JOHOR BAHRU: Perikatan Nasional chairman and former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin feels that given the current economic dilemma, Malaysians, in particular the Chinese community, hope the government could revive the economy and bring more business opportunities.

“I have a lot of Chinese friends who tell me, ‘Tan Sri, can you help us? Banks don’t release the loans and we have cash flow problem and difficulty sustaining our businesses.’”

Muhyiddin told Sin Chew Daily during a recent exclusive interview, “I’m in charge of the national recovery council and I know many Chinese Malaysians are doing business and are pro-business.

“They are very positive in the economic sector and hope the government can bring the national economy back on track during this crucial moment.

“The country needs an experienced and committed leader, and I believe I have what it takes to be one.”

He asked Malaysians, “What do you want from the government? Do you want a corrupt government or one that is devoted to good governance and defends the interest of the rakyat?”

‘Johor Chinese want stability’

Muhyiddin said, “Although we are federal government only for a short time, PN is still ruling in Sabah.

“From my decades of political experiences, including as Johor menteri besar from 1986 to 1995, I realize that the Chinese people in Johor want political stability because when there is stability, there are business and job opportunities.

“I have rich experiences in state and federal governments and all the way to top government leader. The local Chinese community knows me well. They know what I have done and that I won’t neglect anyone.”

Muhyiddin insisted that PN advocates good and clean governance and takes care of Malaysians from all walks of life equitably.

When asked why Chinese Malaysians should support PN, he said, “PN is an alliance established upon a strong principle, i.e. to give Malaysians a better alternative government.

“PN also strives to uphold the country’s Constitution and Rukun Negara. We insist on good governance and integrity, and strongly oppose to corruption and abuse of power.

“We will ignore any attempt to intervene in the country’s judiciary.

“When I was prime minister, despite the short tenure, the PN government showed that it was caring the people especially during the COVID-19 crisis. We provided all kinds of assistances, and we were one of the best performing countries in the world in securing vaccine supply.”