Umno moots mandating gov't contracts, GLC jobs for bumis

UMNO ASSEMBLY The government is urged to mandate the award of public contracts and procurement for government-linked companies (GLCs) to competent bumiputera firms through limited tender.

GLCs must also prioritise the hiring of bumiputera graduates while the private sector should declare how they support the bumiputera agenda in their annual reports so their investors can judge them accordingly.

As lead contributors to the national economy, the private sectors’ hiring policy should reflect the racial make up of Malaysia at every level, and not only benefits one race.

These suggestions were made as part of the economy motion at the Umno general assembly.

Proposing the motion was Bachok Umno chief Awang Adek Husin (right), and will now be debated by the assembly.

"(The bumiputera) had strongly supported us in the 13th general election, so it is only fair to return the favour.

"The Malays are the indigenous group in Malaysia and make up the majority, at close to 70 percent.

"It is a tragedy and cruel if the indigenous majority is sidelined from what is rightfully theirs in the economy," he said.

Elaborating on his motion, the former deputy finance minister said that the companies that should get government contract are those listed as "core companies" under the Unit Peneraju Ekonomi Bumiputera (Teraju).

The unit, currently part of the Prime Minister's Department, would also oversee assistance of bumiputera entrepreneurs who "still need hand-holding".

Similarly, bumiputera vendors mooted to feed off the RM30 billion GLC procurement pie must go through a vendorship programme to ensure they are competent.

"After seven years of competing in limited tender among themselves, they will be accredited to compete in open tenders. This shows clear graduation," he said.

Exemption from taxation and hikes mooted

The motion also proposes an audit of all GLCs and ministries for compliance with the bumiputera agenda.

It also proposes that better infrastructure in rural areas to unlock the value of rural properties to benefit the rural bumiputeras who are Umno's most loyal supporters.

In the same vein, wider assistance for the lower-income group was mooted along with exemptions from any new taxation and tariff hikes.

Awang said that as the majority group, the prosperity of the bumiputera is good for all.

"It is not a win-lose strategy but a win-win strategy, as it ensures prosperity for all," he said.

The motion was seconded by Wanita delegate Azizah Johor who urged for the approved permits for car sales not be abolished in 2015 but extended to 2020.

"Doesn't this permit benefit the bumiputera?" she asked. 

The motion was accepted by the assembly after about three hours of debate.