DECEMBER 16 — There was a time when Malaya used to have a number of “closed” competitive events, meaning only Malayans could compete, or that such events were confined within the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.
That was another era.
Competitive events have since taken on from a regional basis and the larger the competition pool, the more prestigious e.g. the Olympics has a much higher standing than the Commonwealth Games, as it is with the FIFA World Cup against Copa America and Uefa Euro. Closer to home, the Asian Games would be the next step up for SEA Games competitors.
The only “closed” competitions and necessarily so are those restricted to the physically disabled. The premier one is the Paralympics, first introduced via selected events in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
I think it a folly
When the idea of an exclusively Malay operated digital retail outlet was mooted following the Low Yat Plaza debacle. I really thought it was just a “thinking aloud” reaction. That was in July.
Last week, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri (of “boycott Chinese traders” notoriety) opened Mara Digital Mall at the Mara headquarters building in Kuala Lumpur. It was Ismail who mooted the exclusivity idea. He hopes customers will comprise all races and be colour-blind from a consumer’s perspective.
He stressed that Mara Digital did not intend to compete with other outlets. It was more to create new opportunities for Malay entrepreneurs who could not get lots in other outlets, or (if they did) would have to face high rentals.
Of course, Ismail must believe he is fulfilling a serious social and economic issue for Malay digital retailers. I think it a folly.
Some of the many serious questions easily raised are:
why have a business proposition modelled after Low Yat Plaza and “does not intend to compete” with other outlets? Isn’t business about competition?;
is providing lower or free rentals a solution when Malay retailers complain of high rentals? Are we really helping these aspiring businessmen? Is this a sustainable practice?;
why would consumers converge to an outlet planned for retailers who “seemingly” can’t compete in a free market?;
all desirable brands and products would be available in popular outlets. The resultant competitive environment becomes the stimulus to perform (otherwise the retailers can’t pay the high rentals). Where would that nudge be in Mara Digital?; and
if Mara Digital were a Malay Food enclave, then the raison d’etre for exclusively Malay operators can be defended.
To be a “Juara Kampung” (village champion), unless one truly won it, can never be an accolade otherwise.
Take heed of Confucius
During a very recent REDs (my lunch gang) outing, 68-year-old Tony Goh suddenly remarked it never occurred to him he is an ethnic Chinese while growing up. Nowadays, it seems like he can’t stop being reminded daily that he is of Chinese descent. He used to be absolutely irritated but there is much less angst now. I chose not to pursue why. Anyway, it seemed like all the REDs present already knew why. Maybe they’ve given up?
This segregation initiative by Ismail will not have any lasting positive outcomes. It is classic textbook stuff on what not to do — to do away with competition and institute subsidies. Fortunately, Sazali Samad wasn’t in that whirlpool or he wouldn’t have become Mr Universe for the 10th time.
To make it work, consumers must think Mara Digital as being on par with Low Yat Plaza and Digital Mall in Petaling Jaya.
Identify and offer to successful operators in those two malls 50:50 partnerships with selected Malay entrepreneurs. The latter must be critically selected, and especially not anyone whose key qualification is the cable link with a powerful Umno big shot. The entrepreneurs must have track records.
Then, identify another list of would-be entrepreneurs, those without track records, to be mentored. Be serious with this mentoring programme. Sure, the non-Malay entrepreneur will also benefit but it certainly is a more sure-fire way to build a good Malay entrepreneurship base. The underlying check is that the non-Malay partner would want to see his investment work. And believe me, that is sufficient insurance.
On the dozens of dedicated Malay economic-help programmes and organisations, I wonder how many successful non-Malay entrepreneurs they have in their selection committees. Honestly, how much do Malay career civil servants, career professionals, senior politicians, or veteran board members really know about the hardships and ingenuity required to be an entrepreneur? Without that type of empathy, acumen and other “hardnosed” elements, however sincere or smart the selection committee may be, they will come out short. That will be an injustice to the deserving. We must have a clinical separation of this national endeavour from those that are hand-outs.
Haven’t any of our decision-makers heard of the Confucius philosophy: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”? There are plenty of people with the required skills who are willing and able to assume this “teacher” role.
Hard work and competition builds the character of nations.
Postscript
There is an old Chinese proverb: “Wealth does not pass three generations”. It is explained as the first generation works very hard to acquire wealth, the second generation reaps, and the third squanders it.
“Unworked for” wealth is like a fool and his money, which are soon parted.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
