In Malaysia, the pursuit of socio-economic equity, especially for the Bumiputera, aims for more than policy reform; it seeks to balance inclusivity with prosperity, informed by diverse philosophies. Despite their majority, Bumiputera's economic status has not met the New Economic Policy's expectations, even 67 years post-independence and 59 years after the inaugural Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera (KEB). This highlights the necessity for a paradigm shift towards enlarging the economic "pie," ensuring national prosperity and unity. The reliance on constitutional mandates, specifically Article 153, while significant, underscores the need for approaches that transcend legal obligations, advocating for broader economic empowerment and societal cohesion.
DOSM's 2022 report reveals Bumiputera make up 70.1% of Malaysia's population, with 7.9% living in absolute poverty, notably higher than the Chinese (1.9%) and Indians (5.4%). Hardcore poverty affects 0.3% of Bumiputera, compared to nearly none among Chinese, and 0.1% of Indians. Bumiputera's average household income is RM7,599, lower than Chinese (RM10,656) and Indian (RM8,950) households. Despite overall improvements since 1970, Bumiputera remain economically behind, highlighting the need for innovative solutions beyond traditional quotas, emphasizing equity and justice for shared prosperity.
The enduring economic disparities in Malaysia, especially among the Bumiputera, despite long-standing affirmative action, highlight the need for more refined empowerment strategies. Moving beyond traditional benchmarks such as the 30% equity ownership goal—which remains unmet—requires a revaluation of their adequacy in truly representing Bumiputera socio-economic status. This situation calls for innovative policy interventions focused on education and skill development, aimed at truly bridging the gap and creating an equitable landscape. With the Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera (KEB) 2024 on the horizon, there is an opportunity to transform these policies from mere constitutional entitlements into meaningful mechanisms for real socio-economic advancement.
In Malaysia, nearly half of the population resides in economically disparate regions like Terengganu and Sarawak, contrasting sharply with the wealthier Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, which together account for 62% of national GDP. This divide is most evident in rural areas, home to about 90% of the rural Bumiputera population, who encounter significant challenges in accessing quality education and economic opportunities. The rural Bumiputera, with an average household income of RM7,599, face a stark income gap compared to urban counterparts. Coupled with a 7.9% absolute poverty rate among Bumiputera, these conditions underscore an urgent need for targeted development interventions to address these disparities and foster equitable growth.
Malaysia's path to bridging economic disparities involves a holistic approach, incorporating infrastructure development, educational enhancement, and support for local industries. This strategy acknowledges the unique potential within communities, providing them with essential tools, skills, and opportunities for success in a competitive global market. Such efforts aim for inclusive growth by unlocking the untapped potential in rural areas, leading to a more equitable and thriving future for all Malaysians. This mission goes beyond economic objectives, reflecting a deep moral commitment to ensuring widespread participation in and benefits from national prosperity.
Despite having lower household incomes—with averages of RM4,773 for Bumiputera, compared to RM6,350 for Chinese and RM5,546 for Indian households—Bumiputera’s collective monthly expenditure reaches an impressive RM109 billion. This spending discrepancy between Bumiputera and other communities raises critical questions about the dynamics of Malaysia's economy. It emphasizes the Bumiputera's vital contribution as consumers, despite their relatively lower income levels, suggesting a revaluation of economic success metrics beyond mere equity ownership.
Addressing this requires more than traditional approaches; it necessitates expanding the economic "pie" to ensure broader, more inclusive growth. The Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera (KEB) initiatives aim not to slice the existing economic pie into smaller pieces but to enlarge and enrich the economy for all stakeholders. By focusing on elevating the Bumiputera's participation and contribution to the economy, Malaysia can unlock greater prosperity, ensuring that the benefits of growth are more evenly distributed. This approach not only promotes fairness and equity but also strengthens the overall economic fabric of the nation, creating a more resilient and dynamic economy that benefits every Malaysian.
The governance reform at MARA, marked by the introduction of the 3P principles—participation, ownership, and mastery (penyertaan, pemilikan dan penguasaan) —heralds a new chapter in empowering Malaysia's Bumiputera community. This innovative approach emphasizes active engagement in economic activities (participation), fostering a sense of autonomy and entrepreneurial spirit (ownership), and pursuing excellence in skills and knowledge for competitive advantage (mastery). These principles are designed to elevate the economic stature of the Bumiputera within Malaysia and on the global stage, aligning with the nation's aspirations for inclusive growth and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the expansion of these principles into practice involves integrating Bumiputera enterprises into high-growth sectors such as digital innovation, green technology, and advanced manufacturing.
The Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera (KEB) acts as a catalyst in this journey, providing a platform to showcase and accelerate the progress made through these reforms. It embodies the collective aspiration for a future where the Bumiputera community not only thrives but also significantly contributes to a dynamic, inclusive Malaysian economy. This convergence of MARA’s reformative strategies with the KEB’s goals underscores a unified commitment to elevating the socio-economic status of the Bumiputera, ensuring their growth is integral to Malaysia's broader economic success story.
The Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera (KEB) underscores Malaysia's commitment to broadening economic prosperity, aiming to enhance the nation's wealth spectrum, not just redistributing resources. It champions inclusivity and equity, focusing on uplifting every segment of the Malaysian community. By fostering a dynamic, inclusive economy, the BEC envisions a future where prosperity is accessible to all, highlighting the interconnectedness of all Malaysians in achieving sustainable growth and unity, and illustrating a future driven by shared success and collective advancement.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki is the Chairperson of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Secretary-General of UMNO
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
AWANI Columnist
Sun Mar 03 2024
The Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera (KEB) underscores Malaysia's commitment to broadening economic prosperity, aiming to enhance the nation's wealth spectrum, writes Mara Chairperson, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. File pic by BERNAMA
Ringgit terus kukuh berbanding dolar AS
Pada 6 petang, ringgit meningkat kepada 4.7050/7075 berbanding dolar AS daripada 4.7160/7190 semasa ditutup pada Selasa.
