PUTRAJAYA: The newly-launched Bumiputra Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) aims to empower the bumiputra without sidelining other races, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said it was unfair to make accusations that the initiative will sideline other races.
“If there is any reasonable demand from others, we will accept it. But the bumiputra affirmative action in the country is to look and think about the injustice of the situation, but never to sideline the Chinese, Indians and even the bumiputra in Sabah and Sarawak.”
Anwar said this in his speech at the launch of PuTERA35 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.
PuTERA35 is supported by three core areas, 12 drivers and 132 comprehensive initiatives in advancing and empowering bumiputra development.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, warned agencies responsible for empowering the bumiputra agenda to plan programmes responsibly and with accountability to achieve its intended target.
“Those tasked with empowering the bumiputra agenda can be considered big traitors if they cause ‘damage’ to their agencies with low accountability and use it to enrich themselves and their groups. They do this while abandoning their main agenda, which is to uplift the bumiputra community,” said Anwar.
The government had earlier initiated discussions to empower the bumiputra and manage proper spending on the initiatives.
“For instance, how many billions of ringgit have we spent, how many shares have been allocated and (how many) agencies have been formed?
“I believe, in whatever implementation, it must be done in a more effective and responsible manner,” noted Anwar.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the enforcement agencies, such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Inland Revenue Board and the Auditor-General, for their role in ensuring responsible government spending.
“If not, even if we spend billions of ringgit and experience leakages, it will certainly not reach the grassroots and cause concerns among the youth.
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“It may sound great, but without proper implementation, it will go nowhere,” said Anwar.
He said the implementation of PuTERA35 will be monitored closely to ensure its success.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that the development of Padang Merdeka, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, as well as the National Mosque and Carcosa Seri Negara must reflect the concept of Malay heritage.
The Prime Minister said that the development of the Sultan Abdul Samad building and its surroundings must have unique characteristics.
“We do not want Kuala Lumpur to be a concrete jungle. The Sultan Abdul Samad building and the stretch will be turned into a heritage area.
“Although there are contributions of other races, the Malay heritage concept must be made obvious in the development of the whole corridor at the Sultan Abdul Samad building and its surroundings.
“This is what we call bumiputra economic transformation,” said Anwar.
He also said that he wanted to see a clean Kuala Lumpur with a development that would benefit all sectors.
“The development of the bumiputra must not involve only big companies. We must also focus on the small stalls and warungs.
“This is because more than 80% of people visit these locations, whereas only 15% or more visit five-star hotels.
“It is regrettable that we overlook these locations that receive visits from more than 80% of the people,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister added that Kuala Lumpur’s transformation must benefit the general public, not specific segments of the community.
