KINIBIZ The recent clamour over the sultan’s executive role in Johor’s state administration has also opened another pertinent debate - the monarchy’s increasing participation in business.

There are two popular local phrases that often go hand-in-hand - “cari makan” and “what to do”. They basically mean “I’m only trying to earn a living; what am I supposed to do?”

For example, a man is so occupied at work that he forgets an important birthday. His sour-faced wife waits at the doorway. The man wrings his hands and says, “Cari makan, sayang, what to do?”

Or a working single mother comes back late from the office to find a frowning, hungry daughter. “Cari makan, baby, what to do?”

Or at the other extreme, a businessman offers illegal inducements to secure a deal or a contract. His partner stares at him angrily. The businessman just shrugs, “Cari makan, brother, what to do?”

And the list goes on. These are some of the common everyday situations we face daily as we strive to earn a decent living and provide for our families. Some even have to take up additional jobs or run small businesses for extra income to make ends meet.

This is why common Malaysians are often more than surprised when they hear about sultans and royalty involved in business.

Aren’t they already extremely wealthy? Aren’t their basic needs already well provided for by the government? What chance do I have in competing against them in business? The sultan shouldn’t need to “cari makan” like us normal citizens, should they? Shouldn’t they be above all that?

For the complete articl go to KiniBiz.

This article was written by Khairul Khalid.