KOTA KINABALU: Political stability and capable leaders are most needed by businesses in Sabah, says the president of the Sabah chapter of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, Datuk Dexter Lau.
He said rather than agitating for change all the time and being overly fixated on “fixing problems”, Sabah needs leaders who can stabilise a government and do their job well.
Lau said the constant calls to change a ruling government because of unresolved issues such as water, electricity or road conditions, for example, are not good for progress.
“Yes, of course these issues need to be addressed once and for all. But while you are at it, you need to also focus on bringing development, enticing investors and spurring the economy.”
He said this way, the government can still make money and the people can prosper from the active economic growth.
Lau said these things must go hand-in-hand with addressing pressing issues pertaining to infrastructure and supply.
He said investors and businesses want a solid and consistent set of policies so that they can plan their operations better instead of worrying about changes in systems and laws all the time, which often come when governments change.
“Unless there is a very good reason for that change, or the change is for correctional purposes, then yes.
“Change for the sake of scuttling a working ship ... That will not benefit anyone.”
From his observation, Lau said many businesses are satisfied with how the government has been doing, although they agree that some things could improve.
He feels that the current “Sabah for Sabahans” tide is not entirely positive.
This, Lau said, is because in terms of business, domestic players must work with outsiders.
“Sabah is just a small player. Did you know that even the smaller towns and cities in China are already bigger than Sabah?
“So if we are just playing with ourselves, we are very small.
“We need to also work with others outside Sabah so that we can expand, exchange and benefit from each other,” Lau said in emphasising that not everything should be politicised.
Lau said politicians and the public as well as business players should not underestimate the influence of politicking and not to simply stir up sentiments.
Asked if he was considering entering politics, Lau said his focus is on expanding and strengthening his family business.
Previously, Lau was rumoured to be considered as one of the new urban area candidates for a local coalition. However, he has since said such talk is untrue.
