Nothing to hide
Nothing to hide
The Government will continue with its policy of openness and listen to the views of the people.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said, no one should take advantage of this openness to create trouble.
“But what is important to us is that we give answers. We don’t want to shut their mouths as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction,” he said when asked about the Bumiputra equity issue at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang yesterday on his arrival from performing the umrah in Mecca.
THE following are Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s response to the call by the Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology used to show that the bumiputra share in the country’s economic pie is only 18.9%.
The Prime Minister made the statement when asked by reporters upon his return from performing the umrah.
Q: It is as if people are taking advantage of your openness, and they are challenging Malay rights. It is as if the non-Malays are disputing the rights of Malays when the Malays are not questioning non-Malay rights. What is your action to ensure people do not go overboard in questioning or disputing?
A: If people question, then we must have answers. We do not have a problem. If we are transparent, what is the problem? We are not liars.
The actions we take are based on facts which strengthen the stand we have taken. Why do we have to take those steps?
If the plans we are taking are related to us helping the bumiputras, it must still be continued because the balance has still not reached the level we deem as acceptable. Then, that is when actions have to be taken.
Now, it is not the implementation of the New Economic Policy because that policy was concluded in 1991.
But the policies after that have to continue with several aspects contained in the NEP, such as poverty eradication.
Because if we say it is 1991 and the NEP is done, do we say everything stops? We no longer eradicate poverty because that was the old policy? That would be a wrong stand. It is not right.
There are approaches which were started when the NEP was implemented, which have not achieved their goals, and so have to be continued.
There are two important NEP strategies, penyusunan semula masyarakat (the restructuring of society) and poverty eradication, and debates have been made in so many numbers and in a great deal of meetings, such as the National Economic Consultative Council 1, 2 and 3.
Tak habis habis (Till no end) we talk about this. People say the new generation is more visible. Young people, after studying, have idealism and will question a lot of things.
But what is important to us is that we give answers. We don’t want to shut their mouths, as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction.
To open up in important things is not something that troubles us. It won’t trouble us.
The young people who question are also Malays, it’s not like all Malays are just silent on issues.
We are ready to give opinions and we hope they will not go overboard, make all sorts of accusations.
We are not in the business of cheating people. That is not our way. We don’t lead by lying (memerintah menipu). We lead and want the best for all Malaysians, not just one particular party.
We have to see the whole situation, not just one quarter or corner. That is important. The Malaysian Government now is built based on unity. Cooperation is possible because the Government shares powers.
The peoples’ confidence is in a Government of all races. A Cabinet decision is a decision agreed by all. How can we not have others’ agreement?
We do not think like that. Problems of the Indian community, we take on as a responsible Government to Malaysians of different races and religions. That is what the people need to understand. Don’t try and accuse, accuse, accuse, and the media tries to mengembur tak pasal pasal (play up with no reason) issues which are sensitive.
Q: The Gerakan wants the Government to disclose how it came up with the figures.
A: Oh, so he is questioning methodology. We have no problem. No problem to explain any methodologies we have used.
You must understand when there is a crisis. The economic crisis, for example, was bad. So many businesses, Malay entrepreneurs, were finished. How many had huge debts which they could not pay?
So that had affected our standing. I wish that our standing could be up at all times, but it is not like that when there is a problem.
Our policies are long-term policies. In that time, there are many things that happen. The high price of oil also has an effect on our plans, for example. So we face it all and have to overcome the challenges. We don’t want to make accusations, insinuations.
This is a general statement for anyone. There is no benefit to insinuate or accuse. If you want explanations, then ask properly. Why ask and then insinuate, ask and then accuse.
Q: So you think some parties, groups are taking advantage of the openness now?
A: I don’t know. Human beings always take advantage at any time. When there is a chance (to take advantage) he will take it.
If I make it open, they will take advantage and challenge (the decision). If there is no openness then they will ask why is it like this, why today there is no freedom, why no openness. That is taking advantage.
When we open, there are those who nak kacau (will cause trouble) and take advantage.
But we must face this eriously. What is important is that if there is something constructive (suggested), that we should improve (on the decision), we are prepared to receive their views. But if the intention is to cause trouble, then let’s see what will happen.
Q: This is a warning to the groups?
