Muhyiddin backs Bumiputera policy amid heated race debate

UPDATED

By Adib Zalkapli

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 — Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today that the government's NEP-style policies will have to continue until the target of 30 per cent Bumiputera equity in listed companies is achieved.

The Umno vice-president's statement today represents the clearest indication yet of the party's stand amid calls from the MCA, its rejuvenated partner in the Barisan Nasional coalition, to review the 30 per cent policy.

Muhyiddin, who is standing for the deputy presidency in the Umno elections, said that since the New Economic Policy officially ended in 1990 there had been no increase in Bumiputera equity stakes.

"Since the end of the NEP in 1990 there has been no increase. So we have to work hard towards it," said Muhyiddin.

"There are weaknesses, or leakages, in Bumiputera participation in certain economic sectors. Weaknesses in policy implementation must be overcome," he added.

The International Trade and Industry Minister also pointed out that Bumiputeras are not the sole beneficiaries of the NEP.

"Don't forget that it is not only for Bumiputeras as the objectives are to eradicate poverty and to restructure society," he added.

However, he agreed that genuine partnerships between Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras in businesses should be encouraged.

His statement today follows Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's recent announcement that elements of the government's affirmative action programmes would be dismantled gradually.

This was seen as a signal from the MCA and some other non-Malay parties in the BN coalition to push for more liberalisation.

But MCA vice-president Datuk Liow Tiong Lai's recent suggestions for a review of the 30 per cent target and for more "genuine partnerships" have riled the Umno ground.

The Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia attacked Liow in recent days in editorials and comments, and appears to be trying to rally the Malay ground to defend "Malay rights'' in the form of the NEP targets.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also weighed in, saying it was not the right time to dismantle the Bumiputera quota.

The debate over the racial affirmative action programme has also spilled over to a decision of the Selangor state government to temporarily appoint a non-Malay to head up the State Economic Development Corporation (PKNS).

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