Najib: No help for 'easy buck' Malay businessmen

By Muda Mohd Noor - Free Malaysia Today

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today issued a stern reminder to Malay entrepreneurs that his administration would only help those willing to work hard, and not those looking to make an easy buck.

He said non-Malay businessmen will be upset if the government take away their rights because they had worked hard for it.

However, he said these businessmen would not be angered if the government helps the Malays based on merit.

“This is why the government helps companies with the potential to succeed and also capable entrepreneurs. We must help those who deserve it.

“Through the New Economic Model, we have helped based on merit and this has proven to be effective,” he said at the opening of the 2010 Malay Entrepreneurs Convention.

The convention, organised by the Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce, is being held at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

Stressing the importance of reputation and business acumen, Najib said there were Malay entrepreneurs who get government contracts, but pass them on to others.

“We give contracts for football fields and community halls, but the kampung folk complain to me that it is a shoddy job,” he said, adding that reputation must take precedence over profit.

134 AP applications

The prime minister also revealed that 134 Malay entrepreneurs had applied for APs (approved permits) to import vehicles even after stipulated time frame.

Najib said that some of these applications were sent to the Prime Minister's Office as well.

“It is very easy to become rich in the AP business as one AP can net you a profit of RM30,000. Some do the business in the right way, and others don't... there is not even a showroom,” he added.

The prime minister also advised the Malays not to venture into an overcrowded business sector, pointing out that Malaysia now has 30,000 Class F contractors, the highest in the world.

“The problem is giving out projects... the government allocation is limited, we may be able to do it for a year or two due to the stimulus packages...but after that?” he asked.

He said as entrepreneurs, it was incumbent upon them to hone their business skills and enhance their knowledge.

"Lack of knowledge and business skills is not only prevalent among the Malays but also among the non-Malays; sometimes even family-run businesses can collapse upon reaching the second generation.

"And there are government-linked companies (GLCs) suffering massive losses. Meaning, it's not just about the individuals.

“We must look at such weaknesses in terms of the need to enhance business and entrepreneurial skills. Please equip yourself with these skills," he said.