PETALING JAYA, Aug 16 (Sin Chew Daily) – Local Chinese community leaders hope that the seven-point cross-party framework for a bipartisan government will stabilize political situation for the government to focus on combating the COVID-19 pandemic and reviving the country's economy.

The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong) president Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan said the framework offered plus points as the proposals such as allowing 18-year-olds to vote, limiting prime minister's tenure, initiating parliamentary and institutional reforms were people's agenda.

Hua Zong hoped that politicians from both sides of the divide would reach a consensus to implement the proposals.

Goh said people are looking forward to politicians placing national interest as priority to ride through the current tough times.

He also hoped politicians would be able to work together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tan Sri Lim Hock San, president of the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia, is of the view that more measures should be introduced to help people in the midst of the pandemic.

"We know that many are unable to put food on table. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is on the rise while our healthcare system has reached its capacity. It is time for all to review whether there is any leakages in the policy and room for improvement.

"We need to find a way to improve and then revive the economy by opening up all sectors under a safe scenario,'' said Lim.

The Chinese community is looking forward to a stable government taking the lead in reviving the national economy, he said.

"The government and politicians should place people's interest as their priority at this juncture," he asserted.

Tan Sri David Kong, founder of Nirvana Asia Group, said politicians on both sides of the political divide should support prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changing the government midway would not be good for the country in the midst of the pandemic.

As a businessman, Kong said he did not see any pathway for the future in short term.

Asean-China Investment Association president Datuk Seri Tang Ying Lik is of the view that politicians should focus on the battle against the virus and stop politicking.

He pointed out that the seven-point proposals presented by the prime minister were meant for all Malaysians and not only the Chinese community. 

He suggested that the government and political parties put aside their differences by setting up a cross-party COVID-19 committee to curb the pandemic.

Datuk Seri Huang Ci Xing, president of the Malaysia Seven Major Clans Association, said all should discuss together in order to find a solution to resolve the woes faced by the people.

"People's problems are the greatest issue faced by the government," he said, stressing that it was important for the government to walk the talk.

National Education Reform Initiative spokesperson Tan Yew Sing said prime minister Muhyiddin could draft more inclusive reforms by negotiating with various political parties prior to tabling the confidence motion in parliament. 

If the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government and other political parties were able to propose a plan accepted by all, then Muhyiddin would survive the confidence motion. If not, Muhyiddin would have to step down for the King to appoint a caretaker prime minister until the next election, he said. 

"Inclusiveness should be the basis for all to work together under the current political chaos,'' he said.