PUTRAJAYA: The Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) should focus not just on implementation but also effectiveness, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said it is crucial that monitoring is done to ensure that the initiatives are seen through to ensure its success.
He also lauded the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), two agencies under the Economy Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry respectively, for their equal roles in ensuring proper implementation of PuTERA35.
Zahid said PuTERA35 should not be seen as a political agenda.
"In whatever we do, we never marginalise other ethnic groups or races. It is impossible for a government to achieve complete equality, but striving for fairness is crucial.
"Just now, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli highlighted facts and statistics showing gaps that need to be addressed through medium- and long-term programmes to balance the disparities among different races," he said in his speech at the launch of PuTERA35 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) today.
PuTERA35, bearing the theme 'Penyertaan, Pemilikan dan Penguasaan (3P) Bumiputera yang lebih bermakna' (Meaningful Bumiputera Participation, Ownership and Mastery), was designed to enhance the value of Bumiputera contributions by fostering a more productive and integrated approach.
It also aims to raise the status and dignity of Bumiputera in line with the aspirations of the Madani Economy: Empowering the People initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) which will allow Malaysians to enjoy a better quality of life.
The plan is supported by three thrusts, 12 drivers, and 132 comprehensive and ambitious initiatives designed to advance Bumiputera development and position Malaysia as a regional economic leader.
The transformation plan aims to support Bumiputera growth and development, and enhance their role in Malaysia's socio-economic progress.
This includes ensuring that all segments of the Bumiputera community, including those from Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli, are resilient against future challenges.