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Ka Chuan keen to continue the
good work
24/03/2008 The Star By Loong Meng
Yee
PETALING JAYA: Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Ong Ka Chuan is
hitting the ground running because he does not intend to be in office for
more than two terms.
“Ka Ting is my role model. If he stayed for two terms, I cannot stay longer.
I inherited a good system, I must work harder and further strengthen the
foundation,” said the new minister, the older brother of predecessor Ka
Ting, the MCA party president.
Ka Ting declined to be reappointed as minister although he won the Kulai
parliamentary seat in the recent polls.
Close to Ka Chuan’s heart is providing housing to the poor, and make housing
affordable to all despite the rising steel, cement and labour costs.
“These are difficult obstacles to overcome, but there must be some way. This
will need the continued support from all parties, such as the state
governments, the developers and the financial institutions,” he said in an
interview.
He also said he wished he could bring more development to Perak, adding it
had been nearly 10 years since the state MCA had a minister.
Ka Chuan admitted he had his limitations, but was willing to listen, learn
and consult.
He said that by the end of his tenure he hoped to have played his role in
strengthening a system that would allow his successor to continue with
unfinished work smoothly.
In the changed political environment and with the Opposition helming five
states, Ka Chuan expects some challenges but is confident he can cope with
them.
“I have no hesitation working with the Opposition, but frankly, it will not
be life as usual, the working relationship will not be as smooth ... the
ministry may not get the close cooperation as before.
“Ultimately, it is about service to the people. It boils down to what is
right and wrong. Everyone has to be sincere in carrying out his
responsibilities,” he said.
He added that development plans would carry on and he did not intend to
“punish” anyone.
“In politics, there are ups and downs. When they support us we are thankful,
but when they reject us we cannot hate them,” he said.
“Feelings are not permanent. The voters will come back to us if we perform
well.
“It depends on what we can do to promote a conducive environment to woo
them, provide the voters with a sense of belonging, security, righteousness
– a sense that all hope is not lost,” said Ka Chuan. |