A: To anyone. Don’t twist (the matter). Malays or others, don’t kacau (cause trouble). If you want to ask, ask properly. Don’t buat kacau (cause trouble). Our country is peaceful.
God does not make problems by causing typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, but human beings want to make problems, for what? We are very peaceful. If there is a problem, discuss it properly. That is important.
There is no patience now for problems, and there are those who want to find problems. Instigate, insinuate, want to make innuendos. There are no benefits to such actions.
Prime Minister Responds To Gerakan's Suggestion On Bumi Equity
Following are Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's response to the call by Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology used to show that the bumiputeras' share in the country's economic pie was only 18.9 per cent.
The Prime Minister made the statement when asked by reporters upon his return from performing the umrah with his family since Friday.
Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was also on hand to greet Abdullah at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base here, warned everyone against making insinuations against the government as though it was not transparent in the issue on the economic equity owned by the various races in the country.
The issue cropped up when the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) claimed that the bumiputeras owned 45 per cent of the equity in the national economy.
The claim was later refuted by the government as a study by the EPU had recorded bumiputera economic equity holding at only 18.9 per cent, which prompted ASLI to apologise and retract its report.
Question: Yesterday the Gerakan was not satisfied with the bumiputera equity which had not increased. The Gerakan wanted the government to disclose in a transparent manner the methodology used in the study on the bumiputera equity holding which is now at 18.9 per cent. Gerakan (president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik) said something was not right about the figure as there was no continued increase since the New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced in 1970.
Prime Minister: So, he is questioning the methodology, we have no problem. We have no problem in explaining the methodology that we used. You must understand that whenever there is an economic crisis, the currency crisis in the past, terrible, everyone was hit. How many businesses, how many Malay entrepreneurs were wiped out, how many of them were saddled with enormous debt to the extent that they could not pay. So, all these affected our position. I hope the situation would keep on improving, but it was not so, every time there is an economic crisis or anything that is related to economic recession and so on, it will leave an impact.
"The government has long-term plans and during that period various things can take place. The increase in fuel prices had an adverse impact on the current efforts of the government. So, it is important for all quarters to face all these (problems) and strive to overcome them. We don't want to make wild accusations, what's the point of making insinuations, (I) don't know whether he is insinuating or not. Nothing good will be achieved. Being sarcastic will not achieve anything. Making accusation will also not bring any benefit.
"If you want an explanation, then ask nicely. What's the point of asking while making insinuation. This is not the way to achieve something positive. I make a public statement to everyone, not only people like him will ask, but others too will ask."
Question: So, Datuk Seri it looks like a group is trying to take advantage of the open attitude adopted by the present leadership.
Prime Minister: "People will take advantage whenever they can ... they will do so with an open policy, when restricted they will want to challenge demanding why (the policy) was restrictive, why there was no transparency today, why there was no freedom ... they will take advantage. It is human nature to do so.
"But we have to face the situation and we do so seriously. What's important is that whenever someone is not happy over anything, something that we can improve, we are prepared to accept their views but if the intention is to cause trouble, then we will see what happens.
Question: Is this a warning to this particular group, Datuk Seri?
Prime Minister: "To whoever it is, whoever the case may be, Malays or non-Malays, do not cause trouble; if one wants to ask properly, do so properly.
"If people do good once, we can do so 10 times over. Once you do something bad, be careful ...'.
"We are already very peaceful. (If) we have problems, discuss it in an amicable manner."
Fix the leaks in affirmative action
The news that the public may get to learn the Economic Planning Unit's method of calculating equity ownership for determining whether the New Economic Policy (NEP) target of a 30% share for bumiputras has been met comes as a breath of fresh air in the current debate over the distribution of wealth among the various communities in Malaysia.
By offering to release this information, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has sent the right signal about the government's commitment to transparency. It is especially significant in view of the important implications of this statistic for the sharing of economic opportunities among the people.
Indeed, it should be said that such disclosure must be made as a matter of course where public policies are involved. It is hoped that this move will set the precedent for a culture of transparency that is so important for strengthening the practice of good governance in the implementation of development plans.
If such disclosure had been made an established practice, no question would have arisen about the basis for official announcements about equity ownership.
