‘MAHATHIR-DAIM’ COMBO GETS THE THUMBS UP FROM MALAY CONTRACTORS: ‘THEY WILL HELP US,’ EVEN AS UMNO & PAS ACCUSE DUO OF FAVORING THE OTHER RACES

PETALING JAYA – The country’s largest grouping of Malay contractors has expressed confidence in Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Putrajaya’s chief adviser Daim Zainuddin, saying the duo’s presence in the government would ensure the continuity of the decades-old agenda of helping Bumiputera companies.

“As a government headed by Tun Mahathir and assisted by Tun Daim Zainuddin as chairman of its advisory council, both of whom have long been known as advocates of Bumiputera development, PKMM believes the continuity of the government’s policy in this matter,” said Mokhtar Samad who heads PKMM which has over 15,000 members.

He said the organisation was committed to work together with the new government.

“We are businessmen and entrepreneurs who are committed to assist the government to implement development projects entrusted to us, and are not bound by political partisanship,” said Mokhtar.

He urged the Mahathir administration to address the problem of payment delays, saying it had hampered the smooth implementation projects undertaken by Malay contractors.

PKMM also hoped the government would not sideline Malay contractors in major infrastructure projects, including in the construction of the MRT, LRT and highways.

Last year, then-prime minister Najib Razak said 45% of LRT3-related contracts would go to Bumiputera companies, but said they had to compete among themselves based on merit.

“The contracts are not being randomly awarded and they (Bumiputera companies) must prove their ability and consideration will be given based on merit,” Najib had said.

– FMT