GEORGE TOWN: The dissolution of Parliament should be seen as a chance for the rakyat to vote for a new government that has the power to improve the nation's economy and the wellbeing of the people, says Datuk Tan Teik Cheng (pic).
The MCA vice-president said this is an important first step towards ending political uncertainty and improving the economy.
Tan also said returning the mandate to the people is part of the democratic process, adding that politics in Malaysia have been in a state of uncertainty in the two years since the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government.
“Political instability leads to government instability, government instability leads to policy instability,” said Tan.
He added that this in turn leads to an uncertain investment and business environment, and foreign capital deterrence.
Tan then said that this has the effect of suppressing the momentum of economic revitalisation, coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic, which has impacted people's lives and income.
"From the first day of the fall of Pakatan, MCA took the lead in advocating for the dissolution of Parliament and returning power to the people. Our stand remains unchanged to this day,” he said.
"The Prime Minister's announcement of the dissolution of Parliament is a critical moment to resolve the political chaos of the past two years through the democratic election process,” added Tan in a Facebook post on Monday (Oct 10).
The Penang MCA chairman urged the public to make good use of the sacred vote in their hands to elect a political party that is truly capable of forming a stable, strong and effective government.
“This is to ensure that the country can get rid of the chaos and start anew, and that all citizens can move forward in unity. It's time for us to abandon the politicians who can only know how to talk and take no action,” he said.
“Don't let them waste the years of the country and the people, but choose a government that can really do things and lead the country out of the predicament and sprint forward,” added Tan.
Tan said that throughout the decades of history since independence, only Barisan Nasional has the ability to protect the diversity and inclusiveness of the national system.
He also said that only Barisan has the ability to protect the values of freedom and democracy, ensure political stability, maintain harmony among all ethnic groups, and maintain social peace.
“At the same time, Barisan has the ability to promote sustainable development and construct the economy to continue to improve the welfare and quality of life of the people, and realise the continuous prosperity and progress of the country,” said Tan.
“Regardless of whether the Pakatan-led state government will hold state elections at the same time as the general election, Penang MCA will go all out to prepare for the general election,” he added.
He also said that he hopes all political parties could uphold the principle of healthy competition in the election, and use their political platform and ideas to win the approval of the people.
"We also call on Chinese voters to make wise and balanced choices in this election and avoid putting all eggs in the same basket,” said Tan.
He added that this is to ensure that there are enough Chinese representatives in the government and Opposition no matter which faction is in power after the election.
“It is necessary for Chinese voters to think carefully and make the right choices to avoid being isolated from mainstream national politics,” he said.
