PUTRAJAYA should spell out its policies clearly and continue to step up its engagement with the business community, said Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers president Soh Thian Lai.

He said there should not be turnarounds in policies, and rules must be applied consistently at all levels of government.

The steel magnate also said discretionary approvals should be reduced to avoid abuse of power.

“There is consultation but not in-depth. This is the area where the government should listen to the private sector and have more engagements.”

Soh said the policies regarding foreign workers are still unclear.

He cautioned it is not easy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) if the government policies are unclear.

He was speaking as a panellist at the Forge Business and Government Relations forum in Putrajaya today.

Meanwhile, Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia deputy president Lim Kuang Sia said businesses are bogged down by the shortage of manpower due to policies governing foreign workers.

“I believe all industries duly agree that the key problem they’re facing now is shortage of labour.”

He said while orders are pouring in, businesses cannot meet the demand.

“We got business but there are not enough people to do it.”

The chambers have submitted proposals but there have been no response.

“There seems to be no news.”

This, he said, is the most pressing issue that needs to be addressed by the government immediately.

He said the existence of “little Napoleons” are affecting the effective implementation of good policies.

He added the government should look at implementing the right investment policies and creating a conducive investment environment as well as churning out talents to address the human capital deficit.

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Tan Cheng Kiat said the prime minister succession plan is causing a lot of anxiety to the business community.

“With the succession planning not clearly spelled out and the timing not set, there is huge uncertainties because leaders do change policies.”

He said it is important for the business community to have clarity and certainty to plan ahead.

Former international trade and industry minister Mustapa Mohamed, who moderated the session, said the economy should be the first priority and politics, although is closely tied in, should come after. – August 29, 2019.