KUALA LUMPUR: Any events aimed at improving the rights and welfare of the Bumiputeras should not be misinterpreted as attempts to neglect the rights of people from other races and religions in the country, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said.
In his speech at the symposium today, which was held in the running-up of the Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) next week, Asyraf said the government aims to focus on effective strategies to empower and elevate the welfare and livelihood of the majority of the population in the country.
"The KEB 2024 should not be politicised and polemicised by a few who view cynically (the significants and importance of the congress).
"It is as if it (the congress) will deny the rights of non-Bumiputeras or the population as a whole.
"According to the latest information released by the Department of Statistics, 70.1 per cent of the Malaysian population consists of Bumiputeras," he said.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended invitation to the Chinese and Indian communities to take part in the KEB that will take place at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre from Feb 29 until March 2.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, had said that the three-day congress starting Feb 29 is taking a more inclusive approach this time around.
The prime minister 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)," Anwar had said.