Barisan Nasional's victory seen as a remedy for Johor's businesses

WHILE the recently-concluded Johor state election may not have the results that all voters wished or hoped for, it may be just what the business and investment communities need for the short to medium term, political watchers told The Business Times.

Lau Zhe Wei, an associate professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia's Department of Political Science, said the victory by the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition was "no surprise", as the business communities were leaning towards a political coalition which is able to ensure political stability.

Prof Lau said: "People look forward to a stable political landscape that could regain investors' confidence, hence boosting the state's economic recovery." He said his department conducted a focus group last year, and the key finding was that most business owners prioritise a clear public policy and political stability over a new government. "A new government may offer an equal playing field for all, but in an economic situation like this, business communities prefer a more predictable political coalition which can push for economic growth," he noted.