He said it was important to have “positive energy” and believe in the country in order to give confidence to investors.
“If there is no hope for the future, there is no power in the present,” said Idris.
The former Malaysia Airlines CEO acknowledged the fractious racially-tinged debates that appeared to dominate national discourse but called on Malaysians to move on.
“When we compete with many nations, if we get vortexed into discussions (on affirmative action) that are not constructive, we can’t get to implement the entry-point projects,” he said, referring to the perennial debates over whether there should be a level playing field for all races.
The issue of confidence comes as private investment is reported to be on the decline over the past four years even as the Economic Transformation Programme calls for the private sector to drive the economy.
Observers note that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been pushing for economic reforms but resistance from conservative groups has appeared to prevent the radical restructuring needed to turn the nation into a high-income developed economy.
When pressed by the media on whether ethnic quotas will be lifted, the Pemandu CEO acknowledged that the “specific privileges” given to Bumiputeras under the constitution will continue but said any assistance would be based on merit.
“Affirmative action will continue but redefined to be much more transparent and fair,” he said. “It will focus on need and merit. We all agree — whether Malays, Chinese or Indians — that the poor need to be helped.”
He added that not all Bumiputeras required assistance and those who didn’t should compete on a level playing field.
“Those Bumiputeras who do not need to be helped, we would like them to compete on an even playing field with non-Bumiputeras,” he said. “That is how you become strong.”
Idris noted that in the labs conducted by Pemandu, there were no racial issues that came into play during discussions on how to transform the economy.
“Under the New Economic Model, all of us need to share in prosperity that goes on for a long time,” he said. “It is clear we need to start growing the economy.”
Idris said national unity was essential for the nation’s advancement and that the country needs to be mindful of global competition.
“No football team can be champions without being united,” he pointed out. “We are competing in a global race where there are a lot of good competitors.”
He also made an impassioned plea for Malaysians to avoid “destructive talk and wasteful academic and philosophical debates” on racial issues.
“The private sector is prepared to put in money but they want the government to put in support,” he said.
