KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese and Indian communities have been called upon to take part in the Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB), which is scheduled to take place in Putrajaya near here end of this month.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when extending the invitation, said the three-day congress starting Feb 29 is taking a more inclusive approach this time around.
In his speech at the 2024 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Anwar added that the congress is not limited to only looking into the issues and problems affecting the Bumiputera community.
"Our approach for the KEB is more inclusive. Therefore, we want participation from the Chinese and Indian communities (in the KEB).
"And I also hope the ACCCIM is ready to discuss (take part in the KEB) as we will not only discuss about economic issues related to the Bumiputera community, but also issues affecting small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs or the poverty involving the Indian community.
"Let us address all these issues together," said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister.
Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming; Human Resources Minister Steven Sim; Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and ACCCIM president Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that all parties were welcome to join the KEB.
Zahid, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the government is "colour blind" when it comes to the economy of the Bumiputeras.
In the same speech at the event, Anwar also reiterated the government's on-going efforts to put an end to all forms of corruptions and abuse of power in the country.
"We will continue to fight against any forms of abuse of power and cronyism.
"We will not tolerate this, be it if you are Chinese, Indians or Malays. There is no racial profiling here.
"If you are corrupt, rest assured that we will go after you without compromise," he said.