KUALA LUMPUR: Bumiputeras must be competitive but not take the rights of others in their quest for success, an academic said.
Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA-UKM) director Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali said in a Facebook post that all this must be done while upholding the special privileges of Bumiputeras as stated in the Federal Constitution.
He said it must start by narrowing the rural-urban divide and strengthening knowledge, skills, education and talent from a very young age.
"The prime minister pledged that affirmative policies will persist as long as there are marginalised communities in need of development, extending beyond just the Bumiputera community to encompass all races.
"Acknowledging the imperfections of the free market, he highlighted the reality that not everyone starts from an equal footing, necessitating targeted affirmative action policies for marginalised groups," said Noor Azlan, who was a member of the Economic Action Council (EAC) and had also served as the Executive Director of the EAC Secretariat from 2020-2022.
Noor Azlan said focus now is on self-competitiveness rather than encroaching on the rights of others.
"With 70 per cent of Malaysians being Bumiputera and a significant portion residing in states characterised by low growth, low income, and high poverty, there is a risk of Bumiputeras being left behind," he said.
He said all clusters at the recently concluded Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) had called for strengthening the abilities and potential of Bumiputeras through education and positive attitudes.
"The challenges and opportunities identified at KEB 2024 underscore the importance of action from the government and citizens alike.
"The prime minister stressed on the need for continued engagement and follow-up actions, urging ministries to review and act upon the recommendations presented," he said adding that the fate of the nation is a shared responsibility.
Noor Azlan said the commitment of every participant, along with government action, is crucial for Bumiputera and national development