Malays Not Helping Malays: Reality or Mere Perception?

Having served over three decades in the strategic insurance industry, a crucial sector for every business and trade, I have garnered international experience and a deep understanding of essential client activities and information. In the years leading up to my retirement, I dedicated myself to establishing the largest international insurance service company in Asia. This initiative was crucial for our nation, as we cannot solely rely on the Western world, particularly the US, for information security issues. I engaged in joint venture negotiations with international companies and frequented government agencies, pitching proposals to ministers and even the Prime Minister. The response from the Malay community, however, was disheartening; instead of seizing the opportunity like hawks, they were passive, like tame doves. This wasn’t a business venture for my personal gain but a proposal for government agencies or GLCs.

Upon retiring, I spent over a decade earnestly trying to help the Malays. I engaged in volunteer work in socio-economic fields, striving to assist Malays in areas such as land economics, education, business, finance, insurance, and investment. I offered my knowledge and experience in business, finance, and company restructuring to various agencies and SEDC, encountering numerous failing companies along the way.

I knocked on countless doors, presenting my credentials, offering my skills, sharing my experiences, and providing evidence of my successes. I humbled myself, akin to a beggar asking for alms, despite my previous career where I was offered high rewards without solicitation. Yet, when I offered my services for free, they were not appreciated. It was as if I was trying to push myself onto others who didn’t want me.

Over a decade of visiting government offices, meeting high-ranking officials, political leaders, ministers, and several prime ministers has taught me much. I’ve interacted with thousands of individuals, from ministries, agencies, universities, political parties, NGOs, to countless dignitaries. I participated in numerous forums, seminars, round tables, and online interviews on these subjects, including six major congresses involving thousands of people. All my efforts and hard work were presented and handed over to ministers and the Prime Minister.

In conclusion, I found that Malays were left behind and failed because they acted like picky beggars. They only wanted monetary donations or assistance for political campaigns but were not interested in long-term solutions like knowledge, skills, experience, and proven success. When I met with just ten Chinese individuals, they saw opportunities and made various proposals. Some even offered me positions like CEO, director, or shares, showing confidence and belief in my capabilities. Through political channels like the DAP, some wrote to the Prime Minister to recommend me for ministerial positions. This exemplifies the Chinese’s acumen in economics, they can differentiate between genuine opportunities and empty political talk. If they see no opportunity or interest, they simply end the conversation.

I’ve spent over ten years and sacrificed my energy, shared my knowledge, experience, and personal finances, investing significant time. I did not seek any reward, title, or political position. I have my own success record, which is sufficient. Even if I were to become a director, I would offer my services for free, solely to serve. The knowledge and experience that could have cost thousands were offered for free.

Yet, Malays often say that Malays do not help Malays when they see a successful Malay. The truth is, such Malays do not want to help themselves. Their failure often leads to blaming others and the government. This attitude is a major factor in the Malays’ journey towards failure. They fail to see golden opportunities right in front of them. Despite having vast lands and abundant resources, only the hawks manage to seize them.

I tried my best. After doing all this, I have no regrets about what may happen to the Malays in terms of land, education, economics, and politics.

I share this to express my experience and desire to serve the Malays. I did not seek business opportunities or projects in my efforts. My intention was purely to serve, to repay the people and the nation. Despite everything, I am not disappointed or discouraged. Allah is Most Generous, and He does not measure success by achievements but by our sincerity, efforts, perseverance, and sacrifices. This is the faith I hold in my struggle.