Hitting refresh in 2023

The return of Singaporeans is a reason for Johor businesses to rejoice. A large crowd seen entering the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Johor Baru before the long Chinese New Year holidays. — THOMAS YONG/The Star

With positive news on Covid-19 front and new unity government, things are looking up for Malaysians

IT IS January, a month that is synonymous with fresh beginnings as we replace our old calendars with new ones to usher in the new year.

For some, including myself, the years between 2020 and 2022 seemed to have been one long stretch that saw many plans being put on hold.

For a significant period in the early days of Covid-19, it seemed as though the days went by with no hope that things will ever get better.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions that came with it have definitely changed the lives of many with some still unable to recover from the damage it brought.

In 2021, it was said in Dewan Rakyat that 37,415 businesses had to cease operations due to Covid-19.

Many businesses in Johor Baru and elsewhere are still picking up the pieces and trying to rebuild.

In April last year, Johor’s land borders with Singapore was finally reopened after it was closed in March 2020.

After more than two years, Johor Baru came alive with the return of Singaporeans, who are significant contributors to the local economy.

Malaysians working in the island republic could once again return to their loved ones and celebrate special occasions face-to-face, instead of having to rely on technology.

The country has also seen a series of political conflicts over the past three years that had caused disillusionment among many who are just trying to get by and see some improvements in their lives.

In November last year, after the 15th General Election, Malaysians witnessed the unexpected formation of a unity government comprising political parties that were previously at odds with each other.

While it is too soon to tell if the new government will be able to successfully meet the economic challenges that lie ahead, it has, at least temporarily, put an end to the political ups and downs in the country over the past three years.

All eyes are now on Budget 2023, which is expected to be tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim next month.

For someone who loves new year, I was glad that we could finally usher in 2023 with some semblance of stability.

At the very least, the Covid-19 pandemic has somewhat come to an end with most people now free to live a normal life, albeit with some caution.

While a major slowdown of the world economy is expected this year, there are some glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel.

The recent festive seasons, from Christmas to New Year to Chinese New Year, has been celebrated with the type of excitement we used to see in the pre-pandemic era.

2023 will still be a challenging year as we try to return to normalcy and survive the expected political and economic headwinds.

Let’s hope this unnatural pause in many of our lives will be in the past and we can finally pursue many of the things that we had put on hold since 2020.