‘Focus on private, public sectors’ participation’

KUALA LUMPUR: The government must focus on the participation of private and public sectors in the new economic development policy.

Gagasan Badan Ekonomi Melayu chairman Tan Sri Rahim Tamby Chik said there was a polarisation in the economic sector involving Malays and non-Malays, which had seen an unhealthy competition between them.

“We want to see the participation of the private sector, which is controlled by non-Bumiputeras, and the public sector involving Bumiputeras in the new economic development policy.

“They should unite under a single team. There should be no suspicion in helping to improve Malay entrepreneurs and businesses.

It should also be vice versa. There should be a spirit of openness as Malaysians so that we can build the nation together.”

Rahim was commenting on the statement by Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, who said there was a possibility that the government would review the New Economic Policy (NEP) and the New Economic Model.

Rahim said Malays and non-Muslim Bumiputeras make up 68 per cent of the population, but they controlled only 23 per cent of the economy.

He said the target was far from the aim set by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, when NEP was established to increase the Bumiputera equity up to 30 per cent in a 20-year period.

“Now, after 48 years, it is still 23 per cent, far from the target. Without the participation of the private sector to help Malays and the Bumiputera community to be developed in terms of entrepreneurship and business, it will be tough for us to achieve a balanced development.

“In addition to the positive role of the private sector, and without prejudice to others who are not of the same race, I hope human resource development, as well as a system of positive values and ethics, can be developed under the new policy.”

Rahim said Bumiputera entrepreneurs should undergo independent transformation so that negative traits, such as a lack of professionalism, indiscipline, selfishness and jealousy, could be cast out.

“Despite being assisted by the government through the establishment of agencies for training, micro-financing and other aids, we could not develop due to negative values. Some are easily persuaded to sell their shares as an easier path to get rich. This attitude dominates the Malay business world.

“I hope the human resource development aspect is given serious attention.”