KUALA LUMPUR: Political parties have been told to include nine agendas in their election manifestos and a pledge to implement them if they want to secure Malay votes in the 15th General Election (GE15).
Bumiputera Economic Action Council (MTEM) chairman Abdul Halim Husin said the demands were drafted following a special meeting with some 50 Malay-centric non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"These demands are not just for Malay-based political parties, but for all parties that have the political will to take them up," he said at a press conference today.
One agenda is for political parties to appoint senators to represent Malay NGOs in the cabinet and the Dewan Negara.
Halim said this was necessary for Malay NGOs to be able to pressure and question the government if it did not address issues affecting the people, especially the Malay community.
MTEM also wanted political parties to reject leaders linked to corruption and abuse of power, and to establish a Malay Affairs Ministry once a party wins GE15 and forms the government.
Halim said the new ministry could plan and execute efforts to strengthen the economy of the Malay community.
Following the success of the New Economic Policy (NEP), the NGOs are demanding for NEP 2.0 to be established to create economic opportunities for the bumiputeras.
"The parties must pledge to improve telecommunications connectivity, including in urban areas.
"As long as high-speed fibre Internet is not available in rural areas, attempts to improve economic and educational standards will continue to stagnate."
Halim said the new government must improve efforts to maximise the Malay workforce's potential.
He said rising unemployment among Malays was mainly due to low wages and a mismatch of education qualifications and jobs.
MTEM's other demands are on empowering the Islamic economic system and upholding the dignity of Malay history and tradition.
"We will not campaign for them. But they will get our support if they implement this as this is crucial for the Malay community."
Present was Malaysia Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) lead activist Datuk Nadzim Johan.