THE completion of of Malaysia’s first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) ahead of schedule has dispelled myths about Bumiputera companies and is proof of their ability to compete at home and abroad, Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

Speaking at the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda G20 Appreciation Ceremony, Najib said 51% of the work on the first phase of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) MRT was awarded to Bumiputera  contractors. 

He said he was particularly proud of their success because it had proved wrong those who had predicted that the project would be delayed or would cost more.

“But we have proved it with the first phase of MRT, which was completed ahead of schedule and the cost was lower than the initial target,” he said in his speech in Bangsar. 

The first MRT line which became fully operational in July was constructed at a cost of RM21 billion, below the estimated RM23 billion.

“This dispels the whole misperception and myth that helping Bumiputera (companies) means to delay the project and to bring up the cost.”

He said contracts were awarded to Bumiputera companies after  vigorous evaluation in a highly transparent manner.

“In truth, Bumi companies can compete with the best and they can succeed. And because of the policies of the government, we have reached a level where Bumiputera companies can now compete domestically and even internationally,” he said.

He urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to continue playing their roles in implementing the  Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda (BEA) introduced in 2013 to increase Bumiputera participation in the economy.

“Every GLC must implement the Bumiputera agenda programme; it’s like the Bahasa Malaysia paper at SPM level, if you pass in all subjects except BM, it’s like you have failed SPM. 
 
“It means that the best KPI depends on the Bumiputera empowerment agenda KPI – if you want to pass, this is the KPI that must be raised by all GLCs,” he said. – September 25, 2017.