KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government wants to put an end to unnecessary bureaucracy that may affect the economic growth of the country.
At a two-day long discourse to formulate the country's higher education strategy, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shared with participants how unnecessary bureaucracy had placed Malaysia way behind its neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand in the 1990s.
The Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, said unnecessary bureaucracy had caused Malaysia to appear less attractive to foreign investors in comparison with other countries in the region.
"There were discussions I had with potential investors (during his visit to) in San Francisco (in November last year). The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz) and the then Foreign Minister (Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who is now the Higher Education Minister) were also present during the discussion.
"While they were impressed with our adoption to digital technology and our policy on energy transition, they pointed out delays in approvals due to bureaucracy was behind in comparison to other countries in the region such as Vietnam.
"I was frustrated to hear such an input (from the foreign investors) that I instructed all (in the government) to look into what we can learn from Vietnam as well as Indonesia," said Anwar in his speech at the event.
Zambry was also present.
Anwar later said resistance to change would not bring any benefits to the development of the nation.
"That is why, I have strongly emphasised good governance (in the federal administration under his leadership).
"If we want to the country to prosper with strong economy, we must correct and ensure good governance in the country.
"Who ever becomes the prime minister and ministers should not resort to capitalising the growth of the country to enrich themselves.
"We do not want a "bobrok" (damaged) system. We do not want a country that is "excellent without a soul."
Anwar later said his administration is firm and adopts a "no compromise" policy in the effort to ensure good governance in the country.
"We will do this in a firm manner and without compromise.
"Let us reach for the sky without neglecting our roots that is our culture, language and values," he said.
