PM: New economic model to help bumis


(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputra entrepreneurs with vision, diligence and dedication will be given help to become regional business champions, if not champions on the world stage, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The Government’s new economic model aims to help bumiputra companies which have the ability and ambition to succeed,” the Prime Minister said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the 50-storey Naza Group office towers at Platinum Park here yesterday.

“If we just provide assistance without focusing on the companies that can compete, such help will be meaningless.”

They should not seek shortcuts to achieve success, Najib said and urged local entrepreneurs, especially bumiputra businessmen, to study how a small-time car dealer became one of the biggest conglomerates in the country.

Major milestone: Najib looking at the Naza office tower model after the ground-breaking ceremony in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. With him are (from left) Naza Group head SM Nasarudin as well as SM Faliq and SM Faisal of Naza TTDI.

The Naza Group of Companies founded by the late Tan Sri Nasimuddin SM Amin was a success story that should be emulated by bumiputra entrepreneurs and the younger generation, he added.

Nasimuddin, who died in May last year, built up his business from humble beginnings in a two-storey shophouse into a regional powerhouse.

Najib said it was important that Malaysian companies transcend the original role of the company’s founder.

“The next generation must have the necessary attributes, spirit and fire to continue what the founder has done.”

“Hopefully, the success of the Naza Group is not about the success thus far, which is impressive in itself, but the process of transferring it to the next generation and taking the group to greater heights.”

Najib said it was good that the company was building its corporate headquarters beside the planned Felda headquarters in Platinum Park, which has strategic potential for growth.

The Naza Tower is expected to be completed by 2013.



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