THE Bumiputera agenda must contribute to economic growth and bring benefits to all levels of society, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

 The Bersatu president said the policy should not be an obstacle to the economic growth.

“It is not the Bumiputera agenda if it affects the country’s competitiveness,” he said at the Bersatu AGM in Putrajaya today.

“It is not the Bumiputera agenda if it promotes corrupt practices, misappropriation and abuse of power.

“And it is not the Bumiputera agenda if it denies fair opportunity for other races to progress and succeed.”

Muhiyiddin said the Bumiputeras, in the spirit of Malaysia Baru, must recognise that fair and equitable participation of the other races in the economy was crucial for mutual prosperity. 

“We want the Malays to move forward and all the other races to also advance. In our bid to succeed, we will not take away the rights of other races.”

He said while it was the Bersatu mission to uphold the position of the Malays and Bumiputeras, the party was not prejudiced against the other races.

“This is not a race-based agenda but a national agenda. 

“We do not hold prejudice against other races. We are confident of our own potential. 

“We believe the Malays can compete, be independent and advance. 

“We believe the Malays can work together with other races. What we want to achieve is balance, justice and unity, not hatred, injustice and racial animosity.”

The Pagoh MP said the agenda needed to be set with participation of all parties. 

“We will engage the Malay corporate entities, the business community, industry players, economic experts, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and members of Pakatan Harapan.

“When the new Bumiputera agenda is implemented, we want it to have the support of all parties.”

Muhiyiddin said for the Bumiputera agenda to succeed, the Malays will have to change their attitude. 

“Without a change of attitude, whatever policy implemented by the government will not help the Malays and Bumiputeras to progress. 

“They must apply trust, diligence, discipline, courage, competence and all the other noble values ​​in their lives. the Malays. Only then can they become successful.” – December 30, 2018.