PUTRAJAYA: Plantations and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has called on the government to establish a centralised and comprehensive database hub for Bumiputera entrepreneurs.
He said this is crucial to prevent leaks and eradicate the "Ali Baba" phenomenon, and would enable the government to effectively filter and verify the authenticity of Bumiputera businesses.
The database, he said, can help ensure that only eligible entrepreneurs receive projects or incentives.
"We must have a cohesive database across ministries such as the Finance and International Trade and Industry ministries.
"If the government were to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs, we must ensure this database hub becomes a reality. We need to verify the 'genuine' entrepreneurs and avoid those who cannot do projects.
"We need a robust filtering system akin to those utilised by financial institutions to scrutinise individuals' backgrounds. If not, we will forever make the same mistake", he told reporters at a press conference after participating in a panel discussion titled "Unity Aspiration Strengthens the Bumiputera Agenda."
Fellow panelists comprised Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk R. Ramanan and Deputy Investment, Trade and Industries Minister Liew Chin Tong.
Johari said that the Ali Baba practice occurs when Bumis "collaborate" with non-Bumis to conduct business using funds allocated by the government.
"The Ali Baba concept arises when non-Bumiputera traders are invited by Bumiputera entrepreneurs because the former are either not skilled enough or unwilling to engage in business.
"Hence, it is unsurprising that the Ali Baba culture has become deeply ingrained. Ali Baba initially came in small numbers but gradually became more widespread."
In his keynote address earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had cautioned against having economic activities which solely benefit the Bumiputera. He stressed the importance of fostering genuine partnerships between "Ali" and "Baba", who actively participate in business operations, management, and administration.
Johari, a former Finance Minister II, also encouraged Bumi entrepreneurs to enhance their skills through education, emphasising self-reliance and access to quality education.
"At the end of the day, these Bumiputera entrepreneurs must help themselves and cannot solely depend on the government to aid them in developing their businesses.
"They need to help themselves improve by having access to quality education."
Meanwhile, Ramanan emphasised on the crucial role of education for all individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity, particularly if they aspire to venture into business.
"In today's context of entrepreneurship, many lack formal qualifications. They may be driven by a desire to provide services or engage in businesses worth millions, but often, they need the necessary educational foundation.
"How can the government effectively support these individuals in becoming successful entrepreneurs if they pursue profit without the essential educational background to manage their ventures?
"It's challenging to facilitate their entrepreneurial journey, whether starting small or aiming for big projects if they lack prior business experience."