MTEM calls more 'concrete' actions by PN to strengthen Malay-bumiputera economy
The Perikatan Nasional government must take more concrete actions to uplift the Malay and bumiputera economy after the movement control order (MCO), the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) urged.
Its chief executive officer, Ahmad Yazid Othman (photo, above) said the council regards highly the efforts by the government to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, including the economic stimulus packages to revitalise the economy, but systemic problems impeding the community’s economic growth persists.
The Perikatan Nasional government must take more concrete actions to uplift the Malay and bumiputera economy after the movement control order (MCO), the Malay Economic Action Council (MTEM) urged.
Its chief executive officer, Ahmad Yazid Othman (photo, above) said the council regards highly the efforts by the government to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, including the economic stimulus packages to revitalise the economy, but systemic problems impeding the community’s economic growth persists.
“There is yet any concrete action by this government. For the sake of the country’s sustainable development, the bumiputera agenda must continue to be championed to ensure equal prosperity and development is achieved by all.
“The outbreak and economic slump have resulted in the widening income divide between the rich and the poor. Malays and bumiputeras will be among the more affected by this situation.
“We urge the PN government to be brave in enacting quick action so the situation does not carry on. MTEM rejects the notion the government should not take a main role in the economy,’ he said in a statement today.
In a bid to cushion the impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on the rakyat and local businesses, the government announced the RM260 billion Prihatin Rakyat Economic Stimulus Package (Prihatin), followed by the RM35 billion short-term comprehensive national economic recovery plan, Penjana.
Among the measures covered include wage subsidy schemes to tackle income and job losses, tax relief for companies and individuals as well as grants and other financial aids.
Ahmad Yazid, however, claimed that the position of the bumiputera community is not as hoped for despite five decades following the New Economic Policy (NEP).
“[...] Majority of the bumiputera are generally just workers and users. As such, they are largely not employers or job generators.
“We ask the government to have the spirit and courage to truly champion the Malay and bumiputera economy agenda, akin to the time of (former prime minister) Tun Abdul Razak in the 70s,” he said.
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