Shift focus from Bumi and non-Bumi rivalry to global competition, says Rafizi

Economy minister Rafizi Ramli says Malaysians must compete globally rather than quarrel among themselves.

PUTRAJAYA: Economy minister Rafizi Ramli says the nation must redirect its focus from domestic rivalry between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputeras to competing together on a global scale.

Rafizi said there is potential for both to thrive by fostering “smart and genuine partnerships” to expand the economic pie for all instead of quarrelling among themselves.

“I think it is important to discuss ways to develop our economy and to get everyone working together, and for the non-Bumiputeras to understand that we are a nation of 33 million and we have to compete globally,” he told reporters at the Bumiputera economic congress here.

On Monday, second finance minister Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Bumiputera economic congress aimed to improve and grow the “economic pie” for the benefit of the community in line with the Madani framework.

Amir also said an inclusive approach in addressing Bumiputera economic issues would also involve solving challenges affecting other communities.

Bumiputera Economic Transformation not to replace NEP

When met by reporters, Umno vice-president Mohamad Hasan said the Bumiputera Economic Transformation programme is not intended to replace the New Economic Policy (NEP).

“We are not replacing the NEP, but it has lapsed. We are looking to transform it again.

“We are looking at the successes we have achieved, including the establishment of government agencies resulting from the first and second Bumiputera economic congress.”

Mohamad, who is also the foreign minister, said the government is also reassessing identifying weaknesses and implementing necessary improvements.