KUCHING, Dec 31: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing hopes that 2021 will bring joy to the country after a turbulent year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and political turmoil.
He added that the hardship brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with the political suspense that has suddenly engulfed the country culminated with the change of the federal government in February.
“Such an eventful and unprecedented year was 2020 but it seems to have gone by in a flash. As we prepare to welcome the Year 2021, I reflected on all my visits and the views and opinions of all the people to whom I have spoken. Mostly they were about the development of the country, but many also lamented on missed opportunities because of the pandemic.
“Many have expressed that much has been left undone before the year ends. Poignantly, lamenting the unforgiving year 2020, it also shows the helplessness of us human beings in the face of a worldwide pandemic,” Tiong said in his New Year message.
The Bintulu MP pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought unpreceded hardship to the whole world.
“In addition to bringing the global economy to its knees, the inevitable border lockdowns had also brought this country’s highly dependent import and export trade and foreign investment to a virtual halt.
“In this state of suspension, the situation worsened when the domestic political situation changed abruptly, leading to several political speculators repeatedly playing the numbers game for their own interests,” he said.
Tiong reiterated that the reopening of economic and commercial activities has to strike a balance with containing the outbreaks of Covid-19.
“With time, let’s work towards recovering as soon as possible,” he said.
Tiong pointed out that with the passing of 2020 and with the dawn of 2021, the shape of the new year would fall in the hands of all Malaysians.
“Having passed the 3rd reading of Budget 2021, government officials have already made arrangements for post-pandemic economic recovery. The collective effort and support from all walks of life will definitely be needed in the process, and we all must strive to fight a post-epidemic recovery for the country.
“In order to stimulate the local economy, it is expected that the government will gradually open the borders to attract foreign investment. The people must learn how to protect themselves and sustain their livelihoods under the new normal so that the economy can continue to operate. At the same time, Malaysia has also joined the COVAX global vaccine access alliance by allocating RM3 billion included in the 2021 Budget,” said Tiong.
The Bintulu MP and Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China also hoped that the people will continue to remain united to face the unforeseen challenges of 2021.
“Only with the government and the people working together can we sweep away the gloom and create a hopeful 2021 together.
“And I pledged to perform my duties with responsibility, and fearlessly speak out for the people and to improve public policy.
“At the same time, my office will serve as a bridge between Malaysia and China to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote deeper economic and trade cooperation between our nations, and attract investments to achieve a win-win situation for the whole country,” he said. – DayakDaily
