that our country must face this challenge pragmatically to prevent harm to bilateral trade relations.
She mentioned on Saturday (26th) during the swearing-in ceremony of the new committee of the new association that the Bright Government has arranged a delegation to the United States to commence negotiations on the 24th. The government has expressed a willingness to keep an open attitude and continue negotiations with the United States to find constructive solutions.
“We have also expressed our willingness to negotiate with the United States in four major areas: reducing trade deficits, addressing non-tariff barriers, strengthening technology protection and security, and exploring potential bilateral trade agreements. The Bright Government emphasizes that we always keep communication channels open in hopes of resolving issues on a mutually beneficial basis.”
She mentioned that Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah noted that Malaysia's stance and proposals received positive responses during the first round of reciprocal tariff negotiations with the United States. However, he also emphasized that it would take some time for both parties to finalize a mutually acceptable solution.
She hopes that through these negotiations, not only the consistent good relations between Malaysia and the United States will continue, but a fair, mutually beneficial, and sustainable cooperation mechanism can also be established. The Bright Government will continue to prioritize national and public interest to ensure that any negotiations and agreements do not sacrifice the survival space of local businesses.
Ou Bingzhao: Transformation of Local Associations to Meet the Needs of the Times and Avoid Elimination
Ou Bingzhao, the general affairs officer and upcoming Datuk of the Penang Guangdong and Tingzhou Association, pointed out that the establishment of the new association in 1801 makes it a long-standing local organization. The pioneers of the association had the foresight to form the association 224 years ago to unite the community and gather strength to seek welfare for the descendants and benefit the community.
He believes that the arduous and diligent work of the pioneers over the past two centuries has successfully laid a solid foundation. Coupled with the wise leadership of the new president, Hu Jinghao, who has rich experience in association affairs, along with the sincere unity of the current leadership, it will undoubtedly achieve more with less effort in the development of the association's affairs, leading the association to a new milestone.
He said that the rapid advancement of society towards technological progress requires local associations to progress with the times through social transformation to meet the demands of the era and avoid being eliminated by the tide of advanced technology.
He suggested that all Guangdong local associations in Penang should step out of their traditional frameworks and emphasize academic and documentary work. For example, the present chief of the Penang Guangdong-Tingzhou Association, Datuk Liu Zhirong, has taken bold steps to hold over twenty "cultural, historical, and economic lecture series" this year to stimulate young people's interest and encourage more youngsters to participate in local association activities.
Attendees included Komtar assemblyman Cheng Lai Hing, permanent honorary president Datuk Lee Zhi Huang, executive advisor Dr. Liang Gehui, deputy president Datuk Liang Jinghui, vice president Dr. Wu Huicheng, general affairs officer Dr. Liang Jiayu, treasurer Feng Guoguang, and women's group director Mrs. Qiu Qingyue.