(Kuching, 6th) Malaysia's senior politician and senior vice chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh recently commented on the current domestic political situation, clearly expressing support for the proposal by Minister of National Unity Dato' Aaron Ago Dagang to restrict political parties based solely on ethnicity or religion. He also criticized the destructive actions of extreme political forces on national unity, economic development, and international image.
Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh pointed out that Malaysia is at a critical juncture, where extreme political forces often provoke sensitive racial and religious issues to attempt to create social division.
"These insidious extreme forces manipulate issues like 'whether business signboards should primarily use Malay language,' hijacking the national political agenda and tearing apart social harmony. This situation can no longer be tolerated."
As a veteran economist who once served as Sarawak's Finance Minister, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh analyzed the profound impact of extreme politics on national development from an economic perspective. He noted that tourism is an important economic pillar of Malaysia, contributing substantial income to the nation each year. Visitor spending not only directly benefits local businesses, stimulating an active consumer market, but also creates numerous job opportunities and provides essential support to national finances through taxation.
According to Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, tourist spending stimulates industries such as retail, dining, transportation, and accommodation, energizing the national economic chain. However, the destructive actions of extremists are undermining tourist confidence, affecting business income and expansion capabilities.
"Reduced business income leads to fewer employment opportunities, ultimately resulting in decreased tax revenues. The economic cost of all this will eventually be borne by the people of Malaysia."
Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh highly praised the efforts of Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing , in salvaging Malaysia's national image.
He stated that Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing diligently works to improve international relations, going to great lengths to clarify and repair controversial events in Malaysia abroad, thereby gaining the trust of tourists and investors for the nation. However, these efforts have come under attack by extreme political forces.
"Dato Sri Tiong King Sing's efforts are for the welfare of all Malaysians, yet these extreme political forces target his sincere efforts for attacks. Such actions are infuriating and further prove their shortsightedness and selfishness."
As the senior vice chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh urged Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar to take decisive action and boldly promote the reform proposals put forward by the Minister of National Unity.
He stated that Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar must demonstrate leadership courage, abandon the old model of divisive politics, and resolutely push for restrictions on political parties based solely on ethnicity and religion. This is not only necessary to unite the nation but also fundamental to securing Malaysia's future.
Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh emphasized that despite facing resistance from extreme forces, the people will not stand idly by.
"We must let the Prime Minister know he is not fighting alone. The power of the people will be his strongest backbone in his reform journey! A united Malaysian people can certainly repel these extreme forces and build a harmonious future."
As the senior vice chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh's perspective reflects profound economic insight and a sense of political responsibility.
He not only analyzed the severe threat of extreme politics to the nation's economy and society but also made a strong call for the necessity of unity and reform.
"With the joint efforts of Dato Sri Tiong King Sing and Dato' Aaron Ago Dagang, as long as all Malaysians work together, the struggle to defend unity and the nation's future will surely triumph."