Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today said the government cannot afford any more mistakes in the implementation of the bumiputera agenda.

najib puchong 180312 This, he said, was because there is less than ten years left for the country to meet its ambition to become a developed nation by 2020.

"The policy was right but the implementation wasn't working. Because of time constraints, we cannot repeat (mistakes) any more. By 2020, the rakyat will ask where are we now.

"Last time when we make mistakes, we can review it, but time is not on our side, this time we must get it absolutely right,” Najib told a gathering of former civil servants in Shah Alam today.

While not pinning the blame on anyone, the premier said the present policies is designed to break free from the centrism surrounding a few successful companies or individuals.

"There were many weaknesses in the bumiputera agenda, this is not to say the past situation was wrong but when we gave (help) to big companies, they were crippled during the financial crisis and we had to revive them later.

najib puchong 180312 “We cannot place our hopes on one or two individuals, we must give (help) to capable bumiputera based on merit, not on know-who but on people with proven track record to excel," he said.

Earlier,  former senior civil servant representative Zainal Abidin Nordin in his speech had voiced concern about the status of the bumiputera following recent economic policies by the premier including the move to divest GLC shares.

Responding to this, Najib assured that the shares will not be simply sold off but would be subjected to a tender.

"Policies may change but the fundamental objective to uphold the bumiputera agenda will not change," he assured.

Stamping out rent-seekers

Najib also took a swipe at rent seekers saying, "Sometimes if I say this, people's feelings are hurt. Many come to me asking me to sign their letter to support them, these are rent seekers and there are quite a few of them.

NONE “If we want to be a developed nation this mentality must change," he said.

He adds that to ensure continued success of his reforms, he would require the support of the states and called on the former civil servants to be the spokesperson for BN.

"Instead of shouting ' Hidup BN ' when in your private chats, try to defend the BN government," he said.

Such efforts, he said, is necessary to recapture Selangor which he described as "of strategic value".

The luncheon today is part of Najib's  whole day blitz across Selangor, a day after a similar program in Perak as the country faces a looming general election.