1 Malaysia a hit with the Chinese
Sim Bak Heng
THE Chinese community has high hopes for the 1Malaysia concept and reforms promised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wants them to be swiftly translated into action.
If the concept and reforms work, it will bring back Chinese trust in Barisan Nasional.
Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Soh Poh Sheng said Najib＇s cabinet line-up was strong, with a mix of old and new blood.
"I hope he will act fast on the reforms, as well as the agenda, to put the economy on the right track. These are two urgent matters he has to look into," he said.
Federation of Tiong Hua Johor Baru president Lim Ik Kim concurred with Soh＇s view, adding that Najib could lead the reforms through. He said the new cabinet had a good mix of old but experienced faces, with young blood, many of whom are professionals and capable of contributing.
"The results of the recent three by-elections clearly showed that the people not only want reform, but they want it fast. They want a new government which is clean, fair and efficient in implementing development policies and progress for the people.
"I have confidence in the new line-up and I hope they will bring the people out from the economic downturn. The performance of the new line-up will determine their outcome in the next general election," he said.
The recent by-election in Bukit Gantang, for instance, saw an additional 10 per cent of the Chinese votes swinging to the opposition＇s favour.
Bukit Gantang＇s demographic pattern reflected the overall sentiment of the Chinese community nationwide.
Even when Pakatan Rakyat fielded a Pas candidate, this did not change their minds, although Pas＇ ultimate goal to implement Syariah had upset the Chinese community.
The general mood indicated that the swing to the opposition was largely attributed to the racial issues played up by some politicians from BN component parties.
Unless the new cabinet team addresses these problems, the Chinese community will remain with PR.
Small and Medium Industries Association (Johor branch) president Teh Kee Sin said the government must listen to the needs of the Chinese community as the message from the four by-elections after March 8 last year was loud and clear.
"I am sceptical that the reforms will work, as there are only about 20 per cent of new faces in the cabinet.
"Those who lost in the general election are also included in the cabinet. This is not convincing.
"If the government is serious about reforms, there should be more new faces," he said, adding that despite Johor being a strong fortress of BN, it should also bear in mind that the opposition had seized several seats in the last polls.
Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman needs to do more for Johor BN to live up to Najib＇s 1Malaysia concept, or risk losing even more seats in the next elections.
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