It is therefore unfortunate that Najib's statement has come as a response to a call by Gerakan president Datuk Seri LIm Keng Yaik, who is also a senior member of the cabinet, for the EPU's methodology to be made public. This should not create the impression that government leaders are not in one mind about the computation of bumiputra equity ownership.
On a more fundamental level, the discussion over the implementation of the NEP and its continuation should not become fixated on computations and measurements of equity ownership.
Least of all should we spend our time trumpeting the interests of the different communities in a world where communal agendas have already become something of a sideshow.
Rather, what is more urgently needed is a refocusing on the effectiveness of the NEP in meeting its stated targets. A thorough review of the policy instruments and institutions that have been employed to give disadvantaged groups a helping hand is clearly needed.
This is a golden opportunity for the development planners to check the weaknesses in the implementation of the affirmative action policy to ensure that those who are truly in need will benefit from the nation's wealth. This is also an excellent time to wean the political system from the culture of patronage and rent-seeking that may prove to be the next major challenge to our economic resilience.
Abdullah: Ask questions but don't insinuate
Malaysians have the right to question the government or seek answers on issues, the Prime Minister said yesterday.
"If people question, then we must have answers. We do not have a problem. If we are transparent, what is the problem? We are not liars. The actions we take are based on facts," said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on his return from Mecca after peforming the umrah.
But there was one caveat: Drop the sarcasm, insinuation and innuendoes.
"If you want to ask, ask properly. Don’t make trouble. We are very peaceful. If there is a problem, discuss it properly. That is important," he said.
Abdullah was commenting on a call by Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology it used in finding that the Bumiputera share of the economy was only 18.9 per cent.
The statement by Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik follows a few days of robust debate on a study by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute which suggested that the Bumiputera corporate equity ownership was as high as 45 per cent. After the government rejected the think-tank’s report, several politicians and non-governmental organisations suggested that certain elements were trying to exploit the more open style of Abdullah to sow seeds of discord.
On the flip side, others said that the administration should be more open to diverse opinions.
Abdullah had answers for both groups. He said it was all right for people to question government policies.
"We don’t lead and lie, we lead and want the best for all Malaysians, not just one particular party.
"We have to see the whole situation, not just one quarter or a corner. That is important."
Abdullah also noted that the younger generation being idealistic, had a lot of questions, and the government had to answer them.
"We don’t want to shut their mouths, as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction. To open up on important things is not something that troubles us. It won’t trouble us.
"The young people who question are also Malays; it’s not like all Malays are silent on issues. We are ready to give opinions and we hope they will not go overboard, make all sorts of accusations."
What others wrote :
Lim Kit Siang : Smashed to smithereens - EPU’s NEP methodology using par value for 18.9% bumiputra equity
Jeff Ooi : Equity: Par Value vs. Market Value
Harakah Daily : Anwar mahu kajian bebas pegangan ekuiti dan tahap kemiskinan
Malaysia's leader-in-waiting
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak is widely seen as Malaysia's prime-minister-in-waiting. Being the number two in Malaysia, of course, hardly makes one a shoe-in for the premiership. Over the past two decades three deputies have been unceremoniously dumped, thwarting their political ambitions.
The most infamous axing involved former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's charismatic deputy Anwar Ibrahim, who at the peak of his popularity was imprisoned on charges of sodomy and corruption in what was widely viewed as a political witchhunt orchestrated by Mahathir.
Najib, 53, is the eldest son of Malaysia's popular second prime minister, Abdul Razak, and nephew of the third prime minister, Hussein Onn. But his chances are not being gauged by pedigree or political standing alone. Unlike some of his deputy premier predecessors, Najib has been careful not to outshine his boss, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
On a number of occasions he has publicly declared his loyalty to Abdullah, while insisting that the premier has support at every level of the conservative ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO).
At the same time, Najib has built strong bonds with the party's old guard, making a contrast with the understated Abdullah. The premier's early attempts to curb graft and restore government integrity, accountability and transparency irked some senior UMNO members, but more recently his high-profile campaign has lost steam. Najib comes off as authoritative and eloquent, if not a bit guarded and calculated, when commenting on issues of national interest...(more)
Malaysia Abdullah Ahmad Badawi bumiputra New Economic Policy (NEP) Bumi Equity
The Government will continue with its policy of openness and listen to the views of the people.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said, no one should take advantage of this openness to create trouble.
