A BUY Malaysian First campaign is better than one pushing just Muslim goods, as the former promotes healthy competition that ultimately benefits all consumers, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat today.

The domestic trade and consumer affairs minister was replying to a question by Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) on the government’s position on the Buy Muslim First campaign.

Ismail Sabri, a former minister, also pointed out that there have been instances where the halal logo is stamped on non-halal goods.

Saifuddin said the ministry’s priority is to develop a business ecosystem that spurs healthy competition, which will see consumers enjoying the best products and services.

“The domestic business ecosystem should be based on principles like healthy competition, no one is suppressed, and there should not be a price monopoly.”

The ministry wants to prioritise businesses that offer quality products and reasonable prices, regardless of whether they are Malay or non-Malay, he said.

“The ministry’s stance is that a Buy Malaysian First campaign is ideal… If it is successful, all races will enjoy the benefits.”

He said there are Muslim and Bumiputera products sold by international supermarket chains that have recorded seven-figure sales returns.

Goods that are high-quality, halal and well-packaged have the potential to do just as well, he added.

The Buy Muslim First campaign, launched earlier this year, had morphed into a drive with racist undertones. It saw calls for a boycott of non-Malay goods and services, following non-Malays’ opposition to the government’s plan to introduce khat calligraphy in the lesson plan for Year Four vernacular school pupils next year. – October 9, 2019.