It is encouraging to hear what PM Dato Seri Najib Razak said this morning especially when he mentioned:
“It is not a time for sentiment of half measures but to renew our courage and pragmatism to take the necessary bold measure to advance the national interests for the long term benefit of all Malaysians…We will help the best and the good in business. We want to be fair to all communities. No one must feel marginalized…It is a tricky balancing act but it is doable”.
Basically in line with the 1Malaysia concept, the PM has announced that 30 per cent Bumi equity for firms seeking public listing is no longer required. However they need to offer 50 per cent of the public shareholding spread to the Bumis. In addition he also lifted the requirement of FIC approval for properties below RM20 million purchased by non-Bumis or foreigners. The latter may not seems to make much of a difference considering it only works as a technical change. But what about the getting rid of the Bumi quotas? Such changes are likely to have an impact in the economy and excite the wealthy non-Bumis. Conversely will the Bumis or UMNO napoleans/cronies accept the decision with an open heart? Is there a catch somewhere? I am sure PM will be pressurised by these people whereas Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim and others will start analysing it before throwing out their criticisms. Anyway it is also understood that (from a reliable source) PM will form another body similar to Danaharta, to monitor any major acquisition of the Bumi shares so that a merger and acquisition plan can be initiated. To me, whether it is a political strategy or for the people, economically it is heading the right direction. After this it will be ideal if PM can think constructively to deal with issues such as prevention of crimes and corruption, then sustainable development and confidence is well on track. Ultimately what is really required is not only the implementation but execution and consistency.
andyyong
It may sounds like a good and practical plan but we must realise that optimism is one thing, result is another. Najib realises the difficulty to balance his decision not to lose Malay supports while at the same time giving opportunity to the Chinese. I hope he can educate them properly for the sake of our country’s future. Whatever it is, Najib is definitely better and stronger than Pak Lah!
Ignore Kit Siang as he only barks rubbish talks with no substance but beware of Anwar’s tricky rhetorics where he is capable to twist everything. Anyway it is good to have them barking so that PM can work harder and improve more.
I will be happy even if 50% of the decision achieves its objectives, never easy to please everyone, just like Anwar who is against teaching English in Maths & Science simply for the sake of attracting Malay supports now, knowing that he has good support fr Chinese/Indians already.
All the above are gimmicks, only a fool like you will believe! WHy are you still not awake? A disgrace to the Chinese community!
IF Dato Seri Anwar announces the same, they will condem him as a traitor. I agree with anonymous, whatever being done now is not for the country but to save BN, too late my friend. Malaysians are no more fools and stop denying the reality. You better jump ship before the next general election.
Hi Andy
Only those with brains and intellectual capability will be able to assess such liberalisation is in fact good for the corporate world in our country. Obviously Pakatan supporters dont have such quality as majority of its members.
The more bold move by PM that is initiated in line for the benefit of Malaysians, the more worried PR leaders are. They cannot criticise irrationally if it is clearly a good act but will monitor and find loopholes before counter-attack. Such intention will be more aggressive before the next GE. For this is Gerakan monitoring DAP’s movement in Penang?
So far PM has show great commitment to walk his talk about reform!
With this, unofficially NEP has ended! This way will enable the Malay on the road to be benefited from the earning of these companies! a smart move! Let’s see how anwar will argue. Kit seem to agree but just want to make sure the 50% reach the rakyat-malay on the road. PAS still want 30% – according to Hadi!