Over 60% find country heading in wrong direction, survey finds during economic forum

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 60% of those participating in a poll during a forum say that the country is headed in the wrong direction.

The poll was conducted during a discussion session at the National Economic Forum 2019 on Thursday (Aug 29).

About 85 out of 600 participants took part in the survey and 63% of them felt the country was headed in the wrong direction, as opposed to only 12%, who felt otherwise, while 25% remained neutral.

Earlier, during the discussion session, panellist Wan Saiful Wan Jan expressed worry over the direction the nation was headed with regard to recent race relations issues.

"There are politicians out there who are willing to divide the people to retain or regain power."

Wan Saiful, who heads the National Higher Education Fund Corporation, said that politicians from both sides of the divide should exercise responsibility when making statements.

"There are times where certain issues should be discussed quietly among themselves (politicians), and only make makes statements when the issue is resolved," he added.

MCA Youth chief Nicole Wong Siaw Ting, who is also a panellist, noted that the results of the poll reflected the general feeling of disappointment and frustration felt by the people.

She said this may be due to the lack of transparency and inconsistency with regard of recent government policies.

"I propose that the government should hold a public survey before deciding on a policy.

"What is happening now is that a ministry comes out with a policy which the other ministers are not aware of.

"This has resulted in the government having to make a lot of U-turns," she said.

She added that the young should be given a direct voice to the government through social media platforms such as forums or online chat rooms.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry deputy secretary-general Datuk Ng Yih Pyng felt that the government was slow in responding to the needs of the business community.

Ng, who was also a panellist, said the government must be able to implement economic initiatives swiftly, as many businesses are now in a survival mode.

"I hope the government will facilitate businesses and not compete with businesses," he added.

Wan Saiful, Wong and Ng took part in the open discussion titled "Malaysia's future - What should the Government do?"