UMNO Vice President Tan Sri Muyhiddin Yassin was recently reported to have said that non-Bumiputra leaders in Barisan Nasional have the responsibility to make their respective communities understand the spirit of the NEP (NST 15 July 07). He would have demonstrated greater statesmanship had he also stressed that it is equally incumbent upon UMNO leaders to explain to their party supporters that a spirit of equal accommodation by the Malay community taking into account the concerns of other communities – including that of non-Malay Bumiputra – is equally necessary. These concerns are especially pertinent in areas where the Malays are well established or enjoy dominance - such as in the universities, the public sector and GLCs – and wherever NEP targets have been accomplished or exceeded. Tolerance, understanding, goodwill and the spirit of give and take by all communities is needed if the country is to prosper and meet the challenges of globalization.
A spirit of willing sacrifice and mutual accommodation is possible if all stakeholders are fully aware of what the NEP has achieved; what its shortfalls are; who have benefited and who have been left behind; what programs have worked and which have failed; and where inefficiencies, leakages and wastage have taken place. An open, rigorous and transparent stocktaking of NEP policies with regard to poverty alleviation, restructuring of public and private sectors, corporate equity ownership, government procurement, education, urban development, and other contested sectors can provide the starting point for building a new national solidarity and consensus. At the same time, only a new road map based on more equitable, enlightened and inclusive principles can bring out the best amongst all communities. Only a new socio-economic order based on national unity, equity, justice and growth – one in which Malay and non-Malay marginalized and vulnerable are provided equitable assistance combined with a system of meritocracy that rewards the best, irrespective of race - can guarantee the future for our country.
In 1990, when the NEP was coming to an end, our country faced a similar crossroads such as we are facing now. At that time, the Government established a National Economic Consultative Council (NECC) to provide the country with a post-1990 vision and road map. Incidentally, the final drafting committee for the NDP was headed by Dato Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, our present Prime Minister, in his capacity as the head of the UMNO delegation in the Council.
A similar consultative council is urgently needed now to iron out differences that have arisen among all stakeholders, including those in the Barisan Nasional, over the necessity of continuation of NEP policies and the new road map that is necessary to meet the many external and internal challenges. A new NECC under an eminent, independent and non-politically aligned chair-person is the right forum where the many complex issues of poverty and wealth distribution, ethnic and other disparities and imbalances, and other sensitive issues can be analyzed and dissected with candor by the best minds of the country to benefit all Malaysians. We owe it especially to our young generation to prevent the further hijacking and looting of public resources, and other abuses, that have blighted past NEP policies. We owe it to them to build an enduring society based on principles of equity, fairness and justice applicable and acceptable to all Malaysians.
Kuala Lumpur, July 16, 2007
