Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau urged Sabahans to approach the coming 17th State Election with political maturity, stressing that stability and capable leadership are essential for sustainable business growth and investor confidence.
He reflected on Sabah’s political developments since the fall of the long-time Barisan Nasional (BN) government, describing it as a significant turning point that demonstrated the people’s influence in shaping the State’s direction.
He noted that Malaysia’s parliamentary and assembly systems are designed to support such transitions while ensuring stability.
Congratulating the current Sabah Government for completing a full five-year term, Lau said this achievement reflected a period of relative stability that should not be taken for granted.
“Even during the ‘Langkah Kinabalu’ episode, we saw people from both sides stepping in to protect the Government to ensure stability,” he said.
He said this was a sign of political maturity, adding that the Government had “successfully demonstrated it could complete its term” and the mandate now rightfully returns to the people.
Lau, who is also Executive Director of Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC), shared his views and aspirations on Sabah’s politics from the perspective of the business chamber when met at his office in Kolombong.
Lau said earlier frequent shifts in power had created uncertainty and a poor image of the State in the eyes of investors.
“When governments change too quickly without proper reason, it is not good for the image and stability of the State, especially for investors and people who want to plan ahead,” he said.
“As a corporate man and chamber president, I can say that this is something we do not want to see unless there is a good reason – such as integrity or character issues. Only then will people understand why change is needed.”He cautioned against politically motivated attempts to destabilise the Government, urging all sides to focus instead on constructive efforts to strengthen the business ecosystem.
“There’s really no point in constantly attacking or spreading negativity. Why not do something that’s within our control – like helping SMEs grow, providing resources or financial assistance that benefit the business community?” he said.
Lau added that basic infrastructure issues such as electricity, water supply and flood mitigation should be prioritised through realistic and financially responsible planning.
“Fixing problems for the sake of fixing them is not sustainable. The Government must balance financials and income. If you fix something costly without guaranteed investment returns, it becomes a burden to the state,” he explained.
Instead, he suggested using available resources to support industries that can grow immediately and bring tangible benefits to the rakyat.
Lau also stressed the need for voters to assess their elected representatives based on performance and service, rather than emotions or party lines.
“Our assembly system is constituency-based. If your YB can do the work, vote for the person who can do the work. Don’t follow the political wind, because that will create more problems,” he said.
He urged voters to think collectively about which group or coalition can work effectively as a team, as governance requires collaboration and consistency.
“Politics in Sabah has to be upgraded to become corporate. It has to be corporatised – meaning that only capable people with leadership quality and performance are given the mandate.”
