Latest news with #Bumiputeras
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Zahid urges stronger push for Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan success
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on all ministries, agencies and government-linked bodies to step up efforts to ensure the success of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35). He said PuTERA35, a long-term plan to drive the economic development of Bumiputeras, must not remain a mere "decorative document stored in the cabinet". "PuTERA35 represents a national commitment to strengthening Bumiputera participation, ownership and control in the economy," Zahid said in a speech. "However, if this commitment is not translated into action, we are merely wasting time. "This is why I want everyone, whether from ministries, agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), coordinators or implementers, to move together, to review, assess transparently, and act decisively to ensure that this agenda achieves the goals we have collectively envisioned." He said this in his keynote address at the one-year retreat session of the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress. Zahid said the implementation of programmes and projects under PuTERA35 has achieved a 15.7 per cent success rate. "We already have the plan and the structure. What we now need is disciplined implementation and the courage to make bold decisions." Zahid also spoke on the importance of a clear timeline to deliver tangible results. "We have 132 initiatives under PuTERA35. I want these to be given the utmost priority. I want tangible results. "We can no longer afford to be trapped in endless rhetoric," he said, adding that a strategic, clear and consistent communications plan on PuTERA35 was also needed. He added that PuTERA35 must also serve as a central framework for all ministries, not just the Economy Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, as it is a government policy. "Every ministry, without exception, must play an active role as envisioned. The people have the right to know how many Bumiputera entrepreneurs have been developed this year. "How many have progressed from micro to medium enterprises? How many TVET graduates are now earning monthly salaries of over RM4,000?" Zahid also called for a change in the treatment of reports, saying the government could no longer rely on passive and annual reports. "It is time for us to move forward with courage, guided by strategic, data-driven interventions and focused on real outcomes. "Now is the time to prove that what has been planned is truly being implemented," said Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development minister. Meanwhile, Zahid said he has tasked the deputy secretary-generals for policy in each ministry to coordinate and monitor the implementation of PuTERA35. "This role will be further supported by the Bumiputera Empowerment Unit, which must be restructured to suit current needs," he said. He also said the Bumiputera Economic Congress retreat session will become an annual fixture to collectively reinvigorate the Bumiputera development agenda across all ministries, agencies and sectors. Present were Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, and Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) chief executive officer Junady Nawawi.
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
UiTM-JKR collab key to tackling Sarawak's construction challenges, says Deputy Premier
Uggah (centre) and others show photos of major bridge projects in Sarawak after the programme. SPAOH (May 2): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has emphasised the potential for collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak and the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to tackle key challenges in the state's construction sector. He said potential areas of cooperation include the complex task of constructing roads on peat soil and hilly terrain, particularly in rural regions. 'The other aspect was how to reduce cost in road construction,' he said at the 'Future Engineers In The Making: JKR Sarawak Engineering Experience' programme at Rumah Mendit Unsu in Penom here today. The three-day programme aims to provide practical exposure to students in engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, and related fields. It includes site visits to active road construction projects and involves 56 UiTM students alongside 26 newly appointed JKR engineers from across Sarawak. Uggah, who is also State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, offered advice to students preparing to enter the construction industry. 'First it is very important that you understand local culture in your work areas. Before you can start any construction works, make sure the local people are well consulted. 'This will help you to establish good support and cooperation with the locals,' he said. He added that strong community engagement is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of infrastructure projects. 'You also need to have very good knowledge of the conditions and situations where you work,' he said. Uggah shared that Sarawak, through JKR, is currently overseeing about RM60 billion worth of infrastructure projects funded by both federal and state governments, with RM36 billion under direct state implementation. 'These include the Second Trunk Road, the Coastal Road and 16 major bridges. Then we have those road projects in our nine regional development agencies,' he said. He expressed hope that all projects will be delivered on time, without compromising on quality. Earlier, UiTM Sarawak Rector, Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, noted that around half of the university's 65 academic programmes are focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 'Our focus is to produce as many Bumiputeras as engineers, technologists and other professionals,' he said. Also present were Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu and JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Morris. construction sector douglas uggah embas jkr UiTM
Free Malaysia Today
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Stop questioning our stand on constitutional fundamentals, says DAP
DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan (left) was responding to Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki saying DAP would be unable to amend the relevant constitutional provisions even if it had a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat. PETALING JAYA : DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan has urged all parties to stop questioning his party's stand on fundamental constitutional provisions, particularly on Islam as the federation's religion and the special position of the Bumiputeras. Responding to a statement made by Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Syahredzan maintained that DAP had always upheld, respected and defended these fundamental provisions in the Federal Constitution. He said this included the Malay language as the national language, the nation's system of parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, and the rights of other races and communities in the country. 'This stand has been reiterated many times by our party leaders, and also by delegates at our congresses. It was repeated again at our 18th national congress in March. 'DAP has no intention or agenda to amend or change these fundamental matters in the Federal Constitution. This guarantee has been repeatedly stated. 'I urge all parties, whether friend or foe, to stop questioning DAP's stand on these fundamental matters under the Federal Constitution,' Syahredzan said in a statement. The Bangi MP said DAP's struggle was for a Malaysian Malaysia, adding that this was in line with the constitution. Earlier, Asyraf sought to assure that the special position of the Malays and Bumiputeras were safeguarded under the unity government, saying DAP would be unable to amend the relevant constitutional provisions even if it had a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat. This is because amending these Articles would require the consent of the Conference of Rulers, he said.
