ONG URGES AUTOMOTIVE PLAYERS TO ADOPT DYNAMIC APPROACH

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Automotive industry players need to
acknowledge the need for a more dynamic and hands-on approach in addressing and
countering the effects of global economic slowdown.

Transport Minister, Ong Tee Keat, said this was needed as the industry has
been a major player of the national economy.

"With the world banking system still trying to pick up the pieces, world
trade dwindling further and almost all international banks insolvent, we need to
acknowledge this need," he said at the opening of the Second Kuala Lumpur
International Automotive Conference 2009 here Tuesday.

The two-day conference, themed "Surviving and Thriving during the Economic
Downturn", is organised by Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute and Malaysian
Automotive Association.

The text of his speech was read Deputy Transport Minister, Robert Lau Hoi
Chew.

Ong said it was the ministry's vision to provide an integrated, efficient,
cost-effective, technologically-advanced and safe transport system.

"These provisions will act as catalysts to facilitate trade, promote
socio-economic development, enhance multi-modalism, and to assist the country
achieve its vision to be a fully developed nation by 2020," he said.

He said in making Malaysia a regional hub for the automotive sector,
priority would be given to manufacturers and assemblers who used the country as
a launching pad to regional and international markets.

"The government is committed in promoting policies and incentives to attract
components and parts manufacturers to invest here and will continue to provide
further direction and assistance," he said.
-- BERNAMA