JEDDAH: The government is reviewing all monopolies that currently exist to ensure that the public enjoys fair and better service, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.
All ministries had been asked to study the rationale behind allowing monopolies so that there would be a fair assessment of the issue, he told reporters here after ending a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.
“The principle of a transparent economic development warrants us to make some adjustment and shift from what I consider to be chaotic, obsolete monopolies that cater to vested interests,” he said.
He had been asked whether the government is looking to unravel more monopolies following the decision to end the Puspakom monopoly on vehicle inspections.
He said the government would continue to assist Bumiputera companies, however it must be done transparently to allow fair competition among competitors.
“If our concern is to protect the interest of the Bumiputera, then make it very clear, make it very transparent, and let Bumiputera firms compete.
“The government is not necessarily going to renege its commitment to assist Bumiputera companies but it has to be done transparently and to allow for fair competition among Bumiputera firms,” he said.
The decision to allow all qualified parties to provide vehicle inspection services was announced by transport minister Loke Siew Fook earlier today. Puspakom’s concession agreement ends on Aug 31 next year.
