Sin Chew Daily

For the 21 months from May 9, 2018 to this day, the Pakatan Harapan government has indeed been plagued by political controversies and skepticism from time to time.

As if that is not enough, there is internal tussle between parties in the coalition as well as within a component party, in particular PKR, not to mention the unpredictability surrounding the handover of premiership. All these have badly consumed the ruling coalition, significantly holding back the government's reform agenda and triggering widespread wrath among the people.

In addition, the global economic slowdown in recent years and the current coronavirus outbreak have dealt a further blow on the Malaysian economy. It is now time for the government to revamp its administrative team to win back lost public faith. Malaysians want to see a more united, stable and powerful government that will lead the nation in its fight against a global downturn.

During a recent interview with Sin Chew Daily, former chairman of the Council of Eminent Persons Tun Daim Zainuddin said the rumored Pakatan Nasional issue is "unhealthy" and is against the people's mandate. He stressed that it is unnecessary for the government to waste much time and attention on rumors linked to the alleged new political pact, while the ministers should stand alongside the rakyat in developing this country together. They should not be arrogant and forget the reality that they were voted to office by the people.

Daim also pointed out several areas where the government and ministers can improve. For instance, the government needs to support private enterprises in spearheading the country's economic development. Take the furniture industry for instance, some 20,000 people are needed in the furniture manufacturing industry in Muar alone, but manufacturers have been unable to obtain permits to hire foreign workers even though the cabinet has already approved the hiring of foreigners in this sector.

Daim, who once served as the country's finance minister, said Malaysians will not accept the government's excuse that the treasury was emptied by the previous administration and that the government has no more money to help private businesses.

During such a crucial moment, flexible use of resources can help stimulate the market while tightening the release of resources will further dampen market sentiment.

It is generally believed that excuses or reasons provided by the government will hardly be convincing if the government doesn't perform in the first place.

Daim's advice to the PH government is that all infighting has to be halted immediately and election pledges must be honored soonest. In the meantime, the government must make sure the economic stimulus package is effective in rejuvenating market vibrancy and attracting foreign investors to the country.

Government and cabinet minsters must stay away from power struggle and infighting. In its stead, they should bring themselves together again and try to understand the needs of the people in addressing the economic and day-to-day problems faced by Malaysians so that the nation can move ahead.