KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin should explain which Bumiputera rights remain unfulfilled following his recent call for the establishment of an “umbrella body” to champion Malay-Bumiputera interests, says Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng.
Lim criticised the proposal, asserting that Bumiputera rights are already safeguarded by existing government policies and institutions, such as the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara). Mara, under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, supports Bumiputera education, business, and entrepreneurship.
“Muhyiddin had the authority to improve Mara’s effectiveness during his tenure as prime minister. Why didn’t he address its shortcomings then?” the DAP lawmaker asked.
“Rather than proposing something new and unnecessary, Muhyiddin should clarify which Bumiputera rights remain unfulfilled. What (are the) gaps in MARA’s efforts that need to be addressed? These are the types of questions he should have raised in Parliament and worked on while in office.”
Speaking at the Bersatu general assembly last Saturday, Muhyiddin proposed the formation of an umbrella organisation comprising Malay and Bumiputera non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to strengthen advocacy for the Bumiputera agenda.
In his policy address, the Pagoh MP argued that uniting under a single body could enhance efforts to promote the socio-economic development of Bumiputera communities across the nation.
Muhyiddin also suggested an initiative, “Gagasan Perdamaian Nasional,” to unite political parties, NGOs, civil society groups, and community leaders in rebuilding the country.
Lim further argued that vague initiatives fail to address real issues and divert attention from practical solutions.
Muhyiddin had cited Chinese education group Dong Zong as an example of a successful umbrella body uniting diverse groups under a shared cause.
In response, Lim said Muhyiddin misunderstood the group’s purpose.
“It does not address economic, social, or religious issues, as Muhyiddin seems to imply,” he said, adding that Dong Zong focuses solely on protecting the right of Malaysian Chinese to learn their mother tongue in schools. – November 2, 2024