Page 49 - KSN English Final

BRICK BY BRICK : FACILITATING the construction fraternity. The key challenges are multi-faceted: from the
issue of environmental sustainability, quality assurance of infrastructure
THE NATION’S GROWTH delivered, to energy efficiency, heritage conservation, competent
workforce and the issue of heavy import duties and sales tax for heavy
construction machineries. We are also fundamentally challenged to raise
our productivity through better usage of innovation and technology, in
order to reduce our reliance on labour input.
am indeed honoured to be given the opportunity to say a few words this
evening as we commemorate Master Builders Association Malaysia’s In spite of all the challenges that abound, we must always be the optimist
I 59th Anniversary. Heartiest congratulations also to MBAM on the who sees opportunity in every difficulty. Only then will we be able to
successful organisation of this event. I believe this annual dinner provides see that these challenges actually offer builders and contractors the
an excellent platform to get to know the construction fraternity in Malaysia opportunities and rewards to shape our nation for the rakyat. At the same
better, and for the exchange of views and ideas between representatives time, we must put value into the words conceptualised as the theme for
of the Government and the private sector in an informal setting. tonight’s dinner, which is “United for Growth”.

Malaysia has achieved remarkable growth since achieving independence. The theme is indeed apt and in tandem with our National Transformation
Over the last 56 years, our country has transformed into one of the most Agenda, in our quest to propel Malaysia towards becoming a high-income
globalised countries in the world. Our economy has been very progressive, developed economy by the year 2020. In this regard, the Malaysian
and this is best reflected with the physical changes in our surroundings. construction industry has to be truly united, and set aside their individual
We can proudly say that our skyline has changed tremendously in the last difference and at times, make sacrifices, to ensure that the construction
five decades, mostly due to the efforts of builders and contractors. industry continues to be sustainable. Last year, the construction sector
recorded a robust growth of 18.5%, the highest since 1995 (21.1%). The
Since 1954, MBAM has been playing an active and important role in success of the construction sector to maintain its double-digit growth
the development and advancement of our nation. Dedicated towards reflects the unity, commitment, co-operation and determination of all
promoting and developing the construction industry in Malaysia, parties. I sincerely hope that this growth will continue this year.
MBAM’s contribution has not gone unnoticed. I am pleased to note that
MBAM has evolved into a cohesive umbrella organisation, and at the Yesterday, at the launch of Invest Malaysia 2013, the Honourable
same time, earned international recognition through your affiliation with Prime Minister of Malaysia reiterated that the Economic Transformation
the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors Programme (ETP) has a definite vision of the kind of economy that we
Association (IFAWPCA) and the ASEAN Constructors Federation (ACF).

MBAM’s development over the years has also resulted in its membership
affiliation of 140 entities linked to the construction industry, which The construction fraternity also needs to enhance
includes specialist sub-contractors, building material suppliers and its image, and ensure that public infrastructure
manufacturers, trading companies and insurance brokers. Over the last
half decade, MBAM has become a key institution that represents the projects are constructed true to specifications and
construction industry, and this achievement is indeed exemplary and of high quality. There must be better monitoring
must be sustained.
within the construction fraternity of the
Through the dialogues and conversations I have had with MBAM, I note competency of key players.
that there are many challenges and constraints that are being faced by

38 Humanising The Public Service : A Compilation of Speeches by the Chief Secretary to the Government 39