Industry players: Stability should be Anwar’s top priority

JOHOR BARU: Industry leaders here are hoping Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government will equate to much-needed stability for the country.

Iskandar Malaysia Johor Chamber of Commerce and Industry secretary general Md Salikon Sarpin said political stability should be the new Prime Minister’s first challenge.

“Having political stability would boost investors’ confidence.

“We have lost so much due to the instability that has happened here since the 2018 General Election, which resulted in three prime ministers within the last few years,” he said yesterday.

The nation’s recovery while addressing cost of living and wage issues were also a priority, said Salikon.

“Malaysia never experienced a unity government before, and this is a new formula for us to see whether it can bring us stability.

“Once we have this stability, investors will come in and help create more job opportunities for the locals, and this will strengthen our economy,” he said.

Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association chairman D. Ravindran said Anwar should be given the chance to complete his five-year tenure as Prime Minister without any problems from political opponents.

“Economic issues will be the biggest challenge for Anwar, but if he can get support from everyone, including the Opposition, then it will make his job a bit easier.

“When it was announced Anwar was the new Prime Minister, our ringgit strengthened, and hopefully this is a good sign for things to come,” he added.

Johor South SME advisor Teh Kee Sin said that it was through the wisdom of the Yang di-pertuan Agong that the idea of having a unity government came about.

“If not, the country will still be deadlocked, but luckily we have a new Prime Minister now, and hopefully, it can bring stability back.

“Small and medium enterprises really need government support as we have been badly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the weakening ringgit, causing us to lose workers to Singapore due to the stronger Singapore dollar,” he said.