Integrity in governance way forward in boosting economy
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government should pick up the pace in implementing development programmes and accelerate economic growth as the coalition enters its second year of governance, said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui.
“The government really needs to step up their game or risk disappointing the people who have high hopes in them,” he said.
The PH’s governance could be evaluated from several aspects, including the people’s level of satisfaction towards the new administration, improvement in livelihood and cost of living pressures, Lui said in an interview on the performance of PH government for the past year since taking over Putrajaya on May 9 last year. .
He said PH had achieved a landslide victory in the 14th General Election (GE14) because people wanted a change in government and policies that could make their lives better.
“In this aspect, I believe the people have yet to feel positive, tangible changes from the new government.
“In other words, the new government has not fulfilled the people’s aspirations.”
Nonetheless, he said there were certain policies implemented by the PH government that were lauded by the people, such as the abolishment of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to alleviate the rakyat’s financial pressure.
“It shows that the government must fulfill the promises made during the election.
“We believe that the people will continue to support the PH government as long as they deliver on their election manifesto.”
He hoped that the government would understand that the people were yearning for change from the new administration.
On the other hand, Lui said the business community was feeling the pinch of economic slowdown and pressure in cash flows.
He said businesses were bound to grumble amid the challenging economic climate and the government ought to take it in stride because that was the reality.
“Business people are pragmatic. We want to see government policies that will drive development in the private sector and a conducive business environment that will safeguard the interests of local entrepreneurs.
“Simply put, we want business to grow and thrive.”
Lui said the government’s way of suddenly announcing new policies and subsequently making U-turns did not go well with the people.
As the frontliner of the business community, he said KKCCCI played the role of receiving and compiling feedback from various sectors and conveyed its views and proposals to the relevant government agencies.
“The government should have dialogues with chambers of commerce before rolling out any new policies.
“At the same time, the government should provide training and sufficient information to allow industry players to adapt to the changes.”
Lui however opined that it was unrealistic for the government to present its track record in the short run.
“But a year has passed and we believe it is high time for the government to step on the gas and expedite the allocation for development programmes to stimulate the market, which in turn, will benefit the people.”
He said KKCCCI hoped the new government would introduce more open, fair and people-centric policies that benefit all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion.
He also believed that political reformation and integrity in governance were the way forward to improve the economy in order to ensure development programmes could be realized to meet the people’s needs and to elevate the country’s competitiveness globally.
“KKCCCI is confident towards the PH government and we remain steadfast in supporting the State Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal.”
Lui also supported Shafie’s call to put aside politicking and personal differences to focus on work, while the government concentratew on the administration and economic development to realize the change and promises the people wished to see.
“We support the government’s aspirations and development plans, as well as its effort to review and restructure government agencies and civil servants to regain the confidence of Sabahans.
“We will continue to play our role in assisting the government to implement its policies and developing the State’s economy to create a prosperous society and ensure steady progress.”
Also present at the interview was KKCCCI executive secretary Tan Kar Seng.