Bumiputera economic plan yet to succeed, says Zahid

Summary

• Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is disappointed that the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (Putera35) has not yet delivered meaningful results.

• He calls for a national push to turn Putera35 into a real, impactful movement.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is disappointed that the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 policies are yet to yield tangible outcomes, particularly in strengthening bumiputera’s economic standing.

He referred to the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (Putera35), a master plan born out of the congress and intended as the foundation for narrowing the economic participation gap for bumiputera.

“We introduced Putera35 in the last congress as a new roadmap to strengthen bumiputera participation in the national economy.

“But honestly, I must ask, have we truly realised this agenda? Has the promised impact been felt by the people?

“If you ask me, not yet,” he said during the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 One-Year Retreat event.

Zahid emphasised that strategic documents like Putera35 must not remain mere decorations in cabinet files but must instead be translated into concrete action.

The Umno president said it is a national commitment that should drive bumiputera’s full participation, ownership, and control of the economy.

“But if this commitment is not translated into action, we are merely wasting time and squandering the trust of the people.

“So today, I want us to make a serious shift in how we translate the grand aspirations of the congress. We have 132 initiatives under Putera35.

“I want them to be given full priority, and they must deliver results,” he added.

‘Be courageous’

Putera35 was launched on Aug 19 last year as a comprehensive action framework aimed at revitalising the bumiputera economy over the next decade.

Systematic monitoring of its implementation is reported to be under the purview of the Bumiputera Economic Council.

Zahid further urged all involved parties to be courageous in making bold changes to ensure that the outcomes of the congress’ retreat are not reduced to beautifully crafted documents without impact.

He stressed that the strategic plan must be translated into bold, integrated, and high-impact actions.

“I want a strong push and national momentum to make this mission a genuine movement.

“So far, the implementation of programmes and projects under Putera35 has reached over 15 percent,” he concluded.

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