‘We will not rob the rights of non-Malays’

Economic rights is for all, says Muhyiddin

PUTRAJAYA: The new bumiputra agenda being pushed by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia must be able to grow the economic pie for all races and not “rob the rights” of the non-Malays, says its president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic).

He said a small economic pie would only lead to chaos as people fight each other to grab the few benefits.

“The success of the bumiputra agenda depends on a fast-growing and stable economy. We must ensure the country’s economy grows well enough so that all the benefits of the country’s prosperity will be enjoyed by all.

“If our economy does not grow or remains stagnant, nothing can be shared by the people. Instead, we will be fighting for the few benefits.

“We will fight among ourselves. We will quarrel and become enemies,” said Muhyiddin in his speech to some 2,000 Bersatu delegates on the last day of the party’s annual general meeting.

The bumiputra agenda, he said, must contribute to economic growth.

“If this policy stagnates the economic growth, then it is not the bumiputra agenda that we want,” he said.

“If the policy affects the country’s competitiveness, encourages corruption and abuse of power, it is not the policy that we want.

“If this policy stops fair opportunities for other races to succeed, then it is also not the bumiputra agenda (that we want).”

On Friday, Muhyiddin had said that Bersatu would push a new national agenda to the Cabinet to further empower the bumiputra socially and economically.

Yesterday, the Home Minister said the policy must never take over the rights of other races.

“In the spirit of New Malaysia, we must recognise the involvement of all races in all sectors of economy in a fair and just manner to create prosperity together.

“We want the Malays to move forward, along with the other races. We (Malays) will not rob the rights of other races to succeed,” said Muhyiddin.

Although Bersatu was a party for Malays and bumiputras, he said it was not prejudiced against other races.

“We are confident with our own potential and we believe that Malays can compete, be independent and succeed. We are confident that Malays will, at the end, stand as tall as other races.

“What we want is equality, fairness and unity (and) not hate, injustice and enmity between races,” he said.