KUALA TERENGGANU, July 16 — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Umno’s struggle is not over until the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity target is achieved.

He said at the end of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1990, Bumiputera equity participation was only 18 per cent and as such the NEP spirit must be continued to spur the community to strive to meet the target.

As the Malays’ foray in the economy is still unsatisfactory, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has stated that as long as the 30 per cent target is not met, national leaders will continue with the struggle, he said when opening the Kuala Nerus Umno division delegates meeting here today.

Muhyiddin (picture) said, however, the policy would be different from before when non-Bumiputera companies were compelled to have a 30 per cent Bumiputera stake and observe other restrictions.

He said as the world economy was becoming more competitive, the government adopted a more open and liberal policy to help the Malays based on meritocracy, potential and capabilities.

He said poverty would be eradicated regardless of race, with the subject being constantly raised in the Cabinet and administration.

In agriculture, although it is dominated by Malays especially in farming, livestock breeding and fishing, he said their income was meagre and they were categorised as either middle income or poor.

He said this was because the technology used was outdated, resulting in low productivity with poor returns.

Muhyiddin said Umno would continue to help the Malays by focusing on education as only with knowledge they would excel in all fields.

Muhyiddin also approved a RM1 million allocation for the construction of four halls in the constituency.

He said the proposed construction of a sports school at the Gong Badak Sports Complex announced by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would be continued. — Bernama