KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 - Datuk Seri Najib Razak today freed the country's services sector by ending the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity rule in an attempt to improve Malaysia's competitiveness in the
softening global economy.
The Prime Minister, who is also the finance minister, promised further liberalisation, saying that he would announce details of the liberalisation of the financial sector next week.
Reading from a prepared statement the Prime Minister said he expected a greater flow of foreign investments in the services sector which currently forms 11 per cent of total investment.
"Recognising the growth potential in the services sector, the government has decided to immediately liberalise 27 services sub-sectors, with no equity condition imposed. These sub-sectors are in the areas of health and social services, tourism services, transport services, business services and computer and related services," said Najib.
The government, he added, would also allow foreign legal firms to practice in the country but to only offer services in Islamic finance.
"As part of the measures to develop Malaysia as an international Islamic financial hub, the legal profession will be liberalised to allow up to five top international law firms with expertise in international Islamic finance to practice in Malaysia," said Najib.
Other services liberalised are in the areas of health and social services, tourism services, transport services, business services and computer and related services.
Najib also announced an allocation of RM100 million to be managed by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) to strengthen the local services industry in facing the liberalisation.
"The liberalisation initiatives will not adversely affect the domestic services industry. The government will continue to support the industry in capacity building and in the opening up of export markets," said Najib.
When asked on the sub-sectors selected to be liberalised, Najib said it was part of Malaysia's commitment to Asean on liberalisation.
"It's in line with what Asean countries are doing. Some (of our measures) are better," he told reporters.
Najib however refused to give out details on the liberalisation of the financial sector.
"I want it to be full of surprises," he said.

written by Johnathan Ing, April 22, 2009
written by ycl, April 22, 2009
The devil is in the details.
written by Mal, April 22, 2009
1/ Free media?? not when Rais has barred certain information from the general population adn making baseless comments how the media contributed to BNs poor performance in GE12.
2/ One Malaysia?? not when Muyiddin and Utusan made racist remarks and was not reprimended
3/ ISA review/abolishment/release of detainees??- hmmm more were detained on 1st April
written by onefingermalaysia, April 22, 2009
Second is whether this is going to be politically sustainable?
Or will we see the re-imposition of this quota when the market turns up later. Because UMNO and other BN supporters start to revolt as their monopolies face competition.
Remember the AP policy which was supposed to be disbanded by 2010. Now it looks like its going to be there forever.
Or will we see conditions like what happened to the Hypermarkets in that there are early closing times, staff employment restrictions etc.
I will wait and see but will definitely not hold my breath.
written by kz, April 22, 2009
written by Elsie, April 22, 2009
Now the next step is to free up the financial sector...and then we can truly make up all the lost decades.
written by bee yong, April 22, 2009
written by kahseng, April 22, 2009
I'll be surprised if the list includes these:
* bank and finance
* transport
* telecom
* large-scale retail
* large media groups
written by Headhunter, April 22, 2009
written by dr rashidmokti, April 22, 2009
Secondly as part of the 1Malaysia strategy this will also bring about a start to a more level playing field for the others who has been accusing the government of double standard.Hopefully these measures will be taken seriously by all parties and not being overtly politicized by skeptics.
Thirdly ,on a globalized scenario, it will be a good time for our local service players to join forces among the Bumiputra and the others to explore offshore markets in a more organized and sincere manner which hopefully will bring about more interactions and understanding among the business people.
Hopefully as being promised ,the rakyat could expect more pleasant surprises in the near future...
written by freedom pursuer, April 22, 2009
written by Durian Besar, April 22, 2009
When were the quota gazetted? They were quietly and unfairly implemented, weren't they?
How come with all these quotas implemented for so many years, the Malays are still poor?