“But what is important to us is that we give answers. We don’t want to shut their mouths as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction,” he said when asked about the Bumiputra equity issue at the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang yesterday on his arrival from performing the umrah in Mecca.
THE following are Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s response to the call by the Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology used to show that the bumiputra share in the country’s economic pie is only 18.9%.
The Prime Minister made the statement when asked by reporters upon his return from performing the umrah.
Q: It is as if people are taking advantage of your openness, and they are challenging Malay rights. It is as if the non-Malays are disputing the rights of Malays when the Malays are not questioning non-Malay rights. What is your action to ensure people do not go overboard in questioning or disputing?
A: If people question, then we must have answers. We do not have a problem. If we are transparent, what is the problem? We are not liars.
The actions we take are based on facts which strengthen the stand we have taken. Why do we have to take those steps?
If the plans we are taking are related to us helping the bumiputras, it must still be continued because the balance has still not reached the level we deem as acceptable. Then, that is when actions have to be taken.
Now, it is not the implementation of the New Economic Policy because that policy was concluded in 1991.
But the policies after that have to continue with several aspects contained in the NEP, such as poverty eradication.
Because if we say it is 1991 and the NEP is done, do we say everything stops? We no longer eradicate poverty because that was the old policy? That would be a wrong stand. It is not right.
There are approaches which were started when the NEP was implemented, which have not achieved their goals, and so have to be continued.
There are two important NEP strategies, penyusunan semula masyarakat (the restructuring of society) and poverty eradication, and debates have been made in so many numbers and in a great deal of meetings, such as the National Economic Consultative Council 1, 2 and 3.
Tak habis habis (Till no end) we talk about this. People say the new generation is more visible. Young people, after studying, have idealism and will question a lot of things.
But what is important to us is that we give answers. We don’t want to shut their mouths, as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction.
To open up in important things is not something that troubles us. It won’t trouble us.
The young people who question are also Malays, it’s not like all Malays are just silent on issues.
We are ready to give opinions and we hope they will not go overboard, make all sorts of accusations.
We are not in the business of cheating people. That is not our way. We don’t lead by lying (memerintah menipu). We lead and want the best for all Malaysians, not just one particular party.
We have to see the whole situation, not just one quarter or corner. That is important. The Malaysian Government now is built based on unity. Cooperation is possible because the Government shares powers.
The peoples’ confidence is in a Government of all races. A Cabinet decision is a decision agreed by all. How can we not have others’ agreement?
We do not think like that. Problems of the Indian community, we take on as a responsible Government to Malaysians of different races and religions. That is what the people need to understand. Don’t try and accuse, accuse, accuse, and the media tries to mengembur tak pasal pasal (play up with no reason) issues which are sensitive.
Q: The Gerakan wants the Government to disclose how it came up with the figures.
A: Oh, so he is questioning methodology. We have no problem. No problem to explain any methodologies we have used.
You must understand when there is a crisis. The economic crisis, for example, was bad. So many businesses, Malay entrepreneurs, were finished. How many had huge debts which they could not pay?
So that had affected our standing. I wish that our standing could be up at all times, but it is not like that when there is a problem.
Our policies are long-term policies. In that time, there are many things that happen. The high price of oil also has an effect on our plans, for example. So we face it all and have to overcome the challenges. We don’t want to make accusations, insinuations.
This is a general statement for anyone. There is no benefit to insinuate or accuse. If you want explanations, then ask properly. Why ask and then insinuate, ask and then accuse.
Q: So you think some parties, groups are taking advantage of the openness now?
A: I don’t know. Human beings always take advantage at any time. When there is a chance (to take advantage) he will take it.
If I make it open, they will take advantage and challenge (the decision). If there is no openness then they will ask why is it like this, why today there is no freedom, why no openness. That is taking advantage.
When we open, there are those who nak kacau (will cause trouble) and take advantage.
But we must face this eriously. What is important is that if there is something constructive (suggested), that we should improve (on the decision), we are prepared to receive their views. But if the intention is to cause trouble, then let’s see what will happen.
Q: This is a warning to the groups?
A: To anyone. Don’t twist (the matter). Malays or others, don’t kacau (cause trouble). If you want to ask, ask properly. Don’t buat kacau (cause trouble). Our country is peaceful.
