No impact yet from Bumiputera economic transformation plan, says Zahid
PUTRAJAYA : The policies outlined at the 2024 Bumiputera economic congress have not impacted the public a year later after they were first implemented, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the policies contained in the 2035 Bumiputera economic transformation plan (Putera35) are meant to strengthen the Malays' position in the national economy.
'However, I would honestly like to ask: have we truly worked on this agenda? Has the community felt the promised impact? If you ask me, I don't think so,' he said in a speech here today.
Zahid said Putera35 cannot be a 'decorative document', being a national commitment to strengthen Bumiputera participation, ownership and power in the economy.
'If this commitment is not translated into action, we are only wasting time and the people's trust,' he said.
Launched on Aug 19 last year by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Putera35 is a 10-year holistic action plan to strengthen Bumiputeras in the economy, supported by three core objectives, 12 growth drivers and 132 initiatives.
The Bumiputera economic council was tasked to monitor Putera35 extensively with periodic reports to ensure its implementation bears results.
Zahid urged all parties to take bigger steps in translating the Bumiputera congress' larger aspirations.
'We have 132 initiatives under Putera35. I want them to be given full priority and see results. We need a clear timeline. We cannot be trapped anymore in endless rhetoric.
'Much remains to be implemented. As these are government policies, the plan must become the main framework for all ministries, not just the economy, or rural and regional development ministries,' he said.
Zahid urged government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to act as the government's main partners in the policies' implementation.
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