Government-linked companies (GLCs) must be given a clear timeline to eventually grow and sustain on their own - free from government aid. We cannot afford to support them with public funds any more.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has caused a hike in all products unlike what it promised earlier, the currency value has dropped so much causing most of the businessman to close shop, the country has lost its political balance causing foreign investors to stay at bay - so much and now we have to pay GLCs’ bills? I don’t think it is proper.

I am referring to Proton - although there is a huge patriotic sentiment into this one since it manufactures our national car, it is high time we take a look at its management and operational cost. Same goes to MAS.

As mentioned, we cannot afford to keep supporting it through public funds when there are more urgent matters to look into. For example, the funds can be used to give out more loan assistance to businesses, scholarships to poor students or to improve our infrastructure. With the amount of financial assistance that has been rendered to Proton all this while, the company should have developed all the necessity to run on its own by now.

All GLCs must have a clear timeline to mature right from the beginning. Failing which, the company must face the risk of being sold off or acquired by the private sector. Privatisation is an ongoing trend in many parts of the developed and developing world. It helps to increase efficiency via healthy competition, corruption also records very much lower in the private sector.

Of course, GLCs that deal with healthcare or education may want to remain in the public sector to enable greater control by the government ( to ensure best results for the rakyat ) but the automotive and other industries can venture into this option once they are able to sustain on their own.

Again, I would like to reiterate that all GLCs underperforming for five consecutive years from their establishment must be either sold off or acquired by the private sector. This has to be made a standard of practice - impose the pressure to take things seriously. Knowing someone has got your back every time you are in trouble makes you take things lightly.

Let us be fair in dividing the public funds, there are many potential professionals out there who are desperately seeking for an opportunity to prove their capabilities but are unable to do it due to financial restrictions. Let the money be given to them or even turned in as subsidies to lessen the rakyat’s burden facing the drastic price hike since the introduction of the GST last year.

Anything would do but not to feed a GLC which cannot improve or develop itself despite millions that has been injected into it.

We at 1MINE are definitely not in favor of assisting Proton or any other GLCs that are similar to it.

Patriotism may be shown in other forms; through unity, togetherness, securing a harmonious life and not by blindly supporting a national brand which has been failed by poor management. I truly hope that this view is given a fair consideration by the authorities in charge.

S GOPINATH is president, Malaysian Indian Network of Entrepreneurs Associations (1MINE).