KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputeras must empower themselves by venturing into a more diversified industries to increase its economic ownership in Malaysia.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said while the New Economic Policy has set a 30 percent Bumiputera economic ownership in Malaysia, Bumiputera entrepreneurs should not rely on the privileges awarded to them.
“Instead of focusing on the small and medium industries (SMI), entrepreneurs should also look at other business opportunities. Rather than looking for jobs in the government agencies or private companies, graduates should look ahead by venturing into businesses that will provide job opportunities to others instead,” he said in his speech during the 49th Majlis Amanah Rakyat’s (Mara) Day celebration at the Menara Mara here yesterday.
He also urged the entrepreneurs to change their mindset in order to improve their businesses and not depend on their rights and privileges as Bumiputera.
He said Mara not only helps the Bumiputera people in economy and entrepreneurship but also in education.
Mara had also excelled in management and administration that has helped improved the public’s perception towards the agency.
Mara chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa said Mara had so far sponsored more than 200,000 students and produced about 63,000 Bumiputera entrepreneurs since its inception in 1966.
“In education, we are proud to say that this year, three of the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara were among the top schools in SPM which the results were announced earlier today.”
Shafie had earlier launched the Wholesale Sukuk Fund under Pelaburan Mara Berhad (PMB) to provide the investors a consistent income and increase their capital.