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I am highlighting these two initiatives as I believe MRCA members ensuring a smooth implementation process. I hope MRCA can act as a
can come together and collaborate with the Government in these two conduit for the Government, where questions from members on GST are
initiatives for a start. Hence, I would like to urge all MRCA members to directed collectively to the Government, and not in a piece-meal basis.
participate by increasing your retail presence, activities or programmes In this manner, the Government will be able to handle those enquiries
in UTCs. UTCs are not only the main one-stop centre for Government effectively and cohesively.
services, but also act as a centre for retail activities, youth and NGO
programmes, as well as being a place for entrepreneurs to converge. I have been informed that tonight’s anniversary banquet is also held
in conjunction with the inaugural MRCA Crown Awards Ceremony,
At the same time, I also hope MRCA members will be able to support organised by the MRCA exclusively for its members. The Awards
the My Beautiful Malaysia (MyBM) initiative as part of your company’s Ceremony tonight will showcase and highlight the winners from various
corporate social responsibility by helping to improve public facilities. I categories. The MRCA Crown Awards truly demonstrates the association’s
am confident that with your generous contribution in the form of financial strong commitment to its objectives to support and nurture an industry of
resources, time or expertise, we can all work together to improve the top players, and encourage and inspire local brands to do their best.
well-being of our fellow Malaysians.
I look forward to celebrating together and being inspired by the winners
of the awards. The categories are wide and varied, each representing a
core value upheld by the MRCA. The categories not only highlight the
So far, we have improved from strength to companies’ growth efforts based on bottom line figures amongst others,
strength, as demonstrated by our international but also on its contribution in giving back to the society.
rankings. The World Economic Forum I believe that giving back to the society is one, if not the most, important
ranked Malaysia the 20th most competitive role that we can play as businessmen and individuals. The real bottom
economy from 144 economies in the World line as business entities is to share and contribute for the betterment
Competitiveness Report 2014-2015. of society and humankind. Hence, I encourage all MRCA members to
participate in the Crown Awards, to learn from, and ultimately be inspired
by your fellow members and industry friends.

Before I end my speech, I would like to convey my heartiest
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be implemented from 1 April congratulations to the MRCA and all its esteemed members for these 22
2015, and it is timely for retailers to start preparing for its implementation. years of triumph. I strongly believe that your plans and commitment to
I understand that retailing is a significant business segment in Malaysia deliver will not only build up and strengthen more local brands, but also
and several GST-related issues will impact retailers. However, we must inspire confidence in the attainment of our nation’s goals to become a
understand that the implementation of GST will make the country’s tax high-income developed nation by 2020.
system more transparent, fair, equitable and business-friendly. Therefore,
I urge Malaysian retailers to take proactive measures to better understand All of you have a lot to be proud of, so do keep up the good work. Continue
and be better prepared for the implementation of the GST, so as to avoid to move forward in your journey and play an integral role in Malaysia’s
misunderstandings or disruption to the business. transformative journey towards a high-income developed nation. Last but
not least, Happy 22nd Birthday, MRCA!
In this regard, I would like to humbly request MRCA to assist the
Government by reaching out to all your members and organising
dialogues, training sessions or briefings on GST. Through this, members
will be kept abreast with the latest issues, and this will in turn, assist in

Speech at the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) 22nd Anniversary & Crown Awards Banquet 2014.
16 October 2014, Kuala Lumpur.

90 Humanising The Public Service : A Compilation of Speeches by the Chief Secretary to the Government 91