Upcoming ‘Movement for Malay Unity’ assembly non-political, priority on economic matters, says organisers

(Malay Mail Online) – This Saturday’s “Movement for Malay unity” assembly  is non-political and aimed at empowering Malays in economic matters, organisers of the event the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) said today.

MPM secretary-general Datuk Dr Hasan Mad said the assembly had no political elements whatsoever, and was merely the work of several non-governmental organisations who want to see the Malay race thrive.

“The agenda is how we want to carry out the development of the Malay race based on the intentions of Shariah. We will use that as a guide.

“For example how we will model economic development the Malay race based on the intentions of Shariah. How elements of religion, leadership, life, offspring, common sense, in the modelling of how to build the economy of the Malay race,” he said.

According to Hasan, the only avenue in the past for Malays to hold such an assembly is through Umno, and that any association with the party has been construed as political.

“That is politics. But for the non political ones, there are none. So we as an NGO we want to move this,” he added.

The assembly organised by MPM is set to take place this Saturday and Hasan expects a turnout of over 20,000 people, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He added that Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will also be in attendance to deliver mandates on what Malaysian leaders can do to encourage the development of the Malay community.

“Datuk Seri Zahid will give the mandate to us so that we can carry out Malay unity movement activities after the event,” Hasan said.

He did not elaborate what those mandates would entail.

The press release said one of the initiatives will target Malay-owned SMEs to help them expand and become international companies.

“The initiative between MPM and SME Corp to target 800 select Malay SMEs to be upgraded and expanded to become global Malay companies,” the statement read.

Other bodies organising the assembly include Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara, Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department.