Najib: Gov't gave Robert Kuok key to become sugar king

Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok would not have become as successful as he is if it were not for the government, says Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

He said whether someone is a rich man or a regular citizen, all needed a key in order to achieve a better future.

"If we look at the list of names of the richest people in Malaysia, such as Robert Kuok, who gave him the key to have a monopoly on rice and sugar? It was given to him by the ruling government," Najib told a crowd in Serdang today.

"Yes, he has an entrepreneurial drive, is hardworking, industrious and disciplined – but that is not enough. Everyone still needs the key and they are hopeful that government policies are key to creating these opportunities," he added.

Kuok's monopoly over the sugar industry in Malaysia had earned him the nickname the "sugar king".

Najib said this while launching the government's two-day Skim Latihan 1Malaysia (SL1M) Open Interview programme.

Kuok, who now lives in Hong Kong, re-entered the spotlight yesterday after blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin accused him of channelling funds to DAP through his nephews James.

James has denied the allegations.

-Mkini