Perhaps the Malays are not so poor as UMNO claimed.
written by Average Joe, April 22, 2009
The only person thats going to be surprised is Najib, when he finds out that there has been little effect to his so-called surprises. I can't imagine any financial firm of good standing is going to be lured by the promises of possible "surprises".
written by zik, April 22, 2009
No demos???
written by pttan, April 22, 2009
Another hogwash that will bring no real benefit to the ordinary people.
written by ssy, April 22, 2009
written by hobbes, April 22, 2009
just wondering...
written by victor, April 23, 2009
would love to see an UMNO demo la..
written by ernest, April 23, 2009
I for one do believe this is the way to go but I am doubting the UMNO/BN goverment can maintain this decision for long. Just take look at the real property gain tax (RPGT) it was on and off for how many time. How consistance it's are left to be seen. Whether is too late or not time will tell.
written by Hang Tuah 1, April 23, 2009
softening global economy.
---
The survival of the fittest - Charles Darwin said.
History of thousand years point to this fact -
the world belongs to the fastest, the strongest and the smartest.
Playing golf, you have handicap.
That is for beginners.
If you are professionals, you cannot enter the contest and demand an advantage.
Everyone starts with zero, and the lowest score at the end of 4 days of play - wins.
In Malaysia, for 52 years - our country has to wait for the slow to catch up.
We were told - not everyone has the equal start - some started later.
For 100 meters, the starting line is different.
Many started at the starting line, the weaker ones have the advantage - the handicap,
They started nearer to the finishing line -
All run for 100 meters, but the special ones with special privileges only run for 70 meters.
All these are okay if you are implementing in our country, if Malaysia is the only one in this blue planet.
But once you enter into the world scene, the rules are standard for everyone.
And you are forced into the world stage, global competition in global recession...
It is the fittest, the strongest, the fastest and the smartest that will survive and thrive.
For investors to come into our country in this time of world economic meltdown,
to draw international business people to trade here,
the 30% policy of equity to be given to Malays and Bumiputra is longer attractive and appealing.
They will go to Thailand, Singapore or Indonesia. Even Vietnam and Cambodia are drawing a lot of these investors to build factories on their lands.
Auto plants were built in Thailand and Indonesia because of their open market policy.
IT related service industries have moved to these countries as well.
Many other examples you can talk about...
With this 30% policy, Malaysia will slowly and surely lose out the competitive edge.
The world is based on meritoracy...professionalism.
Not race-based, Not favouritism, Not skin colours nor religion.
To compete and win, all in Malaysia must learn when they are still young and in university - to compete on even playing field - they must build their determination and fairness of rules for all to follow.
You cannot tell the world about Article 153 - the dichotomy of Bumiputra and non-Bumiputra.
This article in our constitution will not be respected or accepted.
They will laugh because it is so out-dated and race-based.
Remember: the world is a village and it is shrinking fast.
Najib's move to remove quota system, at least now for services sector - that is a good start.
But be ready for Utusan Malaysia - they will warn you that Malays will lose out.
Why must some people continue to brain-wash Malays that they are weak and cannot compete on even playing field and win fairly. That is real respect when the win is without handicap like in a golf game.
Do you want to be professional or behave like beginner??? For how long more???
written by Dr. No, April 23, 2009
written by Lang, April 23, 2009
Drop all and walk the talk, otherwise just propaganda.
I dont buy it !!
written by freedom pursuer, April 23, 2009
written by Fatimah Zuhri, April 23, 2009
2. No single race in this country can get EVERYTHING.
3. 1Malaysia IS NOT Malaysian Malaysia!
4. I am sure that majority of the malay population understand the reason why Najib is doing this.
5. PM Najib is not selling off all the rights of bumiputra but only liberalise 27 sectors.
6. There will still be bumiputra status companies.
7. Win - Win situation maaa.....
The 27 sectors are :
SERVICES SUB-SECTORS FOR LIBERALISATION
Computer and relater services
1. Consultancy services related to installation of computer hardware
2. Software implementation services – systems and software consulting services; systems analysis services; systems design services; programming services and systems maintenance services
3. Data processing services – input preparation servies; data processing and tabulation services; time sharing servies and other data processing services
4. Database services
5. Maintenance and repair services of computers
6. Other services – data preparation services; training services; data recovery services; and development of creative content
