A GOVERNMENT backbencher today called for a political ceasefire until the next general election for the sake of the country’s economic stability and unity.

Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan Baru-PH), when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review at the special Dewan Rakyat meeting today, said mass political gatherings or demonstrations would negatively impact foreign investment in the country, potentially preventing Malaysia from achieving developed nation status.

“Investors are highly sensitive to domestic political situations, and around RM1.23 trillion in investments could be lost if we continue to quarrel,” he said.

“I call on Bachok MP (Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman)  and his colleagues in the opposition bloc to refrain from holding any demonstration as this will frighten the investors.

“We know that we have freedom, we can voice our opinions, our objections here (in parliament), no problem, but the investors are sensitive to mass gatherings.

“On Malaysia Day on September 16, we should stand united, together as one, rather than holding street demonstrations that will only cause disharmony.”

Syahir had earlier questioned Sim’s call for Perikatan Nasional not to hold mass gatherings and demonstrations.

Sim said the political temperature had not cooled after 10 months of a unity government, and some parties were using the race, religion and royalty issues for political gain.

He said this political polarisation could divide society.

He also proposed the establishment of a parliamentary select committee on ethnic relations and national stability, involving both government and opposition MPs to create a forum for discussing and finding solutions to sensitive issues.

“Malaysia needs to find an appropriate forum to reach political consensus, especially on sensitive issues related to race, religion and royalty. This forum is needed because politicians can discuss issues behind closed doors,” he said.

“This committee should aim to find common ground on all race and religious issues in a rational and compassionate manner… let all sensitive issues be discussed without restriction, but the goal is towards national unity and not division.” – Bernama, September 12, 2023.