“Constant sniping at unity gov’t by opposition politicians can destroy Malaysia economically”

POLITICIANS today seem to be only self-serving for if they see an issue which can benefit them but hurt the nation, it makes no difference to them.

Those in the opposition need to understand every statement they make has an impact. They seem to harp on an issue which has a local impact but does not hold water.

In this day and age, the social media is a powerful tool. Everything a politician says can go viral instantaneously with adverse national and international impact if such is their ultimate intention.

Politicians tend to capitalise on sensitive issues to show that they are on the ball without realising that their action can chase away investors be they local or international.

For example, opposition politicians have been hitting out on concerts performed by international stars on religious grounds but oblivious of their mutti-fold economic benefits. A case in point is that the recent Taylor Swift concert in Singapore brought the island nation enormous economic benefits.

Singapore saw visitors spent somewhere in the region of S$500 mil (RM1.6 bil) with hotels, tours, airline tickets and eateries over-run by concert goers.

Since the end of pandemic curbs, a number of top artists have performed in Singapore, including Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Blackpink and Harry Styles. According to economists, this has contributed about 0.25% to the island nation’s economic growth in 1Q 2024 alone.

Malaysia has simply missed out on this golden opportunity because our politicians have done their very best to scare away international acts with their over-zealous comments.

Even food had become a hot topic especially the inclusion of bak kut teh in the national heritage cuisine list.

Politicians simply took an issue to this without examining the issues in depth because they felt by criticising the decision, they could stretch their political mileage. This is despite Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had justified why bak kut teh is included in the list of National Heritage cuisines.

Politicians should stop attacking the government just for the sake of wanting to be recognised for championing certain causes.

They must also stop making sweeping statements just to be known for being vocal on issues that favour them. Put the nation first, not personal or party interest. – March 14, 2024

Prominent social activist and philanthropist Tan Sri Robert Phang Miow Sin is the founder and chairman of the Social Care Foundation. He was also a former Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) advisory member.

Source : https://focusmalaysia.my/constant-sniping-at-unity-govt-by-opposition-politicians-can-destroy-malaysia-economically/