KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 16): The Pakatan Harapan government sees the implementation of policies under the spirit of the New Economic Policy (NEP) remaining relevant and that it will continue to be strengthened through new strategic policies that are suited through current needs. 

During the minister’s question time in the parliament session today, Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, said the government believes there is still room for improvement for NEP, especially involving the interests of Bumiputera and other races in Malaysia, to ensure the implementation process is more transparent and accountable.

The deputy minister, however, did not specify what the new strategic policies were, nor suggested improvements by the new government to the NEP. 

“In the government's move to review key national policies, Bumiputera socio-economic development will remain an important agenda, without abandoning other races in the country. In this regard, the efforts will continue, particularly to build up the potential of Bumiputeras, in order to increase their participation in the national economy and thus achieve the goal of a more equitable distribution of wealth,” Mohd Radzi said. 

“As a Government that cares for the people, economic distribution must be done fairly to all citizens according to their needs,” he added. 

Mohd Radzi was answering on behalf of the ministry to Pendang MP Haji Awang Hashim’s question on whether the NEP will be continued and if there are micro and macro plans to mobilise the economy of the Bumiputera, other than through Bumiputera Congress.