Health and social services
1. All veterinary services [kesihatan haiwan!]
2. Welfare services delivered through residential institutions to old person and the handicapped
3. Welfare services delivered through residential institutions to children
4. Child day-care services including day-care services for the handicapped
5. Vocational rehabilitation services for the handicapped
Tourism services
1. Theme park (contoh:Genting Highland)
2. Convention and exhibition centre (The Mines?)
3. Travel agencies and tour operators services (for inbound travel only)
4. Hotel and restaurant services (for 4 and 5 star hotels only)
5. Food serving services (for 4 and 5 star hotels only)
6. Beverage serving services for consumption on the services (for 4 and 5 star hotels only)
Transport services
1. Class C freight transportation (Private carrier license – to transport own goods) Lori Permit 'C' saja!
Sporting and other recreational services
1. Sporting services (promotion and organization services)
Business services
1. Regional distribution centre
2. International procurement centre
3. Technical testing and analysis services – composition and purity testing and analysis services, testing and analysis services of physical properties, testing and analysis services of integrated mechanical and electrical systems and technical inspection services
4. Management consulting services – general, financial (excluding business tax), marketing, human resources production and public relations services
Rental/Leasing services without operators
1. Rental/leasing services of ships that excludes cabotage and offshore trades
2. Rental of cargo vessels without crew (Bareboat Charter) for international shipping
Supporting and Auxiliary Transport Services
1. Maritime agency services
2. Vessel salvage and refloating services [ bisnes cari kapal yang karam...]
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/highlilghts/4945-pm-30-bumi-quota-for-27-sub-sectors-scrapped.html
written by thom, April 23, 2009
written by ketuanana melayu, April 23, 2009
written by hello, April 23, 2009
Mr. PM, can u lower the import tax of the cars? mahal lar
Apabila habis car installment, kereta sudah koyak~~
hehe
written by yc, April 23, 2009
Even in the legislation, this BN/UMNO government has tendency to change the legislation to suit its needs. If they can change the Consititution, what stopping them to change anything whenever it suit a circumstances.
written by marbl3s, April 23, 2009
Bare in mind that UMNO does not want to piss of the Malays as their votes are those that is needed to win elections and not the chinese. So with this quota removed, won't it piss off the malays? It would wouldn't it? So, find don't be too happy until the details are revealed.
written by voters, April 23, 2009
written by bho, April 23, 2009
written by TehTar1k, April 23, 2009
In conclusion, this quota thingy won't be removed till malaysia is like indonesia or Mugabe's Zimbabwe. The quota won't be removed, it will simply be repackaged and returned to all those sectors under a different funky and spunky name. NOTICE the ''Full OF SURPRISES''? Thats what he meant.
written by Jack, April 23, 2009
When the time they want to claim 'their due', they will close it up.
written by James Loh, April 23, 2009
written by freedom pursuer, April 22, 2009
For God sake, fairness must be prevail! but i hope muhyiddin wont accused races wanna become "Kingmaker" again after reading my opinion... "
Actually, everytime muhyidin talks, he speaks out of his ass. If we allow this guy to be our pm, then all hell will break loose. Najis will be the last of them. Corrupted party of illegal opportunists and murderers.
written by The, April 23, 2009
written by Mira, April 23, 2009
The financial sectors target is 2010, and if i'm not mistaken telecom is 2012 (although we have already open up the market - see Telenor)
written by tony, April 23, 2009
written by Jonny, April 23, 2009
Well Najib is useless to make different at the end u will end up of being the shortest PM in malaysia history.
written by sree, April 23, 2009
written by bee yong, April 23, 2009
written by Singha, April 23, 2009
Hints:
1. Just think in terms of foreigners vs. non-Malays (but Malaysians) importance in the eyes of Najib.
2. When the economy was good.
3. When bad things only affect non-Malays.
written by Bill, April 23, 2009
Other wise it looks good especially the Tourism industry which is to a large extend dependent on Govt. initiatives in Marketing.
written by itchy, April 23, 2009
written by Jonas, April 23, 2009
so the non bumis..if you think of stopping all the ketuanan thingy...then you're wrong...they would take their parang and fight for that....we do share and we are all here with reasons...so everything should be a win win situation...
written by sawyer, April 24, 2009





Let's hope this is not just to "window dress" to steal back the hearts of Malaysians.