KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20- The government has never neglected other communities in economic development, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said the government was a firm believer in the role of the private sector in economic development, an area where the other communities, particularly the Chinese, were much stronger at.
“The government policies that promote and enhance the role of the private sector will certainly benefit the Chinese community in particular,” he said.
He cited that in the awarding of some contracts to Bumiputera companies, they were weak in terms of the entire supply chain.
These are areas where the Chinese business community could benefit in terms of higher income because “they are in better control of the entire supply chain.”
“So, it is not right to say that our (Bumiputera) wealth is not going to benefit other communities,” he said during a recording at the CNBC Summit Conference, which will be aired over the business network at 5pm tomorrow.
The 30-minute recording was hosted by renowned CNBC anchor Martin Soong.
Najib was asked whether the recent announcement on additional incentives to empower Bumiputera would sideline other communities.
“I believe in equitable growth, being fair and being inclusive. 67 per cent of the population in Malaysia are Bumiputeras (and) that is a vast majority.
“And if the vast majority are marginalised or feel they are not getting a fair share of the country’s wealth, that might affect the long-term stability of the country, he said.
To date, Najib said Bumiputera’s equity stood at about 23.4 per cent, still below the 30 per cent target envisaged by the year 2020.
– BERNAMA
