Independent MP and Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali has given thumbs up to the 10th Malaysia Plan, and he attributed this to efforts made by the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) - a coalition of 80 Malay-based NGOs.

bumiputera economic congress 290510 ibrahim ali "It was really worth our effort and it shows that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak paid heed to the needs of the bumiputera," he told reporters in Parliament after the premier’s speech.

Ibrahim ( right, centre )said the policies in the 10MP, a five-year economic blueprint, show that the government is committed to implementing affirmative action for the benefit of the bumiputera majority.

He credited these policies as the outcome from the meeting MPM had with Najib during the Bumiputera Economic Congress held last month.

"The meeting was very fruitful, for the government decided to implement the five agenda (we raised) for the bumiputera.

“I am very excited, especially with the announcement of the formation of a high-level committee, to be chaired by Najib himself, to monitor and ensure bumiputera programmes are implemented,” he added.

Ibrahim also suggested that the committee be made up of those who are “true Malays and who understand Malay issues”, so that the objectives could be achieved.

'Coalition did not pressure government'

"I hope the prime minister will consider appointing representatives from Malay NGOs, those who have the expertise and are credible and committed. I am sure then that the committee will be able to ensure the objectives set by the plan are achieved," he said.

Asked whether the government had yielded to pressure from MPM, Ibrahim denied that the coalition had pressured the government.

"I don't see that we have pressured the government, but we did put up rational proposals with facts... the government accepted our facts not because of our pressure, (but) because the Malaysian government never works under pressure," explained the Pasir Mas MP, grinning.

 

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