KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The national economy must no longer be race-based and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition must emphasise that the Federal Constitution protected all races, Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said today. The Gerakan president’s message at his party’s annual delegates convention echoed the proposal made by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek for a gradual reduction of the 30 per cent Bumiputera quota and the introduction of price preference to allow the community to compete on a equitable basis.
The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said that the economy must no longer be race-based but qualitative and market-friendly.
“The emphasis (of the economy) should not just be quantitative and race-based, but more qualitative in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude. Market-friendly affirmative initiatives must be implemented efficiently and equitable, in a fair and firm, transparent and consistent manner.
“We should focus more on the actual impact and outcome for the target groups and not merely the input of funds which may be abused and wasted. No doubt, certain quantitative targets still needs to be set to address and correct imbalances in certain areas, for example, the under-representation of Chinese and Indians in the civil service, and of Malays and other Bumiputeras in several key economic activities,” Koh said during his presidential speech.
He added the implementation of economic policies must be inclusive and merit-based.
“Rather than allowing or encouraging rent-seeking and the Ali-Baba type of business, we should nurture and support genuine multi-racial partnership and joint-ventures with emphasis on mutual learning and mutual support complementing one another’s strengths.
“Gerakan calls for a new strategy of initiatives and incentives, mentoring and monitoring, to promote such genuine 1 Malaysia business partnerships which should be given due recognition and reward,” Koh said.
He also said that the government must provide clarification to ensure a better understanding of the country’s constitution.
The minister in charge of national unity also said that the Federal constitution must be understood in its totality instead of only concentrating on certain articles.
“It is common knowledge that Article 153 safeguards the special position of the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak but we must emphasise that the very same Article 153 also clearly stipulates the safeguarding of the legitimate interests of other communities.
“Moreover, we must also prefer to and recognise the fundamental liberties enshrined in Part II regarding equality before the law; freedom of religion; speech and association; freedom from discrimination; right to property and education, as well as Part III on citizenship,” he said.
He added that there must be mechanisms for positive and constructive engagement between the different communities.
Koh (picture) said that understanding the country’s history is important in promoting inter-racial relationship and patriotism to the youths.
“However, the approach to our nation’s history must be comprehensive, inclusive and objective. Comprehensive in relating our history to major trends of the world, inclusive in recognising the contributions and sacrifices of all communities, objective in being able to do proper analysis and not just memorizing and regurgitating of names, facts and figures,” he said.
At Umno’s recent general assembly, Prime Minister and party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak called for an end to the race debates, saying that the special position of the Malays was part of the social contract agreed before independence in exchange for citizenship for the non-Malays.
Observers and analysts have also noted that political resistance from conservative Malays have delayed reforms needed to restructure the nation into a high income economy.
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