The ongoing discussions on the approved permit scheme for imported cars are putting both International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz and the Malaysian government in bad light. It is disturbing that they are not taking any steps to review or revise the current scheme.

If the government truly intends for the scheme to help the Malays in general, perhaps the government should make the rich pay for the APs if they wish to buy imported luxurious cars. The proceeds from the sale of APs could then be channeled back to the government or an appointed agency to help the Malay business community.

This open sale of APs can be done by periodically with those interested being invited to submit their bids for a limited number of APs. By adopting this scheme, the government and Rafidah cannot be accused of favouring certain parties or so-called cronies. Of course, the government must also be fair and transparent in the distribution of the proceeds to the Malay business community.

I sincerely hope Pak Lah will do something about the current AP scheme to stop the rakyat from laughing at the lame excuses given each time the issue is raised.