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		Do Not Neglect The Welfare Of The People Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the Sepang Formula One, F1, Racing Circuit. 19 October 1999
		On 16 October 1999, the fanfare of F1 car racing at the new circuit in Sepang, Malaysia, reached a climax. Eddie Irvine and Schumacher in Ferrari came first and second. They were disqualified on technical ground: their reflectors were a few millimetres too long. Mika Hakkinen has become the world champion instead. Ferrari is hoping to appeal. The publicity has been overwhelming, putting Malaysia in the world map. It is hoped that this will attract more tourists into the country, thus helping the economy that is suffering from the economic crisis for over two years. The Government has spent RM283 million on the modern circuit. There is no doubt that given sufficient financial resources including from sponsors such as Petronas we can achieve wonders. Similarly, we can build the world's tallest building for a short while like the Petronas twin towers. This also projects an image. While Malaysia is better than many countries on various fileds such as health, education, welfare and quality of life, we still lag behind many countries				especially the rich industrial nations. The economic crisis has hit us badly. Despite the accolades on the Malaysian ability to hold a world grand prix event, we must not forget the priorities like the welfare of the people. If the event can bring thousands of tourists into the country, it will be good. On the other hand, we must look into how to use the resources to improve the health, the education, the welfare and the qualtity of life of Malaysians. We are going to see more pre-election rhetorics and largesse in the 2000 Budget to be presented in Parliament on 29 October 1999. Nevertheless, we would like to see more effective allocations for improving the quality of life for all Malaysians like education, health and welfare. Infrastructure and industry including science, technology and multimedia have to be upgraded continuously. Getting a psychological boost is one thing, losing sight of the perspective is another. Let us not hanker after the delusion of grandeur. Let us truly care for the welfare of the people. Dr Tan Seng Giaw



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