The word Transformation in this country is becoming a comedy

Here we have the Prime Minister saying we should help local companies, give them all the support just so the economy gets a boost.

But how often and how many listen to Najib Tun Razak? We should be proud of the companies that have ventured overseas and succeeded. But what about the  other  companies that are equally capable but yet languishing?

It is not for want of talent. It is more about the lack of resources and support. Talking about support, let’s take the on-going KLIA 2 project as a case in point. The initial objective of the project was to stimulate the economy. What is the true benefit to local suppliers and contractors?

One of the recent development, albeit speculation, is that a large contract for supply, operation and maintenance  was given to a company from mainland China. Why was that done?

Is it because they made the highest bid? That is a disturbing piece of news? They have the best expertise? Or were they well connected? It has been documented countless times that products from China have major issues due to compromising on performance to meet aggressive price levels.

And it is difficult to hold them accountable for their transgressions. It is not the intention of this letter to pick fault on others. It is more a plea for giving a decent chance to local companies. Is that too much to ask?

We have come to understand that a well established local company was shortlisted for the aerobridge project. Despite its past track record in manufacturing and supply of the same product, the recent tender was given, still unofficial, to a state-owned China-based company.

The local company, we understand, put in a competitive bid. The company has a proven track record. But it was denied at the last minute. The game plan changed, or to qoute the Prime Minister it was a game changer.

The local company was left to nurse its wounds in disappointment. Why must this sorry state of affairs be allowed to persist?

From a operational and security point of view, do we need mainland Chinese personnel manning our airports or stationed at the tarmac? Is there any guarantee to prevent illegal entry? Would that not compromise our national security?

This is not a far fetched idea. India, America and Australia, to name a few, are still wary of China firms and have banned them from airports, ports projects for lesser reasons. Mining and software provider  for instance.

That the sectors they were banned from having a presence. And here we are talking about enrty points to the country. A foreigner having unlimited access. Should we should rethink this?

That is indeed a disturbing piece of news. It  gives the impression that Malaysian companies are incapable of handling any job. They can only do menial jobs. It is a wrong impression that must be set right. We are second to none.

We have world-class companies. Unfortunately, our colonial influenced mind does not recognise that. Change we must. It is about time we are recognised for what we can do. We must support our local companies.

There is no room for bargaining. The multiplier effect itself speaks volumes. More jobs for Malaysians, taking care of their welfare and contributing to the wealth of the nation, among many more things.

The Government, and the Treasury in particular, must step in to ensure that money spent is recirculated within the domestic economy so as to keep the country growing and not enrich individuals.