MALAYSIA: The bumiputra boys

After years of affirmative action a new class of ethnic Malay businessmen has emerged. These entrepreneurs quickly scaled the heights of industry and commerce to control powerful sectors, from the motor industry and the national airline to property and media

When auto king Yahaya Ahmad was killed in a helicopter crash in March, all Malays mourned. The shock was palpable; thousands attended his funeral, including Malaysia’s royals and the prime minister. Yahaya, aged 50, was seen as the Henry Ford of Malaysia, an outstanding example of the successful local entrepreneur. Not only was he responsible for building up a successful company, he was expected to make the dreams of ethnic Malays come true.

Just six months before he died, Yahaya seemed to demonstrate just that ability.

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