THE Government should not complain about non-Bumiputera businesses being discriminatory in their dealings with Malays if it continues to be discriminatory to the non-Malays in the first place.
Former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the Government has tried that approach for 40 years with the implementation of the National Economic Policy (NEP) to bring the Malays up to scratch without any success.
“Maybe Malay leaders who genuinely want to help the Malays in business should thoroughly understand the supply chain issues,” he suggested in his latest FB posting.
“Maybe they should investigate if the Chinese wholesalers and suppliers ‘discriminate’ against Malay traders by not giving quality goods or credit to the Malays but only to their community.
“If that is so, laws against discriminatory practices must be passed. However, the Government cannot complain about Chinese businesses being discriminatory in their dealings with Malays if the Government is also discriminatory to the non-Malays.”
Pointing to the Bumiputera-only digital malls set up by MARA four years ago, Zaid contended that many have closed down in several states with “the one still surviving in Kuala Lumpur will likely face certain death”.
“I went to Sungei Yu Fisherman market built for the Malay traders in Kuala Selangor. I wanted to help Malay fish sellers but I could not find enough fresh fish.
“The choice was limited and the price was the same as the ones nearby in Pasir Penampang which is occupied mainly by Chinese fishmongers.
“Much as I would like to help the Malays, I also want to be fair to myself and get the best value for the money spent. I want the best fish crabs, ikan parang and sotong. The same considerations will also guide Malays who want to buy computers.”
In such light, Zaid said the 5% Bumiputera equity agenda tends to benefit only wealthy Bumiputeras “but we will never know the true picture as nominees will again be used as frontmen”.
“For most Bumiputeras, life will be the same as before, and the plan to make them global players will remain a fantasy. This policy makes Bumiputeras like me feel good about being part of a privileged community but we could not afford to take over such companies,” lamented Zaid.
“Maybe wealthy Chinese/foreign towkays will be deterred from making me a nominee because the Bumiputera designation makes the enterprise less attractive and unable to attract real market value.” – Sept 30, 2021
