Party president Liow Tiong Lai said MCA wanted to create the investment fund in line with its initiative to set up the Kojadi Co-operative Bank, if the party wins in the election.

“We hope to have an investment fund like Amanah Saham Nasional where the public, especially the poor and middle-income people can benefit from the dividends.

“Indirectly, this will help improve their social-economic wellbeing,” he said at a press conference after the launch of the MCA manifesto today.

Liow said it was time for the Chinese community to have an investment fund of their own.

“Everyone should have a share of the cake,” Liow said.

MCA pledged to set up the Kojadi Cooperative Bank branches in every state to provide financial aid to entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Kojadi, or Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Berhad, was set up by MCA in 1981 to provide educational loan for students to pursue higher education.

In its manifesto, the party has also pledged to safeguard moderation as well as ensure checks and balances in the government.

However, Liow said the party would not be able to play its role if it did not get the people’s support and is not represented in the cabinet.

“If MCA is not in the government, then the voice of non-Muslims will not be heard. What I am saying is: if the government consists only of people from a single race, the country will face extremism.

“We in MCA will ensure BN continues to implement moderate and inclusive policies for all Malaysians,” he said.

Yesterday, BN said in its manifesto that it would set up a department for non-Muslim affairs under the Prime Minister’s Department to promote unity and understanding.

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