Bumi agenda always national priority, Najib tells Malays at glitzy unity meet
(Malay Mail Online) – The Bumiputra agenda of empowering the Malay race and defending their rights will always be the government’s priority, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
The prime minister, who was the guest of honour at a “Malay Unity Gathering” event, said that his wish was to see a united, successful Malay race, able to compete on a global level based on merit.
“Malays must become a great and strong race.
“As long as the moon and stars still shine, as long as there is Malay blood flowing, we will fight for the Malay race,” Najib said to enthusiastic applause from the 6,000-strong attendees at Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil here.
He said tonight’s gathering was historic as it showed how much Malays can achieve in this country if they were united as a race.
“This gathering shows how we can reach a level of greatness as Malays.
“As prime minister, I guarantee my government will continue to help Malay-Bumiputras to become successful.
“This is based on what I have said in a speech in Shah Alam two years ago — that the Bumiputra agenda is the national agenda,” Najib added, saying he did not want to see Malays belittled or insulted but respected.
“The government will open doors and opportunities for Malays who have capabilities and merit.
“We don’t want to get (government) contracts just because we are Malays,” he said.
Najib said the Malay success stories were evident here, with the attendance of Malay entrepreneurs, academics and leaders.
He highlighted seven key pledges that Malays needed to adhere to, which included fighting for the supremacy of Islam, defending the royal institution and Bumiputra rights and becoming competitive with a global outlook without forgetting Malay roots.
The “Malay Unity Gathering” organised by the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) was a glitzy and expensive affair, complete with a live band, fireworks, dance routines as well a live stage.
The gathering also featured popular Malay artist Najwa Latiff who performed a song for the attendees.
Other ministers who attended the event included Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Education Minister II Datuk Idris Jusoh and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
The theme of the gathering was “Melayu hebat, bermaruah, berkat (Malays are great, dignified and blessed)”.
Other bodies organising the assembly included Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara, Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
