Anwar’s economic agenda best for Malaysia’s future, says PKR

(FMT) – PKR Youth deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin says while keeping special rights of Malays, affirmative action plan first proposed in 2008 by Anwar Ibrahim will help all.

A PKR youth leader says Anwar Ibrahim’s Agenda Ekonomi Malaysia (AEM) plan remains the best fit for our multiracial country moving forward, in order to ensure that the poor and underprivileged get more government support.

Dr Afif Bahardin believes Anwar’s AEM plan would ensure the poor among all ethnic groups in the country get the help they need, not just the bumiputeras.

“We must consider what is the purpose of the bumiputera status for certain segments of the population. It is about fairer distribution of education and business opportunities and sharing of the economic pie.

“So, it is basically an affirmative action plan.

“The AEM plan follows the same needs-based policy, but for all who are poor and underprivileged, whether they are Malay, Chinese or Indian,” Afif told a forum titled “Apa Anak Muda Mahu Untuk Malaysia Baru”, which translates to “What do youths want for a new Malaysia”, here last night.

The AEM, which was first introduced by the former opposition leader as part of the PKR manifesto for the 2008 general election, keeps Malays’ and other natives’ special rights intact while focusing on eradicating poverty among all.

Afif suggested this after questioning the government for now considering giving Indian Muslims bumiputera status.

“We have heard lately that Prime Minister Najib Razak wants to give Indian-Muslims Bumiputera status. If that is the case, why don’t you give them to other Muslims, such as the Chinese Muslims?

“Before you accuse me of taking away the special rights of Malays, no, I have no intention of doing so,” Afif said.

In July, Najib said he would study a request by the Indian Muslim community to be recognised as Bumiputeras.

However, constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari said the question of Bumiputera status for Indian Muslims does not arise because it was clear in the constitution that they could qualify as Malays.

The Federal Consitution defines a Malay as one who is a Muslim, speaks Malay habitually and practises Malay culture.

Another panellist, human rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan also agreed with Afif on forgoing the Bumiputera system for an affirmative action policy.

Syahredzan admitted however, this was a delicate matter for the Malays and it had to be explained clearly.

He said the Malay voters are especially spooked by certain parties saying Malay rights would be lost if Pakatan Harapan won the next general election and took over Putrajaya.

Syahredzan said this was not possible because Malay and native rights are enshrined in the constitution and can only be altered if there was consent from the Conference of Rulers.

He said even if the government of the day had a two-thirds majority to amend the Malay rights provision, the Conference of Rulers must give their consent.

“The fears of the Malays are real. Although some Malays are angry with BN, they are still worried about this. It is time for the Malays to forget about this.

“Hence, Pakatan parties must assure the Malays that their rights will be kept when they take over. This must be repeated especially to the rural folk,” Syahredzan said.