Bumis not racist for seeking their due, says Muhyiddin

(Malay Mail Online) – The Bumiputera majority should not be deemed “racist” for demanding what is rightfully theirs, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today as he called for an “inclusive economy” that would give greater opportunities to the community.

The deputy prime minister said this was important, especially when the Bumiputera community makes up the majority in the country.

“When the Bumiputera community, as the majority of residents in the country lament about their condition, [being] sidelined from the country’s mainstream economy and demand the execution of a policy to protect them, this does not mean that they are being race-centred.

“Instead, it is a demand for equal opportunities in the economy that is inclusive. They should not be labelled as a racist lot simply for demanding what is rightful for them,” he said in his speech here.

Muhyiddin was quick to add, however, that Putrajaya would not forsake the needs of other races in its agenda to improve Bumiputera economy.

“To guarantee peace, stability and continued prosperity for Malaysia, the government would continue its agenda to strengthen Bumiputera Malay economy in the spirit of inclusive development that will be executed fairly without sidelining any trade or social groups,” he said in delivering his closing address at the Malay Economic Action Council’s (MTEM) Bumiputera Socio-Economic Status Report launch here.

Muhyiddin said failure to safeguard the rights of the Bumiputera would result in conflicts and crises within the country.

“There are many proofs from countries around the world which justifies what happens when the majority in those countries are side-lined from mainstream economic development.

“Such countries fail to become a stable and peaceful nation,” he said.

Muhyiddin who is also education minister gave an assurance that the government is paying special attention to improve sector so Malaysians can compete competitively on the world stage.

This he said, includes strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), which are main catalysts for a highly skilled workforce, to fulfil the demands of a developed economy.