Federation hopes new govt more transparent
KOTA KINABALU: All Malaysians are hoping to see the new government taking reformative actions and fulfilling its election promises, said The Federation of Heng Ann Associations Malaysia (FHAAM) president Dato’ Sri Ngoh King Hua.
“Our hope is that the new government will lead in a more open and transparent manner to bring transformation to the country.”
He said the people were anticipating change and progress from the new government this year.
“As a responsible government, they must deliver the promises made to the people,” he said when gracing Kota Kinabalu Hin Ann Association’s Chinese New Year celebration here on Wednesday.
Ngoh said racial politics had grown into a serious issue during Barisan Nasional’s (BN) 60 years of governance and the problem had not improved even after the 14th General Election (GE14).
“We are living in a multiracial society yet some political parties have been ceaselessly stirring up racial and religious issues to fuel their own agendas.
“Such political practices have caused racial misgivings and tension in our country.”
On the other hand, Ngoh said bumiputeras, having lived under the protective umbrella of the New Economic Policy (NEP) since the 70s, had gradually lost their drive, which hindered their entrepreneurial spirit.
“In the age of Internet and highly competitive environment, everyone has to work harder and refrain from being complacent.
“There is no shortcut to success.”
He said political parties should also avoid making statements that could affect racial and religious harmony.
Ngoh pointed out that the recent International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) issue had been politicized.
He said the ICERD was strongly opposed by most bumiputeras for fear of losing their special privileges.
On the contrary, he said many Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia had accepted the sign the United Nations convention.
“The fact that Malaysia is one of the 14 countries that have yet to ratify the ICERD reflects a crisis of confidence among the bumiputera community in facing globalization.
“The government must be proactive in instilling a more macro mindset through education that will enable them to stand on their own.”
Additionally, Ngoh said the government must conduct a comprehensive planning prior to introducing a new policy and be prepared for negative responses.
“The government’s decision not to ratify the ICERD has further affected the public perception on the government’s credibility.”
He said the results of the Cameron Highlands by-election, where BN won by over 3,000 votes, showed that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government should deliver its election promises to the people as soon as possible to gain their trust, as well as rectify administrative deviations.
Meanwhile, The Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations president Tan Sri Dr TC Goh expressed his full support to the State Government.
He said the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal in a recent Chinese New Year event had recognised the Sabah Chinese community’s support to the present government.
He also called on Hokkien businessmen in Sabah to seize the opportunities when the State Government disbursed development funds in March in an effort to propel the State’s economy to greater heights.
“Although the economy seems to have slowed down, we should see threats as opportunities,” Goh said.
Also present were Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Frankie Poon, Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt, Confederation of Chinese Communities Associations of Sabah and Labuan, Datuk Seri Panglima Edward Khoo Keok Hai, Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Zhang He and Kota Kinabalu Hin Ann Association president Simon Hong.