Penang Chinese clan leader misses 'good old days' under Najib's premiership

During a dialogue session between former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and Penang Chinese association leaders today, The Federation of Malaysia Zhang Clan Association president Anthony Chang Wei Loon claimed the Chinese community missed the ‘good old days under the Pekan MP's leadership.

The dialogue took place at Penang Teoh Kongsi where Najib was welcomed with a lion dance performance.

Chang said many people reminisced about the period under Najib’s premiership.

“Under his leadership, Malaysia attained many great economic achievements, unemployment rate plunged to new lows as everyone has a job, while the stock market recorded the world’s longest bull market. Many companies reaped enormous profits,” he said.

He also praised Najib for sticking to a moderate stance in running the country by treating all races equally, hence allowing everyone to live in harmony.

“When Najib was leading the nation, our country was truly enjoying a period of peace and prosperity.”

Friendliest top leader

Chang added, Najib is also the friendliest top leader to the Chinese community since the nation’s independence.

“He respects our culture, our mother tongue education. We should remember and be grateful for this attention and care to the Chinese community,” he said.

“The Chinese are a grateful people; we were taught gratitude since childhood, hence we will never forget Najib’s contribution.

“When the appropriate time comes, we will step up to repay the debt of gratitude,” he added.

According to Oriental Daily, Chang shouted “Hidup bossku” three times during his speech and this was echoed by others

Chang's relationship with the Pakatan Harapan-led Penang state government had turned sour during Lim Guan Eng's term as the state’s chief minister, due to disputes over allocations for Chinese New Year celebrations and ownership of a heritage property at Love Lane in Georgetown.

Campaigned for Gerakan

During the 14th general election, Chang who was then the Penang Chinese Clans Council (PCCC) president even campaigned for Gerakan’s candidate in Penang.

Meanwhile, Najib in a Facebook post expressed appreciation for the warm welcome he received.

He said many Chinese he met want a return to stability and future prosperity.

He reiterated his claim that good business and flow of investments had been disrupted in recent years.

However, he then assured that this situation can be fixed.

“In the past, the people lived in peace and even though there were differences of opinions and politics, we still shared the same direction – that development was very important for Malaysia.

“Together, we will strive to restore stability,” he said. - Mkini