PETALING JAYA: A fair and politically stable government is essential for the country’s development, as this will help restore the confidence of domestic as well as international investors.

President of the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) Tan Sri Datuk Low Kian Chuan said the government must speed up reforms, boost public-private collaboration and shape a business-friendly environment, citing the needs for 3Cs – clarity, consistency and continuity.

Other issues of concern include cost of living, persistent labor crunch and political uncertainties.

He also stressed a more robust healthcare system to tackle any future public health event, as well as the pressing need of food security highlighted by the global food supply problem as a consequence of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

As for young voters, president of United Youth Movement of Malaysia and Eight Major Chinese Clan Associations youth chief Wong Kam Loon says many young Malaysians, passionate about a change of federal administration in 2018, have been disappointed by more recent political developments after the Sheraton Move.

They are no longer keen to come out and vote, as evidenced by the poor voter turnout in Melaka and Johor elections, and feel that politicians are more interested in fighting among themselves for power than the well-being of rakyat.

They are also disappointed with the unfair government policies and lack of transparency.

Wong urges young Malaysians to play a more proactive role in nation-building and involve themselves in community organizations more positively.

Meanwhile, both Malaysia Hawkers and Petty Traders Association president Tan Meng Lee and its executive advisor Datuk Lee Teong Chwee concur that the new government post-GE15 should help petty traders badly hit by the pandemic.

They said the government could offer incentives, mortgage facilities or subsidies to help them ride out the storms, besides creating a more transparent, stable and equitable business environment for them to thrive.

They also hope that Chinese elected representatives will speak on behalf of the community and help resolve their problems.