Hello there: Chow having a chat with visitors of the New World Park food court in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The business community, manufacturers and stakeholders have lauded the decision by DAP to name Chow Kon Yeow as Chief Minister for a second term should Pakatan Harapan form the government in the coming state polls.
Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai said a business-friendly government is good for the industry as continuity is an impetus for business growth.
“We have seen the rapid development of the electrical and electronics industry over the last five years, with spillover effects going as far as Kulim. The business ecosystem will further strengthen and we are sure it will propel the state to the next level of achievement,” he added.
The Penang chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Datuk Lee Teong Li, said continuity would give investors more confidence as they would know what to expect and how to work to enhance the manufacturing industry.
“The government will have a lot of work to do, especially in creating more robust infrastructure in the Batu Kawan industrial area and also solving the water woes in Seberang Prai,” he said.
Association of Tourism Attractions Penang chairman Ch’ng Huck Theng lauded Chow’s administration for bringing the state out of the doldrums post-pandemic by redeveloping the tourism industry.
“The pandemic was the most difficult period for the tourism industry as it was totally at a standstill then.
“We hope Chow will continue to map out strategies to ensure the tourism industry grows by leaps and bounds and further enhance the state’s economy,” he said.
Earlier, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party’s election committee had decided to propose Chow as the chief minister should they retain the state.