In line with all the calls for transparency and complaints that the Approved Permits scheme has been abused, I suggest that the following rules be applied.

Each AP recipient must meet the following criteria:

Must be a citizen who was born in Malaysia.

Must have total net assets below RM100,000

Must have a monthly income below RM1,500

Must be above 25 years old

The AP scheme is intended to help all eligible Malaysians venture into business and is intended to give them the opportunity to develop a small business first so that they will first learn management before embarking on larger ventures.

Each year, eligible Malaysians will be given 50APs each which is deemed to have a value of RM10,000 each so that the total benefit is worth RM500,000.

The total number of APs given out each year will fluctuate from between 50,000 to 100,000 so that each year 1,000 to 2,000 Malaysians will receive these APs. Also:

Each AP recipient will be free to transfer the APs to third parties who can purchase the APs at negotiated prices.

Each person may receive an AP allocation only once in a lifetime.

Each recipient's name and IC number will be published in the local newspapers and government websites.

All income from the sale of APs by original recipients will be tax exempt.

The authorities will grant the APs to eligible Malaysians based on age seniority.

Management of the AP scheme will be entrusted to the minister in charge of primary industries.

Can anyone find problems with such an assistance programme as outlined above?