KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Bumiputra Economic Congress will seek the input of Chinese and Indian community and business leaders to help tackle economic issues in a more holistic manner.
The Chinese and Indian leaders have been invited to the congress to be held at the end of this month, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at a Chinese New Year celebration organised by Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said input from leaders of the other communities was important to tackle economic issues faced by the bumiputra.
“This year, the bumiputra congress will be more inclusive. It will still emphasise problems faced by the community, but the coordinated approach of the government should be more inclusive.
“We want participation from the Chinese and Indian communities, and I hope ACCCIM is ready to discuss this.
“An inclusive approach entails discussions on the bumiputra economy, and also about small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the poor Indian group,” he said here yesterday.
The congress will be held from Feb 29 to March 2 and will see over 3,000 participants, including from the Malay, Kadazandusun, Dayak, Iban and Orang Asli communities.
Anwar also gave his assurance that the government would continue programmes to tackle hardcore poverty regardless of race. The same goes in tackling corruption, he said.
Also at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and ACCCIM president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan.
Low, in his speech, proposed that the government reconsider enacting the National Harmony Bill and setting up the Reconciliation Commission, to affirm the administration’s seriousness in fostering a united Malaysia.
“ACCCIM is deeply concerned about the continued narrative of racial and religious sentiments. It could incite hatred and division among different races.
“Fostering strong national unity, racial harmony and understanding among a multiracial society is the recipe for the country’s sustainable success,” he said, adding that political stability was key to a conducive business environment.
“We would like to see the government continue to prioritise growth-oriented investments, streamline business processes, tackle regulatory constraints and improve public delivery services to facilitate business and spur investments,” he said.
