The Pakatan Harapan government must continue to stress its commitment to good relations with China, said the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC).

The business group lauded Harapan’s “effective and timely” move towards reforms, particularly in cracking down on high-level corruption.

“At the same time, the MCCC positively looks forward to the new government’s reaffirmation of the friendly relationship between Malaysia and China, by stressing it numerous times and publicly announcing its recognition and support for the One Belt and Road Initiative of the People’s Republic of China.

“We look forward to the appointment of the new minister of International Trade and Industry as soon as possible,” said MCCC in a statement today, saying they were eager to work with the various agencies in “revitalising” the country’s economic development.

The group is likely responding to concerns over how Harapan would handle China, after its pre-election attacks on deals struck between the eastern giant and the Najib administration, claimed to be disguised bailouts.

As for the zeroing of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on June 1, MCCC said it supports the change of policy “wholeheartedly” but hopes plans for the abolition of the tax and its replacement will be outlined in Harapan’s new budget due in the latter half of the year.

The business chamber also called on the new government to give more attention to small and medium enterprises.

“With the increasing public awareness of democracy, the MCCC, which is an independent non-government and multi-ethnic business association, looks forward to the new government’s move towards a ‘small government, big society’ policy.

“This will be more conducive to civil society and private enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and young entrepreneurs in emerging industries.”