KEB 2024 changing point for Bumiputera, especially in Sabah, Sarawak

PUTRAJAYA: The Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) 2024 marks a changing point for bumiputeras, especially in Sabah and Sarawak who are lagging behind not only in terms of economic development but in education and social welfare.

Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS) treasurer-general Humfrey J Suimin said the congress can be a catalyst to focus more efforts to realise three aspects – education, entrepreneurship and physical development in Sabah and Sarawak.

Sabahans and Sarawakians need quality education to change their fate and youth need to be taught and nurtured with entrepreneurial spirit while physical development in Sabah, such as water, electricity and Internet facilities along with road networks, and access to rural areas in Sarawak need to be emphasised so that the people there can develop themselves on par with their counterparts in the Peninsula.

“Fix the development ecosystem in Sabah and Sarawak comprehensively by raising the quality of education, job opportunities and social welfare will ensure people there are not left behind bumiputera and other races in the Peninsula,” he told Bernama on the second day of the congress at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here on Friday.

To achieve the congress’ goals, Humfrey said they needed to ensure that it avoided rhetoric and focused fully on implementing all plans and resolutions, adding that the approach of this congress differed from previous editions as it involved panelists from other races.

“The difference can give a new perspective in developing bumiputeras hand in hand with other races while sharing the economic pie together.

“The congress is more inclusive and comprehensive as it invites other races to develop bumiputeras together so no one is left behind,” he said.