Lawatan Anwar eratkan hubungan Malaysia-Kazakhstan, terokai sektor baharu
Lawatan rasmi sulung Anwar selama dua hari ke Kazakhstan bermula esok diyakini akan menjadi pencetus sinergi kepada hubungan lebih erat dalam pelbagai bidang antara kedua-dua negara.
INNOVATHON musim kedua fokus popularkan, pupuk minat anak muda pada STEM
Program realiti berteraskan penghasilan inovasi, INNOVATHON, kembali untuk musim kedua.
Kumpulan Yahudi menyertai protes pro-Palestin di UK
Protes anti-Zionis semakin rancak di dunia barat dengan di Cambridge, protes pelajar kini turut disertai kumpulan Yahudi sendiri. Luqman Hariz melaporkan dari Cambridge.
#AWANI745
#AWANI745
Siti Nurul Masyitah ditempatkan di ICU - Keluarga
Atlet kayak Siti Nurul Masyitah Md Elias, 22, yang cedera parah selepas dilanggar pemandu mabuk, kini ditempatkan di Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU) di sebuah hospital swasta, di sini.
Samsung TV: Era baharu televisyen dikuasakan AI
Samsung Electronics Malaysia melancarkan barisan televisyen dikuasakan kecerdasan buatan (AI) tercanggihnya, menampilkan model baharu Neo QLED 8K dan 4K serta OLED.
#AWANI745
#AWANI745
[TERKINI] Lawrence Wong angkat sumpah sebagai Perdana Menteri Singapura
Pelancong perlu keluar dari Arab Saudi sebelum 29 Zulkaedah
Laporan Haji 1445H/2024M bersama Dr Azlinariah Abdullah dan Linda Salim dari Mekah menumpukan mengenai ketegasan kerajaan Arab Saudi memastikan kelancaran operasi haji pada tahun ini dengan bertindak memulakan tangkapan ke atas mana-mana individu yang menyalahgunakan visa pelancong untuk tujuan mengerjakan haji.
#AWANI745
#AWANI745
Siti Nurul Masyitah sering ulang alik jaga ibu
Siti Nurul Masyitah yang mengalami kecederaan parah masih ditempatkan Unit Rawatan Rapi sebuah hospital swasta di Iskandar Puteri Johor. Bagaimanapun abangnya, Muhammad Syafiq memaklumkan adiknya berada dalam keadaan stabil dan melakukan prosedur pembedahan tulang pelvis dan bahu kanan, pada Selasa.
#AWANI745
#AWANI745
Dua pegawai kanan badan berkanun seleweng projek RM1.2 bilion
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) Putrajaya menahan DUA Pegawai Kanan Badan Berkanun kerana disyaki menyalahgunakan kuasa dan Menyeleweng dana peruntukan pinjaman daripada Kementerian Kewangan (MoF) bagi Projek Pembangunan bernilai RM 1.2 billion.
#AWANI745
#AWANI745
Penghayatan Hadis 40 Imam al-Nawawi diperluas ke Tabika Kemas
Kurikulum Pendidikan Islam di Tabika Jabatan Kemajuan Masyarakat (Kemas) seluruh negara akan dimantapkan lagi dengan modul pembelajaran Hadis 40 Imam al-Nawawi yang dijangka bermula Jun ini.
Premis MARA dijadikan stor, tidak dibuka diberi notis dua bulan pengosongan - Asyraf
Premis-premis Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) yang dijadikan stor atau tidak dioperasikan seperti dalam perjanjian, akan diberi notis dua bulan untuk dikosongkan.
MARA siasat guru didakwa pedofil
MARA akan membuat siasatan menyeluruh terhadap seorang guru yang didakwa terlibat kes pedofilia ke atas murid di sebuah sekolah berasrama penuh.
Lebih 80 peratus tawaran ke MRSM buat pelajar B40
Pengambilan pelajar tingkatan satu dan empat dalam kalangan golongan berpendapatan rendah atau B40 ke Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) bagi sesi 2024 adalah melebihi 80 peratus.
Konsep payung perlu dikembalikan - Asyraf Wajdi
Ia bagi membantu usahawan kecil untuk mempunyai kemahiran dalam menguruskan aliran wang tunai dalam perniagaan masing-masing.
PM luang masa tinjau perjalanan KEB 2024
Perdana Menteri meluangkan masa meninjau perjalanan Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera 2024 yang bermula hari ini di Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa Putrajaya.
Pentakrifan kategori pendapatan B40, M40, T20 bukan gambaran realiti - Asyraf Wajdi
Asyraf Wajdi berkata isu ini sering dibangkitkan dalam sesi libat urus dan wajar diambil kira sama ada pentakrifan kategori ini masih lagi relevan ataupun tidak.
'Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera tidak harus dipolemik' - Asyraf Wajdi
Kongres Ekonomi Bumiputera 2024 (KEB 2024) tidak harus dilihat sebagai salah satu langkah untuk menafikan hak bukan bumiputera.
Jawatankuasa Khas Gubal Undang-Undang Islam diharap perkasa Akta 355
Asyraf berkata, antara cadangan penting ialah untuk menaikkan had hukuman denda maksimum daripada RM5,000 kepada RM100,000.
Kampung Baru Cina: UMNO tolak cadangan Nga Kor Ming
Tegas Asyraf Wajdi, ia bertentangan dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang mengiktiraf hanya bumiputera sebagai penduduk asal dengan hak keistimewaan tertentu.