Giving their opinion: Low, Hussein and Krishnan.

       JOHOR BARU: Politicians from both sides of the divide should stop playing political games and work together in rebuilding the state economy, say groups here.

       Johor Baru Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Low Kueck Shin said it was not the right time for a state election and that such a move would only burden the people.

       “Just finish the term, which will end in less than two years. Then, they can hold the state election along with the general election.

       “Having the state election now is a very bad decision and will not help the people at all.

       “People are more concerned about economic recovery and getting on with their lives,” he said.

       Low also urged all state representatives to focus their time and efforts on addressing the people’s woes.

       Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association secretary Hussein Ibrahim echoed the views, adding that the state government should focus on efforts to reopen the Johor-Singapore border, which is a very important issue to Johoreans.

       “There is no need to have a state election now. Johor still has so many problems to address, especially with regard to the economic recovery and the border issue. We have no time for this.

       “The people are tired of the constant bickering among politicians. Many have ignored them completely and are working towards reviving the economy themselves.

       “My plea to the state government is to put the reopening of the border as the main priority instead of getting busy with the snap polls,” he said.

       However, Johor Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry secretary Datuk K. Krishnan said the state election might be necessary for the state government to function better and revive the economy.

       “The state government now has a razor-thin majority, which is not ideal for a government to function properly.

       “It is important to have a stable government especially as we are now trying to revive the economy and attract more investments into Johor,” he said.

       He added that if the snap polls were to be held, it must be done carefully and in line with Covid-19 standard operating procedure.