KUALA LUMPUR: Malay contractors need to equip themselves with enough knowledge and skills, a reflection of a high developed society, if they want achieve success and stand as tall as others in the business.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that in the competitive, dynamic and ever changing world, contractors have to always be ready to face the challenging market.
He said with globalisation and liberation taking place, Malay contractors have to adopt new skills, knowledge and technical expertise while learning through experience.
"Contractors have to be innovative and creative in exploring new fields in the business while looking for opportunities.
"Contractors have to be ready to face risks in the business or the market and not solely depend on the construction industry. They should be looking at diversifying their businesses like in oil and gas, agricultural technology, information technology or even multimedia.
"In realising the Vision 2020, the direction of the nation, whether it achieves development or regresses lies also on the shoulders of everyone. Our goals will not be achieved if we are not in the same path, therefore, we have to transform Malay contractors towards excellence," he said.
Muhyiddin said this in his speech, which was read by the Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin at the launch of the 35th Annual General Meeting of Malay Contractors Association of Malaysia (PKMM) and dinner, here, last night.
Muhyiddin added that the government was committed in assisting Malay contractors especially in creating jobs in the construction centre and its related areas.
"Under the Works Ministry Entrepreneur and Contractor Development Divisions, there are several programmes for Malay and Bumiputera contractors.
"There are also programmes for Class E (G2) and Class F (G1) Bumiputera contractors through distribution of jobs policy," Muhyiddin said.
At the event, Rosnah launched the 1Malaysia Paint (Sersol) and presented awards for contractors in the MRT, road maintenance, excellence and best Bumiputera chief executive officer categories.
Also present at the event were PKMM president Datuk Mokhtar Samad, PKMM advisor Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib, PR1MA chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Mutalib Alias, Malaysian Highway Authority chairman Datuk Hamzah Hassan, Public Works Department director-general Datuk Annies Md Ariff and Sersol chairman Mohd Nazifuddin Mohd Najib.