Malays aren’t poor, they just elect poor quality leaders, says Zaid

 

Zaid Ibrahim says the people must not be afraid to speak the truth on the ‘moral depravity’ of its leaders.

PETALING JAYA: A former minister says Malays as a whole are no longer poverty-stricken though the community is “poor” in the sense it lacks good leaders and institutions.

In a Facebook post, former de facto law minister Zaid Ibrahim questioned the expectations of those calling for new Bumiputera affirmative action policies.

“What sort of special upliftment do they expect the Malays to get year in year out? A race-based budget is just not done anywhere else in the world – and yet the Malays are still poor?

“The truth is Malays are not poor anymore. There are some who are but there are other poor people in the country too. Why not talk about them?”

Zaid said many Malays were doing very well and this could be seen from the multitudes of billboards promoting products of Malay-owned businesses and direct-selling companies, by the large number of Malays who play golf at country clubs, and by the ability of many Malays to buy branded items at premium outlets.

But, he said, the community had poor quality leaders who made bad decisions for selfish reasons.

“Government contracts are freely awarded to cronies and helpers, so long as the so-called party expenses are taken care of.

“It’s clear that Malay-based institutions are (also) poor – in the sense of being devoid of decency and uprightness,” he said, adding that it included many departments and ministries which are headed by Malays who do not follow the rules.

“They followed what the ministers want and we all are poorer for it. The bureaucracy is (also) bloated and is no longer affordable,” he said, referring to the appointment of advisers to ministers.

“Taking full advantage of public money without shame is what makes Malay institutions poor.”

Zaid said the people must not be afraid to speak the truth on the “moral depravity” of leaders.

“When leaders no longer care about honesty and integrity, they will cease to care about the interests of ordinary Malaysians who need help. No policy change can do much good.” - FMT