‘Dr M’s criticism of graduates insensitive’

KUALA LUMPUR: Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin calls Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism of graduates who sell nasi lemak or become ride-hailing drivers “a big mistake”.

She said the comments showed the former prime minister’s insensitivity to the needs of the current generation.

“Even accountants and those in the corporate sector choose to sell nasi lemak and become GrabCar drivers to earn extra income.

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” she said after the launch of the Puteri Barisan Nasional Friends Network, known as “Azalea 2018”, here.

She said selling nasi lemak and becoming drivers were opportunities for people to generate extra income to improve their life.

On Thursday, Dr Mahathir said graduates earning a living as nasi lemak sellers and ride-sharing drivers was a sign the country did not have enough high-income jobs.

He said the country did not build universities to train youth to take up such jobs.

“We cannot be proud of those who sell nasi lemak or become Uber drivers.”

Mas Ermieyati said: “If this is what he thinks, then he has made a big mistake.

“People can see for themselves that he is insensitive to the needs of the times and the economic climate.”