PERDASAMA Hails Budget 2026 As 'Mother Of All Budgets' For Bumiputera Economic Empowerment

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Budget 2026 marks a new chapter in the rise of Bumiputera economic empowerment, demonstrating the government's firm commitment to strengthening local entrepreneurs, said the Malay Traders and Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia (PERDASAMA).

Its president, Mohd Azamanizam Baharon, said the budget presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is being hailed as the 'Mother of All Budgets' in the history of Bumiputera economic development since independence, due to its large and comprehensive allocation spanning multiple strategic sectors.

"Budget 2026 is not just about big numbers; it carries deep strategic meaning and high aspirations. As the first budget of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13), it is designed as an initial cornerstone for Bumiputera advancement towards 2035, aligning with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 (DKN2030) and the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35).

"In this context, we applaud the government's commitment to ensuring the Bumiputera economy is on the right track, in line with the MADANI aspiration," he said when contacted by Bernama.

On Friday, Anwar tabled a larger RM470 billion budget for 2026, up from RM452 billion in 2025, with a focus on strengthening economic resilience and supporting small businesses.

Budget 2026, themed "Belanjawan MADANI Keempat: Belanjawan Rakyat", also optimises national resources, such as capital from government-linked investment companies, Federal statutory bodies, and Minister of Finance (Incorporated) companies. 

PERDASAMA also praised the government's announcement of a RM10 billion allocation via the Credit Guarantee Corporation (SJPP) to guarantee financing for Bumiputera companies, particularly those operating in high-value-added sectors.

"This measure is highly strategic, as many Bumiputera entrepreneurs face constraints in capital and guarantees when trying to enter high-impact sectors and export markets," he said.

Mohd Azamanizam also highlighted several other announced initiatives, which include RM2.4 billion for G1–G4 Bumiputera contractors, RM200 million for the Regional Champions Programme (SME Bank), RM100 million for the MARA Entrepreneur Scaling-Up Programme, and RM40 million for the scaling up of Bumiputera companies.

Additionally, Anwar announced that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) will provide RM10 million to enhance the competitiveness of Bumiputera entrepreneurs, specifically young contractors. 

The Prime Minister also announced an RM105 million allocation to VentureTECH Sdn Bhd to boost Bumiputera equity ownership in high-value sectors. The company has already invested in 31 Bumiputera technology companies, nine of which have successfully penetrated the global market.

Meanwhile, Mohd Azamanizam emphasised that the success of the Budget 2026 hinges on a transparent, inclusive, and well-targeted implementation.

Key recommendations include ensuring the SJPP financing initiative is executed with a deep understanding of the real needs of Bumiputera entrepreneurs, which extends beyond capital to include market access, technology and continuous mentorship.

"We also hope the government will establish an open monitoring framework and provide regular reporting on every initiative to ensure the benefits reach their intended recipients.

“In conclusion, the Budget 2026 must be viewed as a foundational step, one that requires close cooperation across all agencies, including PERDASAMA, to act as both a grassroots driver and an independent monitor," he said.

-- BERNAMA