The much touted 'industry captains' appointed in the 1980s by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad are today akin to 'sacred cows', an Umno delegate told the party's general assembly today.

In its patronage of these individuals, the Umno-led government has spoilt and fattened them to the point of opulence although they have been of little use to either Malays as a group or the country as a whole, said Terengganu representative Ahmad Shabery Cheek

On the contrary, they have only damaged the integrity of the Malays while bleeding the country of its financial capital, he claimed, citing the recent controversies over Approved Permits (AP) and the ailing Naval Dockyard Sdn Bhd

"Aren't there among us those that we can call 'sacred cows'? We feed them not to get produce, but so that these (cows) are worshiped and praised. Whatever they want, we give," said Ahmad Shabery, Umno Kemaman division deputy chief, while discussing the resolution on the economy.

"They want more, we give them more. How many sacred cows have we created already?" he asked.

Worship and exalt

Although he was careful not to attack International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz personally or her ministry, Ahmad Shabery however did not mince his words in his criticisms of the issue to express the Malay community's disappointment with such privileged individuals.

"When we give to these individuals, is it for the good of the country or are we giving to sacred cows that we worship and exalt?" he asked Rafidah, who also heads the party's Wanita wing, as she looked down from the stage she occupied with other Umno supreme council members.

Rafidah has been under considerable strain since a war of words erupted between her and Mahathir, who accused her ministry's issuance of APs of enriching certain Malay entrepreneurs and undermining national auto maker Proton.

Ahmad Shabery also questioned the achievements of other captains of Umno-linked companies who had enjoyed the patronage of the government but ended up being drains on the country's resources because of their ailing performance.

"What has happened to Renong? What has happened to Fleet Group, an Umno company at one time? What happened to MAS (Malaysian Airlines System)? These companies had created wealthy individuals who we had hoped with their wealth would become an umbrella for small bumiputra entrepreneurs."

Day of Judgement

Zeroing in on Naval Dockyard, Ahmad Shabery said that despite the 20-year-contract worth almost RM25 billion and RM4 billion already paid up to build 27 NGPV patrol boats, the company has yet to deliver even two patrol boats as promised.

Speaking generally about corruption, Ahmad Shabery said it will not be just those individuals involved who will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.

"Unfortunately, the result was not as we had hoped. The performance of these companies or individuals entrusted with such responsibilities leaves much to be desired," he lamented.

"We need to remind ourselves, as the ruling party, that if we do not act against these people, we ourselves will also be punished on (that day)."

Because of the collective responsibility of Umno members for the incidence of corruption in the party, said Ahmad Shabery, party president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi should rest assured that any steps to reshuffle his cabinet of ministers would find support among Umno grassroots.

"This is Pak Lah's government, which is a government grounded (in reality), not a heavenly one," said Ahmad Shabery in reference to the 'Sky Kingdom' of cult leader Ayah Pin.

"The government on earth must be one that is grounded in reality. If you, Pak Lah, need to reshuffle the government, then reshuffle it. We all support you," said Ahmad Shabery, to resounding applause from Umno members in the hall.