Affirmative actions will continue under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), but they will be redefined to become more transparent and fair, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Idris Jala.

He said what was enshrined in the constitution would remain.

He said Bumiputeras who don't need help must compete on a level-playing field with non-Bumiputeras.

"That is how we become strong as a nation," he told a press conference at the ETP Open Day in Kuala Lumpur today.

Asked on how successful Bumiputeras are now, Idris, who is also chief executive officer of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), said the government did not pick a winner but instead would ensure the rules and regulations were clear.

Meanwhile, the ETP aims to almost triple the country's Gross National Income (GNI) from RM660 billion in 2009 to RM1.7 trillion in 2020, which translates into an increase of GNI per capita from RM23,700 to at least RM48,000.

The country is expected to grow its gross domestic product at six per cent every year between 2011 and 2020 to achieve the targeted GNI.

On minimum wage, Idris said that it would be implemented, but the question would be on the type of modalities needed.

He said there were many conflicting interests and there were also ideas to have this implemented on a regional or sectoral basis.

The Key Performance Indicator for the Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam was to have the minimum wage ready by next year, he said.

On Malaysia Talent Corporation, which is supposed to attract Malaysian professionals overseas back to the country, Idris said the government was still looking for a chief executive officer and a team to run it.

He said Malaysia should also not be shy to bring in good quality expatriates to contribute to the national economy.

"In the global economy, we need to have the best talents to help us move the country forward.

"I would like to see as many Malaysians filling up the 3.3 million jobs created under the ETP.

"We've to look for ways and means such as the Malaysian diaspora (Malaysians working overseas) and (bring in) expatriates," he added.

- Bernama