In a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center here yesterday, Nazri agreed that there may have been times when the Chinese community was dissatisfied with the government.
But in general, the trust is there and the country’s “good economy” is a reason for this, he said.
“If they don’t trust the government, they’ll take their money and go elsewhere.
“And don’t just talk about the Chinese here, even Chinese from China are investing in our country.
“So, I don’t think that’s an issue. I think it’s only his (Liow) personal opinion.”
Earlier this week, Liow told Sin Chew Daily that the ruling party, Barisan Nasional, was disappointed that the Chinese backed the opposition in the 2008 and 2013 general elections.
He then called for the government to extend an olive branch to the Chinese by implementing policies that are in line with the community’s wishes.
Liow also said the Chinese community should support the Barisan Nasional government, so the country can remain moderate.
“I am a Chinese. I understand there are unhappy voices.
“So, I often voice out in the cabinet that BN should deal with the sentiments of the community instead of handing out funds and goodies during the general election, thinking they can get the support of the Chinese in return,” Liow had reportedly said.
Meanwhile, Nazri said as long as Putrajaya can continue to ensure peace and security in the country, along with a good economy, “all Malaysians will support the government”.
Speaking of the opposition, the Padang Rengas MP said if Dr Mahathir Mohamad wishes to be the country’s prime minister once again, then it is the 92-year-old’s “democratic right” to go for it.
“Anyone can (try to) become the prime minister as long as they are not a bankrupt, or have not been convicted of a crime.”
Mahathir had on Tuesday told top businessmen and opinion leaders in Tokyo that there was a possibility he might be prime minister again if the opposition won the next general election (GE14).
According to a report in Nikkei Asian Review (NAR), Mahathir was asked if he would again be prime minister if his party won GE14, to which he replied it was possible but that it would only be for “a short while”.
“If there is no candidate … I might try, but only on condition that everybody agrees,” NAR quoted him as saying.
However, the man who was prime minister for 22 years stressed that his prime intention was to lead the opposition to victory as he had “a lot of experience in winning elections”.