Anwar: Foreign investors’ confidence in jeopardy

KUALA LUMPUR – Confidence among foreign investors and the public risks being shaken if Putrajaya continues with the current manner in which it is handling the Covid-19 situation. 

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said since the beginning of the pandemic this year, the country has yet to see a clear strategy by the government in dealing with the new surge. 

Instead, he said the public had to witness constant conflicting guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) announced by the administration, as well as double standards when it comes to enforcing the law.

“We need a government that is transparent and forthcoming with information and policies that are well-thought out during this crisis. 

“It does not instil confidence both domestically and internationally when important statements are made without proper follow-through and clarification,” he said in a statement today.

Anwar said despite Klang Valley entering the second week of the conditional movement control order (CMCO), there has been confusion among the people, due to a lack of clarity in the SOPs. 

He took aim at the work-from-home directive, saying it made no sense to only require those at the managerial and supervisory level to stay at home when others at the operational level, mostly lower income groups, to work on-site.

“How does this help public health measures, at the expense of blue collar workers?” 

The last-minute changes made by the government, including the work-from-home directive only applies to the public sector and companies under the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), have caused unnecessary stress and anxiety, said Anwar. 

The government came under heavy criticism after it announced on Tuesday that nearly one million Malaysians at the managerial and supervisory levels in the Klang Valley and Sabah will be directed to work from home, beginning today.  

Many had condemned the short notice that was given, as well as the lack of proper SOPs being laid out, with changes still being made as late as yesterday evening. 

Anwar said the latest CMCO guidelines will impact businesses, especially those already struggling in the retail sector, despite the government’s decision to allow economic activities to go on. 

He cited a statement by the Retail Group Malaysia that some 51,000 retail stores in the country will not be able to survive beyond the next five months. 

Anwar said considering the situation, the government ought to reinstate the loan moratorium for all Malaysians, at least for the next several months. 

“This is to help businesses and individuals to cope with the impact of this prolonged crisis and to prevent more job losses and businesses going bust. 

“The government must show firm leadership by extending the moratorium for another three months, as the economy has yet to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, amid the spike in new cases.” 

Anwar added that additional measures are required to ensure small businesses remain afloat, and wages continue to be paid to workers, at least until the end of the movement control order. 

“It is indeed telling that the government has been silent on protecting the lower income groups, instead focused on protecting large corporations.” – The Vibes, October 22, 2020