SHAH ALAM, September 17: The statement by PKR Vice-President, N.Surendran on his criticism of the ‘Bumiputera Economic Empowerment’ Programme was not meant to negate the need to strengthen the need to empower the Bumiputera community and institutions such as MARA and TEKUN, stressed Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Nik Nazmi who is also the Deputy Speaker of the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) said that what was disputed by N.Surendran is the approach and Umno-BN’s record of failing to empower the Bumiputera community all these while.
Nik Nazmi was referring to the comment of the Minister of Youth and Sports, as well as the Umno Youth Chief, Khairy Jamaluddin, in Utusan Malaysia on 15 September claiming that it would not be impossible that PKR will eliminate agencies that prioritise the Bumiputera community should they rule the country.
Nik Nazmi said that Khairy and his colleagues in Umno failed to understand that the people can support Bumiputera economic empowerment but the criticism on how this Government – in fact any government – implements the agenda.
“The people should be able to urge the government to help all poor and marginalised people, regardless of race, and not labeled as instigators or even traitors,” he said.
Nik Nazmi added that Khairy’s comment reflects the larger pattern among Umno-BN elites who think they are immune to any criticism.
“Unfortunately, Khairy’s attempt to guise the Federal Constitution to justify the government’s controversial approach towards the empowerment of the Bumiputera community is seen to only benefit a small group of people,” he said.
Nik Nazmi said that Najib Razak himself admitted that the Bumiputera community still has to face many challenges before they can be economically independent.
“He also mentioned that this is to “return the favour” of the Bumiputera community’s support for BN in the last election – a clear picture of his ignorance of a constitutional and democratic government.
“What invites dissatisfaction of all people, regardless of race, is that the country remains trapped in old ways because of the government’s failure,” said Nik Nazmi in his media statement.
Nik Nazmi explained that when the country was celebrating the 50th Malaysia Day, Umno continues to divide the community and raise racial and religious strife.
“What is troubling is that the people are forced to receive a Minister of Youth and Sports who is so called “open” and “modest”, but apparently does not understand the Constitution despite blaming others of being ignorant.
“This reminds us of the time Khairy brandished the keris previously,” said Nik Nazmi.
Nik Nazmi added that in 2007, Anwar Ibrahim made history and moved the discourse of the country forward when he announced the Malaysian Economic Agenda.
The bold vision for Malaysia to incorporate policies that recognise the abilities and affirmative action, regardless of race as a step to becoming a developed nation.
“Najib tried to replicate the idea with the announcement of 1Malaysia and his new Economic Model, however both proved to be just empty words that failed to unite the people and bring prosperity to all.
“Does Khairy dare to debate – which is a better policy – a policy based on race or an affirmative action regardless of race?” asked Nik Nazmi.
