Be patriotic and buy local products, Malaysians urged

PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged Malaysians to emulate the patriotic spirit of the Japanese and buy local products so that they become globally popular as quality goods.

The prime minister, addressing the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly, said the Japanese were supportive of their industries because of their practical patriotism.

Dr Mahathir said when Japan ventured into the automotive industry, its products were not of high quality but, with the support of its people, the industry improved.

“They became more advanced in vehicle manufacturing. Today, Japan is known across the world for its high-quality products. This is due to the sacrifices of their people at the early stage of buying their own products.

“Malaysians too like to buy quality Japanese cars although they are more expensive than Proton cars.”

Dr Mahathir said if Malaysians could emulate the patriotic spirit of the Japanese, Malaysia could also progress into a developed country.

He said he introduced the “Look East” Policy, which encompassed Japan, South Korea and China, because they developed rapidly owing to the cultural quality of their people.

Dr Mahathir said it was important that Malaysians have the spirit of nobility, trust and values to rehabilitate and develop the country.

He also advised civil servants to be responsible employees by holding to noble values and rejecting all forms of corruption.

“If there are officers who are corrupt, the country will be destroyed,” he said.

On another matter, Dr Mahathir said a rich country was one where its people had high purchasing power, not just high salary rates or wages.

He said even with a salary increase of 25 per cent, it would not bring any good if the increase brought along a rising cost of living.

“The salary is more, but the capability to buy is the same like before.”