IN his first press conference as finance minister, Lim Guan Eng brushed aside a question on his ethnicity, saying his focus is on job creation and maintaining social welfare programmes.

During the presser held at the Bersatu headquarters in Petaling Jaya today, he was asked by a Chinese national how he feels about his appointment as Malaysia’s first Chinese finance minister since Tan Siew Sin 44 years ago.

“I’m sorry, I don’t consider myself a Chinese, I am a Malaysian,” said Lim.

“I didn’t know that it’s been 44 years. Nice of you to keep track.

“As I have said, as a Malaysian, I think our focus is to help Malaysians and to ensure that Malaysians are not left out.

“And also, Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) has said during the campaign that we want to review all contracts that are not in favour of or do not benefit Malaysians.”

Present were Prime Minister Dr Mahathir, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Lim said his ministry’s focus is to ensure that Malaysians’ rights, jobs and business opportunities are protected.

“Those are the main considerations. The focus will be on helping those who find it very hard to make ends meet. Our focus is to make their lives a little bit easier.”

He said another priority is to see through Pakatan Harapan’s pledge to abolish the goods and services tax, maintain 1Malaysia People’s Aid payments and better manage petrol prices.

“But, I leave that to the prime minister.” – May 12, 2018.