COMMENT | Can Anwar reinvent the bumiputera construct?

COMMENT | Coming shortly is an economic congress that may be a little different from those held in the past. But will it have the potential to be a game-changer in the political economy as well as the social structure of Malaysia? Only the dreamers may think so.

This is the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress to be held from Feb 29 to March 2 and due to be attended by more than 3,000 participants, especially from the Malay, Kadazandusun, Dayak, Iban, and Orang Asli communities.

What is unusual in this year’s congress is the proposed participation of the Chinese and Indian chambers of commerce.

Announcing this event at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Chinese New Year celebration, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that a more inclusive approach in addressing the bumiputera economy would lead to resolving issues affecting other communities...