Malaysia can emulate China’s success in poverty eradication, says DPM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to eradicating poverty and can draw inspiration from China’s effective approach, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The Deputy Prime Minister said China’s impressive progress in economic development is a testament to its unwavering commitment to improve the lives of its people.

“The government is devising tailored policies to alleviate poverty within our nation, aligning with the concept of Malaysia Madani.

“China’s success in eradicating poverty is a remarkable milestone, having lifted 800 million of its people from poverty over the past 40 years, which serves as an inspiring example for our nation to emulate.

“Malaysia can draw invaluable insights from China’s experience in economic development, rooted in factors such as strong government commitment to economic growth, export-oriented manufacturing, large and educated workforce, thriving entrepreneurial culture and attracting foreign direct investments,” he said after launching the Belt and Road Symposium Malaysia (BRSM) and addressed the audiences at a hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 25).

Fadillah, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister, said on the agriculture front, the government is continuously adopting sustainable palm oil practises by embracing digital technologies encompassing artificial intelligence, precision farming, drone technologies, automation and environmental processes in all our oil palm plantation activities.

“Concurrently, we have also facilitated technology transfer and cooperation in the digital sector, disseminating cutting-edge advancements in e-commerce and digital payments.

Fadillah noted that the principles of Malaysia Madani which encompasses KeMampanan (Sustainability), KesejAhteraan (Prosperity), Daya cipta (Innovation), hormAt (Respect), keyakiNan (Trust), and Ihsan (Compassion) resonates with the Belt and Road concept of building a community with a shared inclusive future for humanity.

“While we also acknowledge the valuable lessons we can learn from China’s remarkable achievements, particularly in economic and social development, it has become more vital for us to leverage on this goodwill of good relations, which can propel us to greatness as a nation.”

Malaysia has significantly benefited from China’s rapid economic growth over the past few decades making China our largest trading partner, said Fadillah.

“Through our strategic bilateral partnership, both nations have achieved remarkable outcomes including transformative projects, like the East Coast Rail Link, the ‘Two Countries, Twin Parks’ initiative and Alibaba’s Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) which have yielded substantial economic and societal benefits.”

He said the year 2023 is “extraordinary” for Malaysia and China, as both nations commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Malaysia and China.

Themed “The Path Ahead for Malaysia Madani and BRI”, some 400 guests, including government leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts and business innovators attended the symposium, which was organised by the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (Search) and the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (Cross).

Also present were China Embassy’s charge d’affaires, Zheng Xuefang, Cross chairman Lee Chean Chung and Search chief executive officer (CEO) Neo Chee Hua.