Corporates: Maintain peace and prosperity

Post elections, a conducive environment for businesses to flourish is essential.
MALAYSIANS
will decide who they want to represent them in Parliament and the state
assemblies at General Election 13 (GE13) tomorrow. In what is billed as
a showdown between the Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat, the stakes
are high and so is the prize of power.
Malaysians from all walks of life will decide and among them will be people in power from a different perspective.
Corporate
chiefs too have a stake in which party forms Government after tomorrow.
After all, the manifestos by both coalitions are filled with economic
and social-centric themes where billions of ringgit have been pledged
for various programmes. But like all businesses, the number one thing
is certainty and stability. Once the election process is concluded,
businesses should be able to get on with what they do best - make
money, invest and offer employment for the millions of Malaysian
workers.
Some bankers are hoping that once the results are known
and the Government is formed, companies can resume to getting on with
business, especially among the small and medium enterprises which, as a
group, employ the most number of Malaysians.
The comments from
CEOs who responded to four questions posed by our reporters suggest
that their number one priority post elections is peace and prosperity.
Many called for progress and also there were calls to tackle the
scourge of corruption. In short, their aspirations and hopes are really
no different from many other Malaysians. That shows the universal dream
Malaysians have for a better country and society.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Datuk Seri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa
Group CEO Telekom Malaysia Bhd
Where are you going to cast your vote?
Subang Jaya.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
Exciting.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
It's every Malaysian's right to vote and I'm proud to be able to exercise that right.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
TM
remains committed to our customers as their broadband champion. TM will
ensure that our network and services are up and running smoothly
throughout this period. We have a dedicated network operating centre
and taskforce working towards this end.
Datuk FD Iskandar
Group managing director/CEO Glomac Bhd
Where are you going to cast your vote?
I am going to vote in Kelana Jaya, Selangor.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
In
most places, campaigning has been active and yet peaceful but in some
isolated cases, there have been reported violence. This is not the
Malaysian way of campaigning. We should put our points and policies
across intelligently without resorting to physical or any other type of
abuses
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
I
have voted since 1990. I feel that it is our duty and responsibility to
determine the type of policies that we want for our country.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
All
Malaysians to live in peace and harmony, a better education system,
conducive business environment, awareness of good governance and to
have confidence in tackling security and corruption issues.
Abi Sofian Abdul Hamid
Northport (M) Bhd chief executive officer
Where are you going to vote?
I am a registered voter in Lenggong, Perak.
How would you describe the mood of GE13?
I have mixed views but at the same time I share the confidence level of other Malaysians.
The voters are eager to participate after a long wait.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
I am influenced by stability, peace and progress.
On
the micro level, it has to be the capability and integrity of the
candidates to deliver all their promises and take the country and its
people to the next level..
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
I
envision that the country will remain strong and united and we must
appreciate our differences. We should work together as a nation which
will result in a better economic climate.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Datuk Sabri Ahmad
Group president and CEO
Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd
Where are you going to cast your vote?
I will vote in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
GE13 will be very challenging as new voters are set to play a significant role. I believe our caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's 1Malaysia branding is widely acceptable to most Malaysians especially the younger voters.
Our young voters are now more informed and they want good corporate governance, transparency and zero corruption.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
I
wish to see continued political stability and consistency in the
Government's policy towards becoming a developed nation by 2020.
Over
the last four years, our Prime Minister has managed to deliver
consistently with transparency in terms of the country's KPIs.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
I
sincerely wish to see continued growth of between 5% and 6%. Malaysia
is still able to grow at a commendable 5% to 6% growth rate. This is
not a coincident but was achieved with proper planning under the Economic Transformation Programme.
Azmi Ahmad
Alam Maritim Resources Bhd managing director and CEO
Where are you going to vote?
My family and I will be voting in Shah Alam.
How would you describe the mood of GE13?
Uncertainty
is not good for any business. The business community should have
clearer prospects after the elections going forward.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
It
is going to be a tough pick. Basically, it boils down to who will
govern the country better and take Malaysia to the next level. My
decision hinges on the past performance of the party which has
delivered a laudable measure of economic growth.
Post elections, what are your hopes for the country?
We
must find ways to reduce the increasing public debt level, introduce
programmes aimed at increasing incomes as well as reducing corruption
and crime.
Datuk Najmuddin Abdullah
Head, Strategic Communications
Malaysian Airline System Bhd
Where are you going to cast your vote?
