Dr M: Govt not out to persecute bumiputras, but no more shortcuts

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.-filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is not out to persecute bumiputras but wants to ensure that a fair and equitable solution is in place for the betterment of the community, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The Prime Minister said that in the past, many business opportunities had been given to bumiputras under the New Economic Policy, but many had sold their contracts and approved permits (APs) for a good profit.

"As long as we look for shortcuts, we will not succeed," he said at the Future of the Bumiputra and Nation Congress 2018 on Saturday.

He said that such acts did not help them in the end because they continued to be paupers after spending all the money and not investing them, while those who bought the contracts and APs became successful.

.In light of this, he said the government would cancel contracts and approved permits (APs) given to them if they sell them to a third party, said Dr Mahathir.

"If it is sold to another person, the contract will be cancelled," he said.

He added that those who did not have the capabilities to carry out the responsibilities required for the contracts should not apply for it.-Star