What is Theft?

If it is taking away something that belongs to someone else without due consent then it is theft. But in Malaysia it is not if:

(i)        You agree to return a portion (or a substantial part) back to the aggrieved party or the Government; or

 

(ii)       It is ‘legalised’ by fiat – regulation, law, guideline, that orders the giving-up of one’s property (or asset) to somebody else with minimal or no compensation.

This is the scenario for some politicians or business interests. Unless your company is owned by the majority race, you will not have the licence or permit. You may disguise this under equity re-distribution to address an earlier inequitable situation. But it is still theft. What ‘maruah’ is this?

Idi Amin (in Uganda) tried this (acquisition or assets/businesses) in August 1972, to the detriment of the economy. Many ‘new’ African owners had no clue of how to run the business. Within six months of the ‘transfer’, the retail shops, agencies or manufacturing plants were shuttered.

Mugabe pursued redistribution of land of white farmers after independence. This was peaceful initially but turned violent after 2000. Mugabe is remembered for mismanagement, corruption, anti-white racism and crimes against humanity.

With Covid-19, the logistics companies are doing well. Delivery is really ‘hot’ business. And you have Food Panda, Grab Food, Lalamove and many other ‘moves’. Politicians can concoct the ‘Kajang Move’, ‘Sheraton Move’ or ‘Malacca Move’, but we cannot move equity from its original owner to a favoured party by Government dictat unless we license theft.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my