Ibrahim Ali says it is time to reward the Malays in a big way for voting Barisan Nasional into power again.
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR: Malay rights group Perkasa wants the government to pump in RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras so that it achieves a Gross National Income (GNI) of RM900 billion by 2020.
“Right now, the GNI of Bumiputeras is RM56 million. So to achieve RM900 billion by 2020, the government must provide funds worth RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras,” said Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali at a press conference here.
He denied it was a racist request, claiming instead that it was in the country’s national interest to “correct what is not correct”.
“Bumiputeras comprise 67.9 percent of the population, yet we control less than 50 percent of the economy. This is not about overlooking the interests of other races,” stressed the former Pasir Mas MP.
His demand comes in the wake of Prime Minister’s new Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda, which critics have accused as being unnecessary and divisive.
Responding to the criticism, Ibrahim said today: “Some accuse the Prime Minister of rewarding those who supported BN in the general election.
“I say: so what?
“It is right and proper for him (to reward Malays). In fact, he should give out bigger rewards. It is the government’s obligation to repay the Malays for their support.”
Non-Malays raking trillions
Ibrahim said non-Bumiputeras should not complain of racism, as Malays were equally “tolerant” of the fact that their non-Muslim counterparts raked in “trillions” in profits through entertainment outlets.
“We cannot go into such businesses because we are Muslims. Trillions going to the non-Malays, and we don’t kick up a fuss!”
When asked about the feasibility of his demands given the country’s mounting debts, Ibrahim said this should not be a problem.
“The first thing the government must do is make the rakyat happy. Yes, we have to reduce the budget deficit, but this should not stop the government from making the rakyat happy.”
He said the government could look into reducing subsidies that benefitted those undeserving the pay, as well as other “wastages and leakages”.
“Debts should not be a problem if we have good governance. In any case, God will help us. We are capable of doing this,” added Ibrahim.
He also suggested the government set up a second Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) for the purpose of helping Bumiputera contractors.
“We also want 30 percent of government tenders to continue being provided to Bumiputeras. But at the same time, there should be meritocracy among Bumiputeras competing for the tenders.
“We want only genuinely successful, appreciative Bumiputeras to receive the contracts,” said Ibrahim.
But he warned that should Malaysia sign the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which is set to conclude next month, this would spell the end for the Bumi Agenda.
“Because if Malaysia signs this, it means everything is open. All the tenders are open for outsiders to come in.
“Again, Perkasa stands with the other NGOs in rejecting TPPA. There should be no compromise in this,” said Ibrahim.
UPDATED
KUALA LUMPUR: Malay rights group Perkasa wants the government to pump in RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras so that it achieves a Gross National Income (GNI) of RM900 billion by 2020.“Right now, the GNI of Bumiputeras is RM56 million. So to achieve RM900 billion by 2020, the government must provide funds worth RM1.4 trillion to Bumiputeras,” said Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali at a press conference here.
He denied it was a racist request, claiming instead that it was in the country’s national interest to “correct what is not correct”.
“Bumiputeras comprise 67.9 percent of the population, yet we control less than 50 percent of the economy. This is not about overlooking the interests of other races,” stressed the former Pasir Mas MP.
His demand comes in the wake of Prime Minister’s new Bumiputera Economic Empowerment Agenda, which critics have accused as being unnecessary and divisive.
Responding to the criticism, Ibrahim said today: “Some accuse the Prime Minister of rewarding those who supported BN in the general election.
“I say: so what?
“It is right and proper for him (to reward Malays). In fact, he should give out bigger rewards. It is the government’s obligation to repay the Malays for their support.”
Non-Malays raking trillions
Ibrahim said non-Bumiputeras should not complain of racism, as Malays were equally “tolerant” of the fact that their non-Muslim counterparts raked in “trillions” in profits through entertainment outlets.
“We cannot go into such businesses because we are Muslims. Trillions going to the non-Malays, and we don’t kick up a fuss!”
When asked about the feasibility of his demands given the country’s mounting debts, Ibrahim said this should not be a problem.
“The first thing the government must do is make the rakyat happy. Yes, we have to reduce the budget deficit, but this should not stop the government from making the rakyat happy.”
He said the government could look into reducing subsidies that benefitted those undeserving the pay, as well as other “wastages and leakages”.
“Debts should not be a problem if we have good governance. In any case, God will help us. We are capable of doing this,” added Ibrahim.
He also suggested the government set up a second Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) for the purpose of helping Bumiputera contractors.
“We also want 30 percent of government tenders to continue being provided to Bumiputeras. But at the same time, there should be meritocracy among Bumiputeras competing for the tenders.
“We want only genuinely successful, appreciative Bumiputeras to receive the contracts,” said Ibrahim.
But he warned that should Malaysia sign the controversial Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), which is set to conclude next month, this would spell the end for the Bumi Agenda.
“Because if Malaysia signs this, it means everything is open. All the tenders are open for outsiders to come in.
“Again, Perkasa stands with the other NGOs in rejecting TPPA. There should be no compromise in this,” said Ibrahim.
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