Bersatu AGM to focus on bumiputra living standards

PETALING JAYA: A Malay-based party is needed to help the Malays, many of whom are still lagging behind in the economic and education sectors, says Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Marzuki Yahya.

Bersatu as such would look into the plight of these Malays and issues affecting the bumiputra, as the main agenda of the party’s second annual general meeting (AGM) at Putrajaya this weekend.

“We need to raise the living standards of the bumiputra. This AGM will be important as this is our first AGM since Pakatan Harapan became the government,” he said at a briefing on the AGM yesterday.

Marzuki said the debates by delegates from the 12 states will be held behind closed doors so as to give delegates the freedom to voice their worries without fear.

He said delegates have been asked to submit their talking points beforehand to enable the AGM committee to ensure that they are relevant.

“We are not vetting their issues. Delegates will not be briefed on what they want to say. But they will be guided as they only get seven minutes each to voice out the concerns of the grassroots.

“What is important is that they do not go off tangent. I believe those who are chosen to represent the grassroots members have the right background (and know what to do),” he added.

In denying that Bersatu AGM may resonate that of Umno’s in previous years, Marzuki said it is an illintended comparison.

“I was also an Umno member before. Last time, political parties in the (Barisan Nasional) government restrained those who voiced out against issues such as 1MDB. We do not want to go that way and we should speak and listen to the truth,” he said.

He also called on party leaders to keep an open mind during the AGM and not be overly sensitive if they are criticised.

The three-day Bersatu AGM will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre from Dec 28 to 30 and it is expected to be attended by about 2,000 representatives of the party from throughout peninsula.