‘Govt must address rising costs’

Former senior federal minister Rafidah Aziz also said that talks on women issues should no longer be about equality but be focused on parity.

GEORGE TOWN: Former International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz hopes the government will address the issue of spiraling costs in the coming 2014 budget.

Rafidah, who is also AirAsia X Bhd Non-Executive Chairman, said strategies to better manage rising operating costs should be highlighted in the country’s budget as both local and foreign investors were affected by rising cost of living.

“The government must address the rising costs for all sectors of the society.

“It is imperative that we do so for Malaysia to remain more competitive than other countries to attract more foreign and local investors,” she told reporters after presenting a keynote address at the Northern Region MNC Women’s Leadership Summit here yesterday.

Earlier, she said talks on women issues should not be about equality anymore but they should be focused on parity.
“It is also no longer time for slogans, clarion calls and rhetoric.

“Women must ensure that they are integrated into the mainstream of the country’s economic and social development activities so that they can participate actively in nation building,” she said.

Rafidah also said the economic talent of women must be fully appreciated and recognised by policy formulators and implementers.
“We must have a policy of inclusiveness for women,” she added.

-Bernama