Dr M gives Najib’s NEM thumbs down
By Muda Mohd Noor, Free Malaysia Today
Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not convinced by his protege Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s New Economic Model (NEM).
The former premier said the economic blueprint contains numerous “unsuitable and imprecise” elements.
An imprecise economic model, he said, will not yield benefits.
Speaking at the Malay entrepreneurs convention at the Putra World Trade Centre here today, Mahathir stressed the importance of striking an economic balance between the races.
“This country has various races; if economic balance is not achieved between them, then there will be no unity,” he warned.
With his trademark sarcasm, the 84-year-old statesman also asked if the NEM was properly reasearched before being unveiled by Najib.
Mahathir said that Malay non-governmental organisations have also expressed concern over the new model, wondering if it will be profitable to the race.
“I was given the opportunity to research the NEM. There is little difference between the NEM and the New Economic Policy (NEP),” he added.
The former premier said he has submitted a memorandum on this matter and was told that it was read by the Cabinet.
