Kepong MP urges govt to review AP system
Tuesday, 19 Mar 2019
2:06 PM MYT
by martin carvalho and rahimy rahim
KUALA LUMPUR: A DAP lawmaker has called for a review of the Approved Permit (AP) system to import cars and set up a foundation instead to help the needy.
Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Kepong) questioned the need to give out APs, claiming that the current system only enriches a certain segment of the bumiputra.
"I propose the government to stop giving out APs and instead set up Yayasan Bumiputera Import Kereta (bumiputra car import foundation), to allow small companies to sell cars and profits should be shared with the below 40 income group (B40).
"Why do you want to give to those who are already filthy rich, those who are driving high-end cars like Mercedes and Ferraris," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday (March 19).
Malaysiakini reported that in Lim's debate of the royal address on Monday (March 18), he had called for a review of the AP holders, naming several Umno-linked politicians who had allegedly benefited from the policy.
"I urge the government to change the Open AP policy so that the policy could truly benefit more bumiputra, and not just to further enrich certain groups of already rich bumiputra.
"The 128 APs are for existing companies and 36 new companies. I would like to ask who are the owners of the 128 companies?" said Lim.
He said he had contacted Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming to investigate the matter.
"Dr Ong told me he would look into it and investigate the matter," said Lim.