MELAKA: Umno Youth chief, Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, cautioned a former MCA leader that the Bumiputera Economic Congress, which has been implemented since the time of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government, has never encroached upon or suppressed the rights of other communities.
Instead, he said, the economic congress aims to improve the economic status of the Bumiputera, including those in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli who constitute the majority in this country.
"So, my warning to YB Senator (Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker) is never to play with racial issues for your political interests.
"Umno Youth will not compromise its stance to defend the interests of religion, race, and the nation," said Akmal, who is also the state assemblyman for Merlimau, in his statement today.
Lian Ker, who is also a former MCA vice president, recently reported during the discussion of the 2024 Budget in the Dewan Negara, urging the unity government to stop the Bumiputera Economic Congress scheduled for next month.
The former Youth and Sports Deputy Minister was reported to have said that Malaysia would not progress as long as such congresses focus on Malay elites who misuse their power, influence, and status to enrich themselves at the expense of the state.
Commenting further, Dr Muhamad Akmal, who is also the Umno division chief for Jasin said that the improvement of the Bumiputera economy in this country has never deprived the rights of other communities but has instead benefited the overall situation of the country.
"Moreover, the economic position of non-Bumiputeras is still strong in this country ever since a long time ago," he said.