KUALA LUMPUR July 9, 2026 — Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has reiterated the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP)’s commitment to transparent, merit-based access to government financing for Malaysian entrepreneurs.
In a video posted on his official X account today, Sim emphasised that applications for funding under TEKUN Nasional no longer require political support letters or intermediaries.
“Tak perlu surat sokongan politik. Tak perlu orang tengah. Permohonan dinilai berdasarkan kelayakan. Ini komitmen KUSKOP,” Sim stated in the video, which shows him addressing an audience of entrepreneurs at what appears to be a recent event.
The minister’s message aligns with his earlier public warnings against “cable” (insider or political connection) practices in the processing of entrepreneur fund applications.
Sim has stressed that eligible Malaysians can now access business funds and loans directly based on their qualifications, without needing endorsements from politicians, party branch chiefs, or third parties. Approvals are to be made “regardless of race, religion, or even the colour of their shirt (political ideology).”
This forms part of broader administrative reforms at KUSKOP aimed at:
- Simplifying application processes
- Shortening approval turnaround times
- Cutting red tape across ministry agencies
In June 2026, KUSKOP launched the TEKUN National online portal, targeting approval of micro-financing below RM20,000 within 24 hours by year-end.
Sim has also pledged transparent investigations into any proven misconduct while expressing confidence in the professionalism of most agency staff. He noted that successful reform requires political leadership with integrity and strong governance principles.
The post carries the hashtags #jalanteruih and #hebatkanperniagaanmalaysia, consistent with Sim’s ongoing focus on empowering Malaysian businesses across all communities.
This latest statement reinforces the government’s push for a fairer entrepreneurial ecosystem, where funding is determined by eligibility and merit rather than political connections. Entrepreneurs can apply for TEKUN financing through the official TEKUN Nasional portal.
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