Gov't needs to introduce Equitable Opportunity Act - UKM chairperson

The government needs to consider the promulgation of the Equitable Opportunity Act on a needs-based basis in line with the original objective of Vision 2020 to create a developed country that strives for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) board of directors chairperson Abdul Wahid Omar (photo) said needs-based basis means only those who need help would receive assistance regardless of their race or ethnic group.

He said the more universal approach would gain broad support both domestically and globally and could be implemented without changing or undermining the bumiputera’s position as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

"The use of the phrase ‘equitable opportunity’ takes into account the background and socioeconomic position of individuals, and many are aware there is still prejudice or discrimination against the bumiputera," he told Bernama via a Whatsapp platform.

Wahid, who is the former Permodalan Nasional Bhd chairperson, said hence, it is time for Malaysia to introduce the Equitable Opportunity Act and set up an Equitable Opportunity Commission to monitor and enforce the act.

On the other hand, he said a new approach is needed to tackle the economic, socio-economic and well-being issues confronting the bumiputera.

“After more than 40 years of the New Economic Policy’s implementation, affirmative action has contributed to the rise of the bumiputera’s economy, such as the growth of equity holdings from 2.4 percent in 1970 to 23 percent in 2012 and an increase in the number of bumiputera professionals, especially in medicine, law and engineering.

“However, there is still room for improvement. As bumiputera formed the majority and many of them are in the low-income group, most of the benefits will be enjoyed by the bumiputera community,” he added.

Meanwhile, Wahid also proposed the inclusion of a third language learning in the primary and secondary school curriculum made up of Mandarin, Tamil, Arabic or Japanese to strengthen the country's human capital potential, as well as enhance employment and business opportunities among Malaysians.

“We are aware that China will eventually become the world's largest economy, and at present, Malaysia's trade with China accounts for 15 percent of its total trade and this will increase to 20 percent.

“Likewise, investment and tourist arrivals from China are expected to be the country's biggest contributors to investment and tourism.

“So, if bumiputeras and Indians do not speak Mandarin, then they will be left out of business opportunities and dealings with Chinese companies, and this will negatively impact their employment and business opportunities," he added.

- Bernama