The Bumiputera Agenda Action Council has agreed on a proposal put forward by the Bumiputera Peneraju Education Foundation (YPPB) to award scholarships to outstanding bumiputera students from families earning below RM3,000, Najib Abdul Razak said.

The prime minister said the five-year scholarship would enable selected students to pursue a foundation programme, an A-Level or an international baccalaureate and a degree.

NONE "Of some 8,000 applications received for the time being, 225 students will be offered the scholarship in the first phase of the programme," Najib told reporters after chairing the council's meeting in Putrajaya today.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nor Mohamed Yakcop were present .

Najib also said the YPPB has launched another signature programme, the Peneraju Bumiputera Professional Accountant programme, in an effort to produce more certified bumiputera accountants.

He said the programme would be conducted in collaboration with Mara and involve leading accounting firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young.

"Through the programme, bumiputera accounting graduates will be upgraded to become certified or professional accountants," he said.

In addition, Najib said, companies and individuals who contributed to the YPPB in cash or kind would be given an income tax exemption as an incentive.

- Bernama