Prime Minister Warns Against Abusing Malay and Bumiputera Identity for Personal Gain
Government to Take Action Against Mismanagement and Abuse of Funds
Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned individuals who use their Malay and Bumiputera identity to amass personal wealth, stating that such actions have resulted in the loss of significant funds from initiatives meant to help the Bumiputera community.
Speaking at the 59th anniversary celebration of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), Anwar emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and that the government will take action against those responsible. "Do not use the Malay identity simply to enrich yourselves. Do not take advantage of opportunities and initiatives meant for the Bumiputeras and abuse the trust placed in you," he said.
Fighting Mismanagement and Abuse of Funds
The Prime Minister also expressed his administration’s commitment to fighting mismanagement and abuse of funds allocated for initiatives to help the Bumiputera community. "We will fight such people. How much of the funds allocated for initiatives to help the Bumiputeras have been lost due to mismanagement and poor governance?" he asked.
Countering Sentiments that Weaken the Malay and Bumiputera Communities
Anwar also urged Mara to take a more proactive role in countering sentiments that weaken and dampen the spirit of the Malay and Bumiputera communities. "We must correct misguided perceptions that undermine and weaken our people’s spirit. We must prove otherwise and I want Mara to take on this role," he said.
Expanding STEM Education
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. He emphasized that the government will not bow down to pressure from those who question its decision to require 70% of students under the education ministry and Mara to pursue STEM fields beginning next year.
Concern Over Declining Interest in STEM among Malay and Bumiputera Students
Anwar expressed concern over the declining interest among Malay and Bumiputera students in STEM, warning of its long-term consequences. "If parents or (some) political leaders object, we must have the strength to say no (to them)," he said. "This is because we want the Malays and Bumiputeras to thrive in this era of development."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has sent a strong message to those who abuse their Malay and Bumiputera identity for personal gain, warning that the government will take action against them. He also emphasized the importance of countering sentiments that weaken the spirit of the Malay and Bumiputera communities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding STEM education.
FAQs
- What is the Prime Minister’s stance on individuals who use their Malay and Bumiputera identity to amass personal wealth?
- The Prime Minister has warned against such actions, stating that they result in the loss of significant funds from initiatives meant to help the Bumiputera community.
- What is the government’s plan to address mismanagement and abuse of funds?
- The government will take action against those responsible and fight to reclaim lost funds.
- What is the Prime Minister’s stance on countering sentiments that weaken the Malay and Bumiputera communities?
- The Prime Minister has urged Mara to take a more proactive role in countering such sentiments and proving the worth of the Malay and Bumiputera communities.
- What is the government’s plan for STEM education?
- The government will require 70% of students under the education ministry and Mara to pursue STEM fields beginning next year, despite opposition from some quarters.