“We see how wealthy these tycoons are today, but who opened the path for them?” he said at the launch of an open interview programme under the 1Malaysia Training Scheme (SL1M).

“Sometimes, I am fed-up seeing their arrogance,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying.

He said besides the government-linked companies (GLCs), public-listed companies should also participate in the scheme, or prepare to face the consequences.

“I will instruct the Treasury to make this a precondition for them to secure large government contracts.

“So, if they do not participate, their opportunity to secure government contracts will also be slim,” said Najib as quoted by Bernama.

SL1M, launched in June 2011, is a training programme to help unemployed young graduates enhance their marketability with skills, knowledge and working experience.

The programme is regulated by the Economic Planning Unit to facilitate GLCs and the private sector to carry out corporate social responsibility by fully sponsoring their training, which will be eligible for tax deduction.

Najib called for more specific involvement by the corporate sector in the SL1M programme.

“This SL1M programme illustrates that we are deeply concerned about the young who need a little help and training opportunities so that they get the future they aspire for,” he said.