RECENTLY, Anwar was quoted as saying that the unity government’s revised Budget 2023 will be focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as the green and digital economy. 

Now that you have announced your government will prioritise the growth and sustainability of SMEs in the country, you will, very soon, be hearing or learning of under-the-radar companies that make a range of industrial products in Malaysia. 

These companies silently make up the bulk of the country’s SME sector. 

These businesses don’t depend much on assistance from the government – not because they don’t seek assistance, but because they know such attempts are exercises in futility – are overlooked due to the “exclusiveness” practised by the civil service and past successive governments.

A sizeable portion of these SMEs are just starting their best years, and they have the best potential to reinvigorate manufacturing – sustainably and inclusively – in the country.

SMEs are the ones that will drive innovation and, subsequently, the creation of jobs. 

Ultimately, these companies are going to be critical in fostering a more inclusive national economy. 

For the last 30 years, they have not been well understood or well appreciated, and there is an apparent lack of awareness about the immense value they bring to the country, people and community. 

Most of them feel they are part of yesterday’s economy. 

Hopefully, with this commitment from the prime minister, SMEs can be more optimistic and explore better possibilities. 

People often talk about information technology companies, which are popular for their innovative spirit, but manufacturing-oriented SMEs should be equally credited for their contributions to innovation. 

Without much help from the government, SMEs have already been flourishing on their own. 

The toughest part of realising Anwar’s aspiration will be addressing the lack of awareness in the civil service about these SMEs. These SMEs don’t make the covers of the business magazines or blogs, or win industry awards. 

Over a period of time, they may see a talent deficit as people may not want to work there. 

If the unity government is sincere in prioritising SMEs in the next phase of growth for the country, it can play the role of enabler by investing in infrastructure and people, and find a way to drive a closer connection between these SMEs and talent pools, like vocational and technical colleges. 

The government can help accelerate the growth of these SMEs and drive job creation, innovation, and exports.

It will amplify jobs in adjacent industries and help local communities thrive. 

The government can work with public policy experts to focus on closing the talent gap in the SME world, thus ensuring there is a flow of talent and innovation, and continued focus on enabling successful endeavours for these companies. 

Hopefully, along the way, the economy becomes more diverse and inclusive as the old image of manufacturing, which is of greasy and dirty factories, slowly fades from public perception. 

Now that Anwar has identified SMEs as one of his priority areas, he should act urgently to help these companies. – January 18, 2023.

* FLK reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.