AN IMMEDIATE SERIOUS STUDY ON THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (NEP) NEED TO BE UNDERTAKEN TO CORRECT ITS FLAWS.

After many years, almost 36 years, it has been noted that the targets of this policy have still not been achieved, as stated by the government. But independent studies have revealed that the target had exceeded the intended target, which is creating a friction between the bumiputras and non-bumiputras in the country. This independent study was carried out so that the government could use their useful feedback to formulate new strategies with the 9th Malaysia Plan. Rather than to calm the situation, government leaders who were handed this report way back sometime in February 2006, had now claimed the independent study as 'rubbish' or 'baseless' and so forth without even deliberating or looking into the matter in fear of losing their support from the majority Malays. The government had until todate not revealed its methodological methods of deriving at the 18.9%. On the other hand, the independent body, ASLI had stated their research methods and even had a public forum to debate on the issue. Over this issue, the person involved in researching the independent study had tendered his resignation due to mounting pressure in degrading the intellectual character of this individual and in support of his brave and dedicated team.

The NEP, which is also widely known as 'NEVER ENDING POLICY' was introduced in 1970 after the 13 May 1969 racial riots so that the social economical disparity among the various community will be balanced. At that moment, the bumiputras were left far behind and certain privileges were granted to uplift their lives and it was due to expire in 1990. Due to poor implementation, this intended targets had to be extended, firstly up to 2005 and now to 2020. At a first glance at the situation, a person will discover that many bumiputras are now employed in the public sector and most bumiputra households in the urban area live a very comfortable life. Looking at this view, it seems the NEP had somewhat materialised its objective. It has created a good group of bumiputra millionaires too. But shame to say that the real benefactors were the ones who lead or support the head of the ruling coalition, UMNO. As such you can see the life style of these Malays have changed. The disheartening point to note is that the Malays especially the UMNOputras who have been practically spoon fed, had not learned to stand on their own two feet and if this special privilege is withdrawn, it will create a massive chaos to the community. Recently this had clearly been told by our former premier, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad too. This is where the implementation methods had been flawed, from university places, awarding various government contracts and so forth. With regards to government contracts, its true that many UMNOputras have gained successfully through various government contracts and have become multi-millionaires, but the actual contracts, in most cases, had been sold 'ali baba' to others mainly to the chinese for quick cash. The contract is fullfilled by these non-bumiputras, mainly the chinese. Until and unless this mindset is changed, the Malays or UMNOputras are not going to achieve the government targets and will always be made use off due to the privileges enjoyed. The rural Malays on the other hand, who are not interested in politics or just live within daily means have been totally neglected. Looking at the total scenario, the bumiputras may have not achieved their targets since most of them live in the rural areas, where the government had ignored them for various political reasons.

But the aim of the NEP policy was to create a 30% bumiputra equity target by 1990. If this is the case, then ASLI's report could be considered correct as many GLC belong to bumiputras since public companies need to have at least 30% bumiputra participation. This the government can't deny. Then the target has been achieved with a handful of UMNOputras itself. Who's mistake is this? Will the government take responsibility for just supporting themselves and their cronies?

During these past 36 years, with the restructural policy of the government from argricultural to industrial base, the indian community from the non-bumiputras community have been hardly hit. Due to minimal assistance, most youngest have resorted to crime and gangsterism. The government knowing these circumstance existing had neglected to provide sufficient assistance to enable this community to live a normal life. Will the government ever care for them?

It seems pretty clear that the implementation of the NEP has been flawed. The aim was to ensure that the social economical disparity is balanced. The government need to emphasize a new method that could help the really needy bumiputras and the non-bumiputras, so that they too can live happily.

Another aspect that is of importance is transparency and accountability. Many government ventures are classified 'secret' and unknown to the public. Many of these ventures have failed drastically which had sliced down the development budget. The foreign medias report these follies and only then it is known to a small section of the rakyat. If more transparency and accountability is practised, Malaysians will be aware where they stand. Even with our own oil, which is of premium quality and totally exported, we are still not enjoying the real fruit of the cake. High level corruption should also be addressed and eradicated from the system.

No one denies that the underprivileged need to be assisted but this help has limitations. It can't go on forever. All Malaysian irrespective bumiputras or non-bumiputras have struggled to make Malaysia a peaceful place to live, which is paramount importance. With dedication and trustworthness, we will go a long way.

It is expected the government will address its flaws in the NEP and overcome them.