Former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Zaid Ibrahim recently suggested that Bumiputeras should be allowed to apply for casino and alcohol operating licences so that they can compete with other races in the economy sector.
“Why not issue licences to Bumiputera for casinos, various gaming activities as well as the sale of alcohol and the provision of entertainment? If a big part of the economic cake consists of non-halal businesses that run into billions and which are barred for the Malays, how then can the Malay-Muslims ever catch up?” he wrote in his blog.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Malaysia Tatler
He claims that the government is discriminating against the Malays by not giving them the opportunity to branch out into other fields, despite it being sinful or non-halal.
“Why can’t Malays be given the same opportunities as the Chinese so they can make more money and protect their lands?”
“Sinful and non-halal activities are lucrative and contribute to the financial well-being of the Chinese. From these activities, they buy land, conserve huge capital and buy more land,” he added.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Form Follows Learning
He added that it is not the government’s duty to protect the Malays from sins. He further said that the government must allow wealth and prosperity to be available for all.
“It’s not the government’s business to ensure that the Malays end up in heaven.”
He then went on to say that even if some Malays are easily offended, that doesn’t mean that the government should run the country considering the feelings of others. Hence, he suggested giving Malays who won’t be offended the chance to apply for those operating licences.
“They will be able to do only the Halal variety whereas as the Chinese can do both.”
Source: Din Merican
“The Malays will become more pious and more religious, but they will always be poorer than the Chinese.”
He ended his post with this example;
“A Malay may aspire to be a Vincent Tan, but for that, he needs to start with Sports Toto and later own a chain of betting shops. But this Government discriminates against this unfortunate Malay and will not give him this opportunity. So how can any Malay ever be a Vincent Tan?”
What are your thoughts on his statements? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: Study Shows Bumiputeras Lack Competitive Edge Due to Bumi-centric Policies
