What the leading players say:

“The Malaysia Incorporated concept is an excellent way forward for public-private partnership.

With this concept, both the public and private sectors are able to have common objectives and both sides are accessible with openness. This will enhance successful cooperation and lead to better efficiency and effectiveness in business.

The FMM is always supportive of this concept. We feel the Government should form a special committee on Malaysia Incorporated to carry out meaningful and highly productive projects involving all races.”

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers president Datuk Soh Thian Lai

“Since that historic day on May 9, Malaysians have been experiencing a breath of fresh air in terms of how this country is being governed. Dr Mahathir has instantly brought back a certain degree of credibility to Malaysia in the international scene.

This, coupled with distinct policy changes and transparency from the government, has brought about a 21-year high in consumer sentiment index. So despite the slowing economy and negative exposes lately, what Dr Mahathir and his new government are doing actually augur well for Malaysia Inc in the mid to long-term horizon.”

Ericsenz Capital Pte Ltd CEO Anthony Siau

“The ACCCIM will provide support to the revived Malaysia Incorporated concept, which was introduced in the 1980s to encourage closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to act and operate within a ‘Malaysian Company’.

This approach requires the Government to act as an effective facilitator, providing the right policy environment and facilitation as well as support services for the private sector to thrive.

The Public-Private Partnerships must be built on mutual trust and good governance to ensure that the nation’s scarce resources are effectively utilised while allowing the private sector to make viable investment decisions.”

ACCCIM president Tan Sri Ter Leong Yap.

“Malaysia Incorporated can be beneficial to the country as a whole as the business sector can collaborate and not compete with the government.

But the policies and practices must be based on Good Governance. There must be competition, meritocracy, equity and reasonable and not monopolistic profits.

Also no cronyism and no politics in business, please. Otherwise you can have more 1MDB which we will resent.”

Asli Center of Public Policy Studies chairman Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam

“I agree with the concept but there should be no red tape and the operation must be business-like. I believe the idea is still relevant but, of course, it needs to be reviewed according to the present needs.”

Association of Malaysian Bumiputera Timber and Furniture Entrepreneurs (Peka) president Hanafee Yusoff

“The Government’s move to revive the concept of Malaysia Incorporated has to be applauded.

This is definitely positive news for the business sector as this is a pro-business policy. This would mean there will be more collaboration between the public and private sectors.

This is important and ACCCIM will definitely want to cooperate closely with the Government.”

ACCCIM secretary-general Datuk Low Kian Chuan