The Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) claims in its recent report
that Bumiputeras (Malays and other indegenous races) hold 45% of the share
equity in Malaysia. But the Economy Planning Unit (EPU) rebutes it and claims
instead the real figure should be 18.9%. Please note the insersion of the
decimal point by the EPU in order to emphasy the accuracy of its findings. Who
is lying and who is telling the truth? But who cares? Figures like these really
tell nothing as far as us ordinary folks are concerned, we are not trained to
grasp the implications behind. What we can readily understand are the number of
retail outlets lining the streets, in shopping complexes and supermalls or the
workshops and factories in industrial estates. We can count the number of
saloon, kedai kopi (including those 24 hours types), tailors,etc, etc...... If
anyone were to conduct a survey as I mentioned just now, the truth will be
shocking and sad -- majority of the owners of those outlets are indeed
non-bumiputras. Ahh..the bumiputra politicians will be quick to say, "The
economy of Malaysia is controlled by non-bumiputras!" But is it true? It can't
be further from the truth, is the whole of Malaysia's economy made up of retail
business solely? What about the big bucks sectors like petrolium, banking,
automobile, airlines, insurance,energy, communications etc ? They are in the
hands of the bumiputra, it is open secrets, no denial about it please. The non
bumiputras are squeezed out from joining the job force within government
departments orchestra by the Public Services Department, also they can not lay
their hands on big-bucks business. Where else can they go? Simple, they join the
private sector, learn the trade and start on their own when the time is ripe.
Why can't the young bumiputras do the same? Ah, I don't want to go into that
again (I had explained why in one of my old posts). Our wise leaders should know
what to do, provide they got the guts to face the truth and do the right thnig
and not constantly harp on racial issues instead.
Happy Depavali!
Wishing all Muslim friends in Malaysia :
SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI!