The bumiputera should not be labelled as racists just for demanding their rights, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today.

Muhyiddin said this in response to bumiputera claiming they were neglected in terms of the country's economic development and thus demanding the implementation of policies that would defend them.

"This does not mean they are racist. On the contrary, it is a demand for equal opportunities in a more inclusive economy," he said at the Malay Economic Action Council's (MTEM) State of the Bumiputera Socio-economy Report launch in Kuala Lumpur today.

"They should not be labelled as racists simply for asking for their rights," Muhyiddin said.

He again pointed out that this is especially so since bumiputera were the country's majority.

"Evidence worldwide shows that when a particular country's majority group is neglected by the country's economic development, the country will not be peaceful or be stablised.

"A state of unrest and all sorts of crises will occur and this would not be healthy for a particular country," he said.

In light of this, to ensure continued stability for the country, the government will continue its agenda in strengthening the economic situation of the bumiputera community in the spirit of inclusive development.

Clawback mechanism

This, he said, will be done fairly and would not exclude any racial or social group.

"Focus through various programmes will be given to efforts that defend the bottom 40 percent of which the majority are bumiputera," he said.

Under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), the government has pledged that it will enhance Bumiputera Economic Community (BEC) opportunities aimed at increasing wealth ownership.

Participation of bumiputera in skilled occupation categories under the plan is targeted to reach at least 60 percent by 2020 and while programmes to improve their skills will also be expanded.

By the end of the 11MP, it is expected that at least 90 percent of bumiputera households will own a residential unit and towards this more affordable houses will be developed by utilising funds including via a clawback mechanism.