PONTIAN: The Forbes' economic date on Bumiputeras revealed that only three of the 50 listed millionaires in the country are Malays— Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, and Tan Sri Azman Hashim.
Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan expressed regret that despite Bumiputeras constituting 70.1 per cent of the population, only three are represented on the list.
He said the upcoming Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) would be a crucial platform to cultivate more entrepreneurs and fortify the Bumiputera economy.
Acknowledging existing limitations, Ahmad Maslan said the congress could enhance Bumiputera's dominance in the national economy.
He suggested that the Forbes' economic data could serve as a reference point to identify necessary measures.
Speaking at the launch of the Sahabat Ar Rahnu Pontian branch, Ahmad urged over 400,000 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
He emphasised that this mindset should extend to all Bumiputeras, including those with Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), diploma, degree qualifications, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students.
Ahmad stressed that diversifying into entrepreneurship would enable greater economic control rather than relying solely on salaried jobs.
Ahmad said the KEB joint chairmen, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Economic Affairs Minister Rafizi Ramli, would soon announce the topics to be discussed at the congress.
The event, scheduled from Feb 29 to March 2 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, is expected to focus on setting a new direction and approach for the Bumiputera agenda, with emphasis on 10 main clusters, including educational and human capital reform, strengthening the halal industry, the Bumiputera economy in Sabah and Sarawak, and mastering new technology. - BERNAMA