Temerloh, Pahang.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
Temerloh
is good and peaceful. Generally, it's going to be a healthy competition
there. I just wish Malaysians will remain professional and cordial
during this very important period.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
The
choices that we make today and the effects of changes are to benefit
our future generation. From my years of voting experience and observing
our democratic process, I believe that every vote counts.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
Most
of us just want to see Malaysia's economy continue to prosper for many
years to come. Consciously or unconsciously, the rakyat will choose the
representatives who they believe can deliver this growth, stability and
security.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Dr Leong Tat Thim
Chief executive officer
United Malacca Bhd
Where are you going to cast your vote?
Rembau, Negri Sembilan.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
I have met many people, especially the younger ones, who just want “change”.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
Personally,
I am not in favour of change as the present environment that we are
living in does not warrant change. There is peace and freedom of
movement and job opportunities are also good.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
I
hope that the Government which come to power will be more progressive,
fair and continue to bring peace and prosperity to the country.
Datuk Mazlin Junid
Daya Materials Bhd
Executive vice-chairman and group CEO
Where are you going to cast your vote?
Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
It
has been vibrant and everybody is looking forward to it. Everywhere I
go, people are talking about it. Even the Indonesians and Bangladeshi
workers are talking about it!
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
It
is my duty to make sure that our future generation is taken care of by
the Government. We need to vote to ensure that education, policies and
investments will be progressive.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
We
need to ensure that there is peace and stability, and that democracy is
rife in Malaysia. A check and balance system is very important.
C.C Puan
Green Packet Bhd Founder, group
MD cum CEO
Where are you going to cast your vote?
In Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
Exciting. There is such a high level of participation from the people in terms of going out to ceramahs,
having robust conversations at every opportunity and the Internet
generation making their stance online. There may be opposing opinions
but we should all remember that everyone wants the best for the country
although there are different paths to get there.
What are the factors that will influence you to vote?
To vote is to take ownership of the future of my country. I have been voting ever since I was eligible to do so.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
I
hope that Malaysia will continue to be a stable and peaceful country as
it is today. But I also hope to see Malaysia progress to become an
international class country with a firm focus on providing more
opportunities to the people starting with world-class education,
leveraging on high technology and giving stronger support to economic
drivers from micro businesses to large enterprises.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Azran Osman-Rani
AirAsia X CEO
Where are you going to cast your vote?
P117-Segambut.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
Positive, Engaged, Energetic.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
Duty of citizen to vote.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
Pro-consumer choice and pro-market policies, and an on-time, on-budget KLIA2.
Aireen Omar
CEO AirAsia Bhd
Where are you going to cast your vote?
Petaling Jaya
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
It has created a lot of attention worldwide as people have been expecting it since last year.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
I am a citizen of Malaysia. It is my responsibility to perform my duty and vote.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
I
would like to see a better education system as that is the most
fundamental to any economy and country. A landscape that encourages
growth and opportunities for Malaysians to be at the forefront of the
world's stage.
Razlan Mohamed
Chief executive officer
Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd
Where are you going to vote?
I will be voting at the Lembah Pantai constituency.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
The
mood is upbeat and full of anticipation, on what else? The result. It
is heartening to note the increased awareness of the significance of
GE13 to the younger generation.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
I
vote to exercise my constitutional right. I want our future generation
to enjoy the prosperity and stability we are currently experiencing.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
My
hope is for the country's wealth to be continuously managed prudently
and transparently. The fair distribution of wealth, welfare and
economic growth will hopefully be sustained on a long-term basis.
Matthew Tee Kai Woon
Bina Puri executive director
Where are you going to cast your vote?
Cheras
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
Excitement on the outcome as both sides had put in tremendous efforts into wooing the voters.
Why and what are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
The ability to genuinely deliver taking into consideration the candidate, strength of the party leaders and the party.
Post election, what are your hopes for the country?
There should be real progress based on the promises delivered and the country realises its true potential.
Jeffrey Chew
OCBC Bank (M) Bhd
Director and CEO
Where are you going to cast your vote?
I will be voting in the Teratai state seat; and Pandan for parliament.
How would you describe the mood for GE13?
This
is the most fiercely contested general election. I think Malaysians
have reached a level of political maturity and we need to step forward
and take individual responsibility for our country.
What are the factors that are influencing you to vote?
I
will be voting for the candidate who can make the necessary
improvements, and chart the progress of my constituency. This includes
the ability to resolve all outstanding problems.
Post election, what are your hope for the country?
I
hope the Government will focus on human capital development, implement
infrastructure projects benefiting the people, reduce crime rates, and
increase foreign investments.