This time, suppliers of stationery and photocopy machines are complaining. They have discovered that they have now become Tuck-Oon-Thongs!

The Tuck-Oon-Thongs were responding to a chilling truth of a notice circulating within Perak's state department which calls the head departments to boycott non-bumi companies when renewing their service contracts.

Four existing suppliers, whose contracts will expire, are named in the circular: CS OA Enterprise, Ricoh (M) Sdn. Bhd., Tele Dynamics Metro Sdn. Bhd. and Successive Enterprise.

The four are now facing grim reality of being left out on the basis of their "undefinitive" racial status.

DAP Youth Chief Mr. Nga Kor Ming is furious. The Pantai Remis assemblyman told a press conference, "I have checked with the state secretariat about the circular and I have been told that it is the policy. This is a 'serious marginalisation' of non-bumiputra suppliers! It is a form of abuse of the NEP which calls for 30% of the equity to go to bumiputras. This state policy is calling for 100% and it will only enrich bumiputras who are closely linked to Umno. We are only calling for fair treatment and fair competition."

Meanwhile, the state Financial Officer Datuk Jamalludin Al Amini Ahmad declined to comment.

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UPDATE (Friday 13) :

Perak Mentri Besar Benjol Rosli stands by the decision that all state departments must buy stationery and rent photocopiers from bumiputra suppliers only.

He feels "There is nothing inappropriate in granting certain privileges to bumiputra companies. Such dealings were considered small and would not marginalise non-bumiputra suppliers. This practice is similar to awarding projects to Class F contractors. We gave them (bumiputra suppliers) the jobs because we know they are capable of supplying the goods to us."

Bumis are entitled a fair share in the markets. They have the right to reserve 30% quota in housing and commercial projects. They can book 30% equity shares on all listing companies.

Non-bumis on the other hand are subjected to 30% cut in all fields of their undertakings. They have to abide by the rules of 30%. But when bumis are free to go 100%, is this not "marginalization"?