MAKE LAWS, REGULATIONS INNOVATION-FRIENDLY, SAYS FORMER PM MAHATHIR

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The government must re-examine all the
laws and regulations and update them if necessary to make them
innovation-friendly, said former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

He said the government should review its policy to ensure it is still
relevant to the current business conditions and fast changing environment.

"We have to think whether the laws are still applicable today or not," he
told reporters after the launch of the FMM Innovation Conference here Thursday
by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

"Unless we understand and accommodate the changes, we are not going to make
any high salaries," he said, referring to the high-income economy envisioned by
Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Apart from the government's efforts, the people also need to change their
mindset to think in innovative ways, he said.

"If we have the mindset, it is easier for us to innovate," he added.

However, he said businessmen should not treat rules and regulations as
barriers to innovation in their business, and urged them to think
innovatively to get around the regulations.

"If they (businessmen) look carefully, they can find a niche for
themselves with the skills they have," he said.
-- BERNAMA