Muhyiddin: New bumiputera agenda must contribute to growth of all races

BERSATU AGM | Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said today that the implementation of a new bumiputera agenda as part of the Pakatan Harapan government's core policy must contribute towards economic growth with benefits enjoyed by all Malaysians.

"Therefore, if this policy stunts economic growth, then it is not the bumiputera agenda that we want.

"If this policy negatively impacts the country's competency, then it is not a bumiputera agenda," he said during the second Bersatu annual general assembly in Putrajaya.

Aside from reiterating Harapan's commitment to combat corruption and abuse of power, Muhyiddin stressed that the new policy would not restrict opportunities for other ethnic groups to move forward and succeed.

"The main prerequisite for this policy is that it must create national wealth that can be shared in a fair and just manner by Malaysians of all races, classes and from all areas.

"What we want to create is fairness and equality of income and wealth distribution among the people. 

"Not one group within our society will be left behind," he stressed.

'A national agenda'

Muhyiddin added that the final aim of the new bumiputera agenda is to create stability, unity and prosperity, which can be enjoyed by all Malaysians. 

"This is not a racial agenda, but a national agenda."

Towards the end of his speech, Muhyiddin sought the blessing of Prime Minister and Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad to pursue implementation of the new bumiputera agenda.

To a smattering of applause from the 1,000 or so delegates present at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Muhyiddin then acknowledged that Mahathir had nodded in approval to his request.

On Friday, the party president said that Bersatu will devise a new agenda which will truly uplift the bumiputera, as such initiatives launched during the BN era had failed to fulfil their objectives.

Among others, he pointed to institutions meant to help the bumiputera, such as Felda, Tabung Haji and Mara, had been abused by Umno leaders to the point of near collapse. - Mkini