Out of 10 bumiputra (Malay) and 18 non-bumiputra companies involved in the manufacturing of electrical/electronic lights and accessories in Malaysia, the government through a Treasury announcement has decreed that only three – Amat Sinar Sdn Bhd, Permintex Electronic Sdn Bhd and Muarlite Industries Sdn Bhd – may provide the items to government contractors.
The Treasury has ordered contractors and government agencies to acquire street lights, light accessories and decorative lights outside government buildings only from the lucky 3, or face surcharge and government blacklisting.
Needless to say, there has been a hugh uproar from the other 7 bumiputra and all non-bumiputra manufacturers. These companies have invested large sums in the manufacturing business and now see the government 'blockade' of their goods as undermining their ability to export the same products. Then, there is the question of monopoly.
But this favouritism or cronyism is quite common in Malaysia. Looks like the Malaysian Prime Minister religious doctrine of honesty, trustworthiness and whatever other noble virtues I have already forgotten, as propounded by him in his Islam Hadhari, is facing difficulty being implemented. Hey, don’t be harsh with him – he’s only the prime minister, without capital letters.
Hmmm, I wonder who own, or even owns, the those lucky 3?
All these talk of being very transparent in governance of Malaysia under Mr.'Clean' is suddenly looking very 'frosted'!
ReplyDeleteI thought 'crony business' was out of fashion under the present cabinet! Oops...forgot to realise that the same old faces are still prevalent in the present set up.
What will they come up with next? Anyway, new ammo for Kit Siang and Teresa Kok after the 'squatgate' fiasco has now become old news.
Malaysia Boleh!!!