Dr Mahathir (second left) holds a book on ‘National Policy on Industry 4.0’ at the launching ceremony at Miti building in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Also seen are International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking (left), his deputy Dr Ong Kian Ming (centre) and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar (right). — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said incentives and subsidies are bad for Malaysians and they could even lose the ability to think one day if they become dependent on such aid.
The prime minister said the mentality of relying on incentives was wrong, made worse by the practice of the previous government.
“This is what the previous government did. They gave money to people, you don’t have to work. You don’t work also you get RM500.
“If Malaysians become like that, very soon they can’t even think, they can’t even move, they can’t even do anything by themselves because they will always be looking for subsidy,” he told reporters after launching the National Policy on Industry 4.0, also known as Industry4WRD Policy here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir noted that even in business forums, the industry would ask for government incentives.
“When we try to tell people to make more money, they ask me are you going to give more incentives,” he said, taking a swipe at those who had this tendency.
To an enquiry on Malay supremacy, Dr Mahathir said there is no point for the Malays to keep bringing up the issue if they do not work to improve themselves.
“Let me say this to all Malays: it is useless talking about Malay supremacy if you work as the coolies of others.
“If we want to be the masters, we can be the masters; but we must have knowledge, must work hard, must not cheat, must not steal,” he said. — Bernama