Gov't urged to review NEP to benefit all Malaysians

While affirmative action is still needed in Malaysia, the Pakatan Harapan government should review and revise the New Economic Policy to ensure that all deserving Malaysians, regardless of race, will benefit from the affirmative action.

Chairperson of Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) Centre for Public Policy Studies Ramon Navaratnam said the new government would need to adopt more socioeconomic policies that were income-based and related to fulfilling the basic needs and human rights of all Malaysians.

"Therefore I appeal to the prime minister and his able cabinet and wise Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) to review and revise the NEP, to adopt and adapt to the new socioeconomic and political realities, after their most impressive and welcome electoral 14th general election victory," he said in a statement here today.

Furthermore, he said in reality at present the economic disparities or socioeconomic gaps are based more on income disparities, rather than ethnic differences.  

He also pointed out the government could devise and introduce a 'New Malaysia Economic Policy' that would contribute to more genuine and sustainable national unity.

"This new affirmative action should be meant for all deserving Malaysians, based on basic needs and not race.

“Most Malays and bumiputera would also gain by this needs-based affirmative action policy, while the poor non-Malays will also benefit from the new and revised NEP," he said.

- Bernama