AN APPEAL TO THE PM TO REVISE THE NEP
by Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam
Chairperson Asli Center of Public Policy Studies
June 27th , 2018
Most Malaysians , especially the Bumiputras, will welcome
the statement made by the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad , in the
Channel NewsAsia interview recently that
the - `Affirmative Action is still
needed to bridge the gap and avoid
conflict between Bumiputras and other races`.
This has been
the policy adopted in our
socio economic planning and implementation since the New Economic Policy
was introduced in 1970 .
However , the socio economic scenario has improved considerably over time . The
Affirmative Action has significantly
reduced the risks of conflicts that can be caused by socio economic and
wealth disparities .Today the gaps
between the Bumis and Chinese and many
others have been largely narrowed .
The greater challenge now is the growing gap in incomes and
standards of living and the quality of life of the rich and
poor Malaysians of all races between and
also within ethnic groups . There are
very poor Malays, Chinese , Indians and other Minority Groups all over Malaysia ! Its more
a national issue and not confined to any racial group as such !
Appeal to PM
Thus many Malaysians
, regardless of race , l therefore Appeal to the Prime Minister and his able
Cabinet and wise the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) , to review and revise the NEP , to adopt and
adapt to the new socio economic and
political realities , after their most
impressive and welcome electoral GE 14
victory !
Currently , the economic
disparities or socio economic gaps ,
are based more on income disparities, rather than race
differences . Since we are blessed with
a New Government after 61 years of the same Government , this is the New Malaysia Era (Malaysia
Era Baru ) . Therefore we will
need to express the vast political tsunami, and sea change in more
practical socioeconomic terms for a better future .
Hence , the New Government
will need to adopt more socio economic policies that are income based and related to fulfilling the basic needs and
human rights of all Malaysians . our new policies need to be founded on
our sincere conscience and religious
values of fairness and fraternity , for all Malaysians .
We can no longer afford to be exclusive , but have to be
inclusive in all our policies and
implementation , for all Malaysians and
not only to some exclusive groups to
benefit from our future national
development . We have now to be much more Inclusive in all our policies and
practices or we will revert to past policies and practices which were rejected
by the voters !
New Malaysia Economic Policy (NMEP)
Indeed the New Government
in the New Malaysia, could devise and introduce a New Malaysia Economic
Policy (NMEP) that will contribute to more genuine and
sustainable national unity. The previous NEP had unfortunately and regretfully caused much national division
, disparities and disunity , not
only between our races, but also within
the Bumiputra/ Malay and other Racial and Minority groups , all over the country .
While we would follow the advice of the Prime Minister to accept that Affirmative Action is still needed in
Malaysia , we fervently hope that our new Government will now ensure
,more than ever before , that all Malaysians , regardless of Race , who
deserve Affirmative Action treatment , will enjoy the new Affirmative Action . This New
Affirmative Action should be meant for all deserving Malaysians , based on Basic
Needs and not Race. Most Malays /Bumis would also gain by this Needs Based Affirmative
Action Policy , while the poor Non Malays would also benefit from the new and revised NEP
!!.
This New Malaysia Economic Policy is essential , in order to promote greater national unity and a more peaceful , prosperous , progressive
and Happier New Malaysia (Malaysia Baru )
We pray that the Almighty , will Bless and Guide the New
Government Leaders , to be Fair to all Malaysians and especially all the poor
and underprivileged Malaysians .