Debates on economy and education in the 57th Umno general assembly this afternoon saw delegates calling for the 36-year-old NEP (New Economic Policy) to expand beyond 30 percent with no end duration.

The battering of Asli's report on bumiputera corporate equity were also done by various representatives when discussing the continuous need for the NEP.

A report by Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute drew controversy for claiming that the bumiputera equity could already be as high as 45 percent

Generally, the delegates today felt that the Malays should continue to receive assistance as they are still lagging behind other races in both education and economy sectors.

Here are some views from the podium:

Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Umno Youth representative

(After listing statistics depicting poor performance by Malays compared to the other races)

Umno Youth would like to strongly condemn the intentions of Asli's former president Dr Lim Teck Ghee for distorting and questioning the Malay agenda and social contract. His shallow research done with a prejudiced nature was conducted as an excuse to end the NEP simply by stating bumiputera corporate equity has surpassed 30 percent

What is more disappointing are the comments from the leaders from Barisan Nasional component parties who joined in the fray in questioning the government's methodologies by the EPU (Economic Planning Unit).

(They) have not only insulted us but assumed that the government lied about the figures despite the fact that (this leader) is part of the government himself.

Umno Youth would like to call on the government to ignore any of their demands. We want to remind (those questioning government's methodologies) that the level of tolerance and patience of Malay leaders has its limits.

Dr Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail, Umno Kedah delegate

Some people say, not just the opposition like DAP but our own comrades in Barisan Nasional, that NEP ended in 1990. Umno believes that so long as NEP not fulfilled, that's how long we will continue.

Let's raise our voices to say Umno and bumiputeras will fight on to realise our aim on this land. We're not taking the rights of others but don't anybody take away our rights. NEP has had some success but if we work better, the bigger its success.

The name of the think-tank is Asli but the research is not original ( nama saja Asli, kajian tak asli ). Their strategies contain bad faith by twisting the facts on bumiputera corporate equity by including government-linked companies (GLCs) must be disputed. They are naive or wrong to assume that GLCs are bumiputera owned, they are in fact government's.

Their aim to show bumiputera corporate equity as more than 30 percent was to justify that we no longer need to extend the NEP. What puzzles us is how the management of Asli can accept this report.

Rizalman Mokhtar, Umno Federal Territory delegate

The Malays have always fared poorly on both issues (economy and education) compared to other races. Until now we don't know the solution. Malay parents don't feel responsible towards the school and their children's education.

Chinese school can collect hundred thousands of ringgit, but if Malay schools collect RM10,000 we are already thankful. With that we should learn such a communal spirit from other races.

There's also the problem of equity mismanagement by those in higher levels. Large government losses are because of mismanagement in companies like Perwaja, MAS and others.

How far is being done to follow up on this and what's being done to make sure this does not happen again?

We're still failing to achieve the NEP because of the abuse of power with bumiputeras taking advantage of the policies for selfish interests and personal gains. While these people were elected in good faith but greed has resulted in corruption. I call for those responsible to be investigated and that the public are informed of what is happening.

Maulizan Bujang, Umno Johor delegate:

The other races should understand and accept the Malay agenda with an open heart. Umno Johor believes that the Malays must be helped without the stipulation of an end to its (NEP) duration.

It should also not be limited to just 30 percent but up to any amount.

Jamius Aziz, Umno Negeri Sembilan delegate

Don't question the leadership of Pak Lah, be it old or new members.

(After asserting that the Malays are lagging behind the Chinese Malaysians in the economy)

What we have is what they have too, but what they have is more than us. Umno must be relentless in pursuing the increase of bumiputera corporate equity. Sixty percent of the population are Malays and bumiputeras.

We don't have to put an end to the duration or limit the percentage because the Malay civilisation just began whereas the Chinese and Indian civilisations have been around for hundreds of years.