Wednesday July 8, 2009
Comment on meritocracy and bumiputra quota system
Plain Speaking - A column by Yap Leng Kuen
MERITOCRACY, it appears, is going to be the name of the game from now onwards.
Only time will tell if we have firmly put the ancient practices of the quota systems behind us.
For the time being, words to that effect have been sounded and decisions put in place to reinforce the bold ideas for change.
Announcements have been made progressively, starting from April 22 when the 30% bumiputra equity quota was scrapped on 27 service sub-sectors and subsequently on initial public offerings (June 30).
The participation of bumiputras in the newly set-up private equity fund, Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas), is also to be premised on merit.
In his speech at Invest Malaysia 2009, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak hoped that through investment funds such as Ekuinas, “the ambitions of the best and brightest amongst bumiputras can be supported and nurtured.’’
Scholarships based on merit is another hot issue. Following Najib’s announcement that starting next year, a new class of scholarships would be based on merit and not racial background, letters to the editor have indicated strong hopes of a better system for the future generations.
Countries that are run on merit-based systems and policies have made rapid strides in terms of competitiveness, attracting the best talents and moving up the value chain.
For Malaysia to hit that high note, it has to scale up the ladder much faster and look into an overall incentive scheme that is robust and, at the same time, practical.
Its leaders should never be bogged down by politics but march ahead resolutely, in full conviction that this is the best path to the future. They must not flip flop but adhere to their medium or long-term plan. In other words, they must really prove that all these announcements are not “gimmicks” to pull in the sentiment.
That does not mean that they operate within their own space but they must have a communication strategy to engage the masses, especially those who are likely to oppose. It should be explained to them what sort of “goodies’’ and help they can still obtain from the Government within a timeframe that is based on reducing amounts.
With higher awareness and exposure to global systems of governance, all Malaysians are becoming increasingly independent and proud to be able to stand on their feet.
Talking to high achievers within the bumiputra community, one gets a sense that they truly want to be associated with merit and individual capability.
Sensing that new wave, Najib has rightly pointed out in the same speech: “The world is changing quickly and we must be ready to change with it or risk being left behind ... It is not a time for sentiment or half measures but to renew our courage and pragmatism to take the necessary bold measures.’’
In our quest to achieve higher standards, there is actually no other way forward but through meritocracy. Rhetorics and politics aside, let’s make the switch and quantum leap as fast as we can to make up for lost time.
Senior business editor Yap Leng Kuen believes Malaysians are a resilient lot and can still fight for a better future. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, many countries are still struggling to find a new footing and this can be an opportune moment for Malaysia to rise and shine.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/8/business/4275563&sec=business
