PM needs to put house in order

KUCHING: Serving as the eighth Prime Minister of Malaysia in a politically-divided nation, Tan Sri Muhyuddin Yassin must not take for granted the appointment of new Cabinet ministers.

Fellow of Akademi Sains Malaysia, Assoc Prof Dr Madeline Berma emphasised that it was vital for the Prime Minister to appoint the right people with integrity, and with the ability to deliver the government’s agenda.

“The Cabinet line-up signaled his intention to change the course of Malaysian politics that may face a no confidence vote in parliament in May, or during the next general election in two years’ time.

“Thus, the Prime Minister needs to put the house in order so the new Cabinet can give their best to our nation,” she told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.

The former Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) also added that this particular time was very challenging for the Prime Minister due to the global economic downturn.

“He inherited a politically-divided nation and an economy much affected by the US-China trade war, the Covid-19 virus, and the sharp drop in oil prices.

“What the new government needs to do is, firstly, they should review putting back GST at a lower rate in an effort to increase government revenue.

“And they also should revise the 2020 budget to take into account the reduced revenue from oil.

“Economic rejuvenation and sustainability would increase government spending, increase consumer spending, increase real wages so consumers have more disposable income to spend.

“The ministers, therefore, should not spend on unnecessary government expenditure but focus on investment in infrastructure and public works project to create employment,” she stressed.

“My hopes are for the new Cabinet to serve and deliver to the rakyat and to give the best to our nation.”