PETALING JAYA: A former federal minister has called for the coming together of competent leaders to get Malaysia out of crisis and save the economy.
Zaid Ibrahim, a former de facto law minister, said political leaders must realise that the country is in dire straits as Covid-19 has destroyed many lives and businesses. “More than a million are unemployed or unemployable. Hardship and poverty are all around us.”
He said competent leaders are needed, able to chart a clear path of economic recovery and growth.
“These leaders need to come together and here I am not talking about Malay unity where Malay parties gang up with other Malay or Islamic parties to form a bloated Cabinet,” he said.
“We need leaders who are not just talking about who is suitable to be PM, but have well-thought out plans so they apply the correct prescriptions to the nation’s problems.”
Bring back GST
Zaid called for the reintroduction of the goods and services tax (GST) as the best way to broaden the government’s tax base.
“The government needs to let more money go directly to the people, even if it means less for ministries and departments. The government has become bloated and wasteful, so let the people decide for themselves how to make the money work best for them,” he said.
He also said the government needs to focus on reskilling and upskilling so that people can improve their income.
Mind your language
On the political front, Zaid said politicians should temper their language and refrain from casting parties in the same light as their leaders.
“So very often we hear about Umno being described as a kleptocratic party which is unfair and provocative. It’s also unnecessary for some Umno leaders to say they will never work with DAP and Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.
He said the way forward was an openness for all parties to work with anyone from any group if it is good for the people and the country. - FMT
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