Minister Steven Sim addresses concerns by prioritising growth for all Malaysian small businesses
PUTRAJAYA: Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Steven Sim, on his first day in office, reassured stakeholders that Bumiputera entrepreneurs and small businesses remain a top priority, stressing his commitment to serving all Malaysians amid questions over his appointment.
Sim highlighted that his leadership approach has always been inclusive.
“A good Malaysian leader looks after all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion.
“This has always been my practice, my belief, and a principle of my party,” he said at his first press conference as minister today.
Addressing concerns over whether his appointment was a “downgrade” or “upgrade,” Sim was unequivocal.
“That issue doesn’t arise. What’s most important is our focus right now.
“It’s not about downgrade or upgrade, but about making Malaysian businesses great — that is my main focus.”
Together with Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin from Umno, Sim said the ministry is committed to implementing key strategies to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS), which he calls the “people’s economy.”
“We want to strike at the root. Our goal is to address problems fundamentally, at their source,” he said.
Sim also cited his track record as Human Resources Minister, where workers of all races were protected while the interests of Malays were upheld.
“On my first day here, we have already taken steps to strengthen support for Malaysian businesses.
“When businesses thrive, it benefits all Malaysians, including workers, without distinction of race or religion,” he said.
His remarks came in response to concerns raised by Tan Sri Noh Omar, a former minister who led the ministry twice, regarding the recent Cabinet reshuffle that placed a DAP minister in charge of the portfolio.
In a statement, Noh questioned whether the ministry’s mission to empower Bumiputera PMKS would continue under the new leadership.
He recalled the ministry’s long history of supporting Bumiputera entrepreneurs through agencies such as TEKUN Nasional, SME Corp, SME Bank, Bank Rakyat, and Amanah Ikhtiar.
He also warned that transferring the portfolio to a DAP minister — whose party has often questioned the New Economic Policy — could raise concerns about preserving the ministry’s original mission.
