‘It is a known fact that most of the time, government officials do not care to implement changes to policies and rules announced by the PM, the DPM and the ministers. Their usual reaction is ‘no directive'.

On 30% bumi equity lifted for 27 service sectors

Yuvan: While business owners and entrepreneurs in the sectors involved would definitely welcome the move, their main concern will be to see that the respective ministries and government personnel implement this ruling without fear or favour.

It is a known fact that most of the time, government officials do not care to implement changes to policies and rules announced by the PM, the DPM and the ministers.

Their usual reaction is, ‘no directive'. The actual implementation is then left to the discretion of some lackadaisical government officials who don't bother.

Policy changes or amendment to rules announced by the PM, the DPM or any minister must be accorded their due recognition with a clear sense of importance and urgency by the entire government machinery.

The chief secretary should make sure that all information with regards to the changes and/or new rules be disseminated to the entire civil service to ensure implementation without delay.

There cannot be any excuse for ‘half-hearted' responses and unreasonable delays from the civil service.

Dr Lim Teck Ghee: This is the correct policy decision to make. The trend has been for competition for investment amongst countries to become more intense. It is a irreversible trend.

Beneficiaries of this policy reform are not only non-Malay business interests.

It is important to note that Bumiputera labour and business interests will benefit just as much if not more from the employment and other multiplier effects arising from the liberalisation.

One criticism of this long overdue policy initiative is that it may be over-cautious as it is being applied only to a relatively small segment of the economy.

All sectors of the Malaysian economy similarly need a strong injection of quality investment and higher technology and to generate higher value employment if the country's economy is to stay vibrant and competitive.

The extension of this bold move by the government to other sectors of the economy will be necessary sooner rather than later if the country wants to move up the league of competitive nations. ( The writer is director, Centre for Policy Initiatives ).

On Zambry seeks quicker end to MB issue

Makmur: With reference to the above report, it is sad to see how the state legislative assembly can be challenged in the courts after a stroke of the sultan's pen, his own pen.

Why did the learned sultan sign? I still can't understand the political move to rush things in such manners. Can some one explain?

To me, it is clear that the BN has the majority in the Perak assembly after the three independents gave support to them.

But why can't they wait for a state assembly sitting? Is there something that we, the rakyat, do not know?

Richard Teo: Penang, Selangor and Kedah must learn from the lessons of Perak.

They must immediately conduct a house-cleaning of the various institutions in the state.

All state GLC, local councils, the state civil service and all state statutory bodies must be revamped.

The people here should quickly be replaced by Pakatan Rakyat supporters.

Failure to do so immediately could have disastrous consequences once other political machinations come into play.

See how quick and swift the Perak state secretary acted when Nizar and his exco were forced out of power.

The state secretary was a BN appointee and his actions clearly showed where his allegiance was.

Nizar and his exco made the fatal mistake of not removing him and replacing him with someone from their political lineage.

Then look how the assembly secretary behaved by totally by-passing the speaker's authority in issuing orders and instructions. He was obviously acting under BN's orders.

Finally, see how the Ipoh City Council president and his men acted when they demolished the ‘Democracy Tree' plaque.

The states that are now still under Pakatan Rakyat must immediately remove all personnel and office-bearers associated with the previous regime if they want to continue to remain in power.

On Gobind to challenge suspension in court

Appum: See what happens in jungle justice? The federal court, the highest and apex court, has downgraded itself to a kangaroo court status by simplistic interpretations and shortsightedness in dispensing the law.

Now all our legislatures and their decisions - be it at state or parliamentary level - are open to ‘attacks'(challenges) in the courts.

Where is the esteem and sanctity of our houses of law and government?

Wake up politicians, wake up judges, wake up ruling government! Are we moving towards anarchy?

On Ali Rustam as CM - 'what's the message, PM?'

Sayu Sayme: It tells us time and again,

Come what may, sunshine or rain;

If you are properly linked,

You will be untouchable and never sink.

This is Malaysian politics and politicians. It is bad for the country.