Dr Mahathir Mohamad tonight jumped into the debate over Kampung Baru’s proposed redevelopment, saying it must also involve the non-Malays.
The former prime minister pointed out that the inclusion of non-Malays will make Kampung Baru more attractive to not only foreigners but also local visitors.
“If not then the Malays won’t come because some of them think that Malays can’t do business. So we want to use the non-Malays as bait to lure more visitors,” said Dr M.
Ibrahim Ali said that the Malay rights group has always believed the involvement of non-Malays is important in bringing capital for investment.
“We have our stand that component projects such as hospital and hotel as we cannot rely on taxpayers money. We need investors so I don’t think it’s wrong if certain projects where non-Malays own 60 per cent. If not, then the redevelopment of Kampung Baru won’t be a reality because of the construction and value of the property. So who will buy? So we have to take [this into] account.
I read the statement from both politicians with a tinge of sadness. First, they want the non-Malays to be involved in the Kampung Baru redevelopment as a bait to lure more visitors. Second, these two are the same people who had viewed the non-Malays especially the Chinese Malaysians as a threat to the Malays.
Both Dr M and Ibrahim should accept and recognize the fact that non-Malays had contributed significantly to the development of this country. Their involvement had made KLCC, Bangsar, Mont' Kiara and other high valued developments successful and attractive.
Second, both Dr M and Ibrahim should help to answer why an area like Kampung Baru cannot be successful if it were to remain exclusively for Malays only. This is a multiracial country and any geographical area which does not reflect this reality will not be successful.
Non-Malays should not only be viewed as a bait in the redevelopment of Kampung Baru but equal partners. It is time for leaders to look at win-win partnership amongst all Malaysians.
How can this country prosper if the government does not embrace the best from other races? It should learn to appreciate its own diversity before preaching to others to do so.