The World Develops AI, Semiconductors, and Robots, While Malaysia is Stuck in Political Infighting: Wee Ka Siong

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong pointed out that while the world is "racing ahead," actively developing artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and robotics industries, our country continues to be bogged down by unnecessary political infighting, draining the country's time and energy.

He said, when the parent company of social media platform TikTok—ByteDance—launched a new generation video generation model Seedance 2.0, and when robots danced at China's CCTV Spring Festival Gala, showcasing the results of a country’s long-term commitment to technological innovation, our country still cannot even properly resolve issues such as pig farming, setting off firecrackers, or matters related to religious venues.

He stated that if this situation continues, Malaysia, which once "led the way" economically, might one day "fall behind."

Wee Ka Siong said this in his speech today (7th) at the MCA's 77th Anniversary celebration.

He said that enterprises should be dedicating their efforts to innovation, research and development, and improving market competitiveness, but are instead forced to spend a great deal of time dealing with various policies and administrative procedures.

"When the energy of enterprises is consumed by red tape, the country’s innovation capabilities are naturally affected."

He said that if the country truly wants to develop its technology industry, it must create a more business-friendly, efficient, and competitive policy environment, and believes that the government must become a partner to businesses, not a burden.

On another note, Wee Ka Siong said that education is the foundation of the nation’s technological development. MCA will take the initiative to promote AI talent training through its three established tertiary institutions—TAR UMT, UTAR, and TAR Technical Institute—to comprehensively strengthen training talents in artificial intelligence and technology fields.

However, he stated, cultivating technological talents requires a diverse, progressive, information-open, and unrestricted environment that encourages innovation and research.

But he said, the cyberspace in our country is gradually narrowing, and those in power are increasingly brazen in infringing on the people's freedom of speech.

He pointed out that in the past, the Barisan Nasional government faced more and harsher criticism, yet never blocked freedom of speech. But today, Pakatan Harapan, which once claimed to champion freedom of speech, has become even more afraid of criticism after becoming the government, and continues to stop people from speaking.

"Where is the commitment you once loudly championed to defend freedom of speech? The so-called reformist government has, under your administration, only reversed the country's progress on free expression. This is a betrayal of the people’s trust and your own principles. The government withholds information and sweeps problems under the rug."

He said that even he, as a Member of Parliament, was given only vague information by the Ministry of Higher Education when requesting data on the open commercial admission channel (Saluran Terbuka) and the number and data of students entering public universities through the university central admission system (UPU).

"If even Members of Parliament cannot rightfully obtain the information we need, what guarantee is there for ordinary citizens’ right to know?"