Umno urges govt to form core economic action council

UMNO AGM | Umno has today urged Putrajaya to establish a Core Economic Action Council (CEAC).

Party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the council was necessary as the country transitions to new sources of growth and national production such as rare earth elements, the digital economy, innovation, green investment, as well as TVET education.

“Additionally, through the CEAC, the government can also consider a progressive tax regime to increase national revenue,” Zahid said in his opening speech at the 2024 Umno General Assembly. 

Zahid earlier reiterated the Malay-centrist party’s commitment to empowering the bumiputera economy.

Citing the success of the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024, he said Umno’s current task is to ensure that every resolution outlined during the congress is carefully implemented and achieves desired results.

“Therefore, we will propose that annual studies and reports be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and ensure the benefits reach the target groups.”

Besides the Bumiputera Economic Congress, he said the influx of foreign investments has also opened up opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to benefit from the economic activities.

“As the Halal Industry Development Council chairperson, I see enormous potential in the halal industry.

“In 2023 alone, the contribution of the halal industry to the GDP was recorded at 7.9 percent, with halal product exports amounting to RM53.72 billion compared to the total national exports of RM1.426 trillion.

“Malay entrepreneurs should fully utilise these vast market opportunities,” he added.

‘Handphone politics’

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, reminded the delegates that the country has entered the “handphone politics” era.

He then called on the delegates to adapt to such technological changes, which have influenced the people’s thinking through the “3-S” concept, in preparation to win the battle of perception.

“In the past, the first ‘S’ referred to our reliance on scripts and screens. Politics was still easily controlled through newspapers, magazines and television. We then transitioned to the second ‘S’, which is scroll, exposing us to websites, portals and blogs.

“Now, we are in the era of the third ‘S’, which is swipe, with short clips on TikTok.

“Politics driven by artificial intelligence will dominate the battle of minds in the next general election,” he explained.

Asyraf: Umno will keep fighting for Najib’s justice, full pardon

Umno grassroots warming up to Harapan allies

Akmal: Thank you for being loyal to 'poorest' Umno Youth in history

Don't give up on freeing Najib, says Puteri Umno chief

Moving solo in GE16 an option if it benefits Umno - Akmal