KUALA LUMPUR: The Bumiputra Development Policy will receive attention in Budget 2027, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assuring that the agenda can be expanded without compromising the rights and well-being of non-Malay citizens.
Anwar said the economic, social and educational advancement of the Bumiputera would remain a priority under the government.
“I would like to stress that under this government, attention to the development and economic, social and educational advancement of the Bumiputra will be far greater than under any previous administration,” he said in his officiating speech at the UiTM Alumni Gathering in conjunction with UiTM’s 70th anniversary on Saturday (Sept 26).
Anwar said the Bumiputra agenda could be expanded while ensuring social justice and without compromising the security and comfort of non-Malay citizens.
“That is the difference. It is not a zero-sum game,” he said.
“I want to help the Malays because they are my people. I am proud of their culture and heritage.
“But I have never agreed with any view that insults others, belittles the role of others or denies the rights of others. That is my position,” said Anwar.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, stressed that those involved in advancing the Bumiputera agenda must work together and draw on the experience of previous generations.
“This is not one group against another. To make the Bumiputra agenda successful, we need to harness all our strengths.
“There are experienced people from previous generations. We should make the best use of their experience because they have seen the strengths and weaknesses of these institutions first-hand.”
Anwar also cited UiTM’s allocation as an example, saying its combined operating and development allocation had risen from less than RM2bil before his government took over to RM3.08bil this year.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9.
