NEP has 'deviated' from its original aim

The New Economic Policy (NEP) has deviated from its original aim of eradicating poverty in the country and thus, it is imperative that the policy is studied again in detail, not by politicians but by professionals.

At the launch of a new book entitled "Malaya's First Year At The United Nations" at the Royal Lake Club this afternoon, Ramon Navaratnam (right in picture) said, "I have some knowledge of it, as I was one of those who drafted the NEP. I agree with Tunku Abdul Rahman when he said there's nothing wrong with the NEP per se, but (there are problems with) the way it is implemented.

"At that time, neither Tun Dr Ismail nor any of us thought of APs (approved permits) and special privileges for the rich. We thought of poverty eradication regardless of race and the removal of the association of occupation with race.

"But it has had different turns and twists, and I think it is well worth a study of where it deviates from the ideals and wisdom of people like the late Tun Dr Ismail," added Navaratnam, who is also director of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.

The book, edited by Tawfik Ismail and Ooi Kee Beng, is a compilation of Tun Dr Ismail's letters and reports to Tunku Abdul Rahman regarding the formation of Malaya's foreign policies during its first year of nationhood.

'Play a straight game'

Recalling an incident in 1958, Navaratnam said, "The then DPM Tun Abdul Razak looked at Tun Dr Ismail and said, I quote, ‘No political leader can expect to get all races to be on their side, but we must always stick to principles and noble policies. So long as we are sincere and play a straight game, we should be alright'.

"I believe that Tun Dr Ismail was very, very sincere in his service to our country, and always played a straight game according to the best principles and pratices that we all greatly respect."

"That is why we were alright but now, we hope and pray that Tun Dr Ismail's legacy of high ideals and exemplary standards of leadership and great service to our nation, and Tun Razak's advice, will be followed closely by our future prime minister Najib Razak, so that our blessed country will be alright in the future."

Navaratnam also called for diversification of the local economy and greater economic co-operation with India, China and Middle Eastern countries, as well as the decrease of monopolistic and protectionist policies.

The book launch was also attended by Raja Nazrin, the crown prince of Perak and James Keith, the US ambassador to Malaysia.