Bumiputera Agenda Pursued More Assertively Under Madani Govt - Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- The Bumiputera empowerment agenda has been pursued more assertively, firmly and boldly under the MADANI Government over the past three years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the approach demonstrates that the government does not subscribe to elitism at the expense of Bumiputera interests, as alleged by certain quarters.

He pointed to the government’s decision to grant automatic matriculation placement to students who obtain 10As regardless of race, while at the same time maintaining the existing quota for Bumiputera students.

“At the same time, 90 per cent of Bumiputera students continue to be given opportunities through the matriculation programme, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach.

“Therefore, in any debate, do not focus on one aspect alone without considering the policy in its entirety, and avoid creating the perception of a zero-sum game,” Anwar said when officiating Majlis Amanah Rakyat’s (MARA) 60th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and MARA director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman.

The prime minister stressed that while the fundamentals of government policy remain consistent, they must be implemented with prudence and wisdom to ensure continued national stability.

He said Malaysia will never abandon the principle of “justice as fairness”, particularly in ensuring protection for marginalised and underserved groups.

Anwar added that the responsibility of advancing the Bumiputera agenda has also been entrusted to the Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers to ensure it remains a priority and is comprehensively deliberated at the Cabinet level.

He said over the past three years, the government has made several key decisions, including some considered controversial, such as the declaration of Malay Reserve Land - among the first such moves since 1997.

“In education, MARA’s role continues to be strengthened with increased allocations amounting to RM43 billion, benefiting more than 1.8 million students, including through approaches such as ‘Ulul Albab’, which demonstrate that Bumiputera students can excel in a holistic education system that balances modern knowledge and religious values,” he said.

From an economic perspective, Anwar cited the positive growth in Bumiputera household income, which rose by more than 10 per cent from about RM6,300 in 2022 to RM7,000 in 2024. However, he acknowledged that gaps remain.

He said that in addition to prioritising the eradication of hardcore poverty, which has shown results in Pahang and Perak, the government has also increased development allocations for relatively less-developed states, including those not aligned with the Federal Government.

 Allocations to ministries related to rural development have also been increased, while the unemployment rate has declined to its lowest level in a decade, he added. 

“The government has also introduced various initiatives to enhance Bumiputera participation in high-value sectors through collaboration with agencies such as Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

“In addition, the government is targeting greater Bumiputera equity ownership by 2035 through the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35),” he said.

He added that government-linked investment companies are also being mobilised to train and upskill Bumiputera in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, green energy and technology. 

 -- BERNAMA