God does not make problems by causing typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, but human beings want to make problems, for what? We are very peaceful. If there is a problem, discuss it properly. That is important.
There is no patience now for problems, and there are those who want to find problems. Instigate, insinuate, want to make innuendos. There are no benefits to such actions.
Prime Minister Responds To Gerakan's Suggestion On Bumi Equity
Following are Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's response to the call by Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology used to show that the bumiputeras' share in the country's economic pie was only 18.9 per cent.
The Prime Minister made the statement when asked by reporters upon his return from performing the umrah with his family since Friday.
Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who was also on hand to greet Abdullah at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base here, warned everyone against making insinuations against the government as though it was not transparent in the issue on the economic equity owned by the various races in the country.
The issue cropped up when the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) claimed that the bumiputeras owned 45 per cent of the equity in the national economy.
The claim was later refuted by the government as a study by the EPU had recorded bumiputera economic equity holding at only 18.9 per cent, which prompted ASLI to apologise and retract its report.
Question: Yesterday the Gerakan was not satisfied with the bumiputera equity which had not increased. The Gerakan wanted the government to disclose in a transparent manner the methodology used in the study on the bumiputera equity holding which is now at 18.9 per cent. Gerakan (president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik) said something was not right about the figure as there was no continued increase since the New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced in 1970.
Prime Minister: So, he is questioning the methodology, we have no problem. We have no problem in explaining the methodology that we used. You must understand that whenever there is an economic crisis, the currency crisis in the past, terrible, everyone was hit. How many businesses, how many Malay entrepreneurs were wiped out, how many of them were saddled with enormous debt to the extent that they could not pay. So, all these affected our position. I hope the situation would keep on improving, but it was not so, every time there is an economic crisis or anything that is related to economic recession and so on, it will leave an impact.
"The government has long-term plans and during that period various things can take place. The increase in fuel prices had an adverse impact on the current efforts of the government. So, it is important for all quarters to face all these (problems) and strive to overcome them. We don't want to make wild accusations, what's the point of making insinuations, (I) don't know whether he is insinuating or not. Nothing good will be achieved. Being sarcastic will not achieve anything. Making accusation will also not bring any benefit.
"If you want an explanation, then ask nicely. What's the point of asking while making insinuation. This is not the way to achieve something positive. I make a public statement to everyone, not only people like him will ask, but others too will ask."
Question: So, Datuk Seri it looks like a group is trying to take advantage of the open attitude adopted by the present leadership.
Prime Minister: "People will take advantage whenever they can ... they will do so with an open policy, when restricted they will want to challenge demanding why (the policy) was restrictive, why there was no transparency today, why there was no freedom ... they will take advantage. It is human nature to do so.
"But we have to face the situation and we do so seriously. What's important is that whenever someone is not happy over anything, something that we can improve, we are prepared to accept their views but if the intention is to cause trouble, then we will see what happens.
Question: Is this a warning to this particular group, Datuk Seri?
Prime Minister: "To whoever it is, whoever the case may be, Malays or non-Malays, do not cause trouble; if one wants to ask properly, do so properly.
"If people do good once, we can do so 10 times over. Once you do something bad, be careful ...'.
"We are already very peaceful. (If) we have problems, discuss it in an amicable manner."
Fix the leaks in affirmative action
The news that the public may get to learn the Economic Planning Unit's method of calculating equity ownership for determining whether the New Economic Policy (NEP) target of a 30% share for bumiputras has been met comes as a breath of fresh air in the current debate over the distribution of wealth among the various communities in Malaysia.
By offering to release this information, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has sent the right signal about the government's commitment to transparency. It is especially significant in view of the important implications of this statistic for the sharing of economic opportunities among the people.
Indeed, it should be said that such disclosure must be made as a matter of course where public policies are involved. It is hoped that this move will set the precedent for a culture of transparency that is so important for strengthening the practice of good governance in the implementation of development plans.
If such disclosure had been made an established practice, no question would have arisen about the basis for official announcements about equity ownership.
It is therefore unfortunate that Najib's statement has come as a response to a call by Gerakan president Datuk Seri LIm Keng Yaik, who is also a senior member of the cabinet, for the EPU's methodology to be made public. This should not create the impression that government leaders are not in one mind about the computation of bumiputra equity ownership.
