{
  "id": 16563488,
  "title": "Dr Mahathir: Shortcuts, quick profits hindering Malay progress",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/dr-mahathir-shortcuts-quick-profits-hindering-malay-progress",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-26T04:30:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1563758/dr-mahathir-shortcuts-quick-profits-hindering-malay-progress"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has cautioned that certain attitudes among Malays, including shortcuts and rapid profits, could impede their advancement. He observed that some had turned to dishonesty and corruption for quick returns, a problem prevalent in the four states of SG4 - Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perlis, predominantly inhabited by Malay Muslims. The SG4 Business and Economic Forum 2026 hosted Dr Mahathir's speech, delivered by his son Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir due to his ongoing health issues. Dr Mahathir stressed that if Malays adhered to Islamic values such as honesty, integrity, and cleanliness, they could excel in business and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the importance of Islamic teachings that emphasize the severe consequences of cheating and stealing, and the high merit of honesty. He also emphasized the significance of cleanliness in a Muslim's life, particularly in the food and beverage industry. Dr Mahathir pointed out that SG4's wealth potential lies in its people, whose shared aspirations are crucial for turning potential resources into tangible wealth. He dismissed the belief that Malays lack business acumen, citing the success of many Malay entrepreneurs from SG4 states in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and other regions.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has warned that attitudes among some Malays, including taking shortcuts and seeking quick profits, could hinder their progress.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}