Malays smart enough to succeed if not for poor work ethic - Dr M

INTERVIEW | The Malays lost out to the Chinese in the economic race because of the former’s poor attitude, says Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In an exclusive interview last Thursday, Mahathir said Malays in the country have the intellectual capability to challenge people from other ethnicities, particularly the Chinese, in achieving success.

However, he added, Malays still failed to come out on top despite having the privilege of enjoying various forms of government assistance.

"I introduced the Look East policy so that we can learn from the Japanese success stories. Actually, in Malaysia, we can also look at the Chinese here. How they work in the same state, same climate (as the Malays) but they become successful.

"I am sad to see this... Years ago when I was an assemblyperson, I visited a paddy field where I saw two lots, located side by side, but only one of them had healthy crops.

"So, I asked a friend of mine what happened here... And he told me that the one with healthy crops was 'Itu Cina punya' (That one is owned by a Chinese). This means that when you give the same opportunity, everything is the same, but when you give to the Malays, it won't work," he told Malaysiakini.

Mahathir said the culture and attitude of the Malays are to blame.

"The Malays do not work hard. From the perspective of intellect (kebolehcerdikan) they are similar (to the Chinese), but the culture does not push them towards working hard, practising integrity.

"If we do not abuse power and money, we will be successful," he said.

The Malays, Mahathir added, have to admit their own mistakes and improve themselves, in order to become successful economically.

He pointed out several government-assisted projects given to the Malays which had gone to waste.

"The reason why we could not reach success is that when given opportunities, like the (vehicle import), Approved Permit aimed at attracting Malays into the automotive industry, they don't go into the business of selling cars but instead they sell the permits.

"When the government gives them licences, they sell the licence (to a third party). The same goes when we give them contracts.

"But there are a small number of Malay people who used the opportunity (to conduct business) and they become successful."

Mahathir later reiterated the need to improve the attitudes of the Malays during Bersatu's second-anniversary celebration on Saturday.

During the event, the premier stressed that it was important for the community to admit its shortcomings, and work harder to change the current perception that Malays are untrustworthy. - Mkini