Dr M: Malays should question themselves as NEP has failed to achieve its aim

SHAH ALAM:  It is time for Malays to question themselves on where they have gone wrong and think of ways to better themselves, said Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir explained that under the New Economic Policy (Dasar Ekonomi Baru), Malays have been given many opportunities and help so they can become more successful in businesses and entrepreneurship.

With the NEP, the economic gap between the Malays and other races could have been reduced but the success of the NEP was very small and unsatisfying.

He said the need to decrease the economic gap between all races needed to be continued.

"The question is, what is the reason for the NEP with its affirmative actions failed to achieve its aim.

"I believe if we question ourselves, then it is easier for us to correct mistakes ourselves than ask others to better themselves so we can benefit from it.

"If we admit that we are wrong, then we must correct our mistakes," he said in his speech at the party's second anniversary celebrations at Stadium Malawati here on Saturday.

"What are our mistakes? There are many that we have done. The first is not working as hard as the others.

"Not only that, we also do not take responsibilities and we are less cautious (kurang meniliti) before making decisions and acting," he said.

The Prime Minister said now that Pakatan Harapan and Bersatu is in Government, there will be measures to ensure that the Malays will not be left behind and the economic gap between them and other races will be further reduced.

"We will create policies, opportunities and have facilities for Malays to increase their performance.

"But this time around, we will decide what is given to the Malays so it is not misused by them.

"We will ensure they are trained to manage, especially in money. "We will not hesitate to take any action against misuse (penyelewengan)," he said.

Dr Mahathir, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman said only those who are trained and with experience will be given consideration during tender offers.

He said the curricular vitae (CV) will be taken into heavy consideration, especially on their habits when it comes to the repayment of debts, including the PTPTN.

"Those who have succeeded in getting AP permits and other contracts cannot sell it or transfer it to others. If they do, then their AP licences will be cancelled," he said.

"Bersatu will not be Umno Najib (former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak). We will not prioritise ourselves, we will only focus on developing the country further so everyone can benefit," he said.

He added that the needs of all races will be taken into account and the distribution of economy will be done in a fair and just manner.