On a more fundamental level, the discussion over the implementation of the NEP and its continuation should not become fixated on computations and measurements of equity ownership.
Least of all should we spend our time trumpeting the interests of the different communities in a world where communal agendas have already become something of a sideshow.
Rather, what is more urgently needed is a refocusing on the effectiveness of the NEP in meeting its stated targets. A thorough review of the policy instruments and institutions that have been employed to give disadvantaged groups a helping hand is clearly needed.
This is a golden opportunity for the development planners to check the weaknesses in the implementation of the affirmative action policy to ensure that those who are truly in need will benefit from the nation's wealth. This is also an excellent time to wean the political system from the culture of patronage and rent-seeking that may prove to be the next major challenge to our economic resilience.
Abdullah: Ask questions but don't insinuate
Malaysians have the right to question the government or seek answers on issues, the Prime Minister said yesterday.
"If people question, then we must have answers. We do not have a problem. If we are transparent, what is the problem? We are not liars. The actions we take are based on facts," said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on his return from Mecca after peforming the umrah.
But there was one caveat: Drop the sarcasm, insinuation and innuendoes.
"If you want to ask, ask properly. Don’t make trouble. We are very peaceful. If there is a problem, discuss it properly. That is important," he said.
Abdullah was commenting on a call by Gerakan to the Economic Planning Unit to disclose the methodology it used in finding that the Bumiputera share of the economy was only 18.9 per cent.
The statement by Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik follows a few days of robust debate on a study by the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute which suggested that the Bumiputera corporate equity ownership was as high as 45 per cent. After the government rejected the think-tank’s report, several politicians and non-governmental organisations suggested that certain elements were trying to exploit the more open style of Abdullah to sow seeds of discord.
On the flip side, others said that the administration should be more open to diverse opinions.
Abdullah had answers for both groups. He said it was all right for people to question government policies.
"We don’t lead and lie, we lead and want the best for all Malaysians, not just one particular party.
"We have to see the whole situation, not just one quarter or a corner. That is important."
Abdullah also noted that the younger generation being idealistic, had a lot of questions, and the government had to answer them.
"We don’t want to shut their mouths, as things will continue to burn in their hearts, and this will lead to dissatisfaction. To open up on important things is not something that troubles us. It won’t trouble us.
"The young people who question are also Malays; it’s not like all Malays are silent on issues. We are ready to give opinions and we hope they will not go overboard, make all sorts of accusations."
What others wrote :
Lim Kit Siang : Smashed to smithereens - EPU’s NEP methodology using par value for 18.9% bumiputra equity
Jeff Ooi : Equity: Par Value vs. Market Value
Harakah Daily : Anwar mahu kajian bebas pegangan ekuiti dan tahap kemiskinan
**********
Malaysia's leader-in-waiting
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak is widely seen as Malaysia's prime-minister-in-waiting. Being the number two in Malaysia, of course, hardly makes one a shoe-in for the premiership. Over the past two decades three deputies have been unceremoniously dumped, thwarting their political ambitions.
The most infamous axing involved former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad's charismatic deputy Anwar Ibrahim, who at the peak of his popularity was imprisoned on charges of sodomy and corruption in what was widely viewed as a political witchhunt orchestrated by Mahathir.
Najib, 53, is the eldest son of Malaysia's popular second prime minister, Abdul Razak, and nephew of the third prime minister, Hussein Onn. But his chances are not being gauged by pedigree or political standing alone. Unlike some of his deputy premier predecessors, Najib has been careful not to outshine his boss, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
On a number of occasions he has publicly declared his loyalty to Abdullah, while insisting that the premier has support at every level of the conservative ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO).
At the same time, Najib has built strong bonds with the party's old guard, making a contrast with the understated Abdullah. The premier's early attempts to curb graft and restore government integrity, accountability and transparency irked some senior UMNO members, but more recently his high-profile campaign has lost steam. Najib comes off as authoritative and eloquent, if not a bit guarded and calculated, when commenting on issues of national interest...(more)
Malaysia Abdullah Ahmad Badawi bumiputra New Economic Policy (NEP) Bumi Equity
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