‘Tuan’ label meaningless if Malays don’t work hard, Dr M says

By Yow Hong Chieh

October 27, 2011

Dr Mahathir today lamented the tendency of Bumiputera businessmen to look for fast returns. — file pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says it is pointless for Malays to call themselves “tuan” (master) of Malaysia if they are unwilling to work for the title.

In an apparent reference to theketuanan Melayu(Malay supremacy) concept, the former prime minister said Malays would remain “coolies” in their own country if they were content to rely on government handouts to survive.

“We are proud of ourselves and our abilities. But just calling ourselves tuan will not bring any benefit.

“If we want to be tuan, we have to work hard, buy a car, sit in the back, and ask someone else to drive it,” he told the National Entrepreneurs Corporation Bhd (PUNB) symposium here today.

Dr Mahathir lamented the tendency of Bumiputera businessmen to look for fast returns, citing the widespread abuse of approved permits (AP) as an example.

He pointed out that rather than making full use of the government licence to establish a proper car import business, many just sold their APs at a profit with zero effort on their part.

“They don’t make full use of the chances given to them by the government. Instead, they want to make a quick buck. They want returns as soon as possible,” he said.

Instead, Bumiputera businessmen should emulate Naza Group, which made use of revenue from its car import business to fund a successful venture into property development, Dr Mahathir said.

Race-based affirmative action has long been a controversial topic in Malaysia, with proponents pointing to the special position of Bumiputeras set out in Article 153 of the Constitution and the more recent concept of ketuanan Melayu to justify economic privileges.

But critics say the system of privileges has been abused and is driving a wedge between the races, in addition to eroding the country’s competitiveness.

Dr Mahathir has also drawn flak for fast-tracking Malay businessmen into big business and tolerating racial quotas during his 22-year administration, while also admonishing Malays for not being more enterprising and hardworking.