KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 ― Riled by the size of business funds the government has allocated to help Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs, Malay rights group Perkasa has demanded a new, bigger fund for Bumiputeras.
Malay language daily Utusan Malaysia reported secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali as saying that Bumiputeras should be allocated more aid compared to the other races because they make up the majority of the country’s racial composition.
“Perkasa received information that the government has approved funds for Indian entrepreneurs worth RM50 million even though funds for Bumiputera entrepreneurs have not been increased.
“Because of that, Perkasa is demanding that the government prepare a new, special fund for Bumiputera entrepreneurs since the Bumiputra consists of the majority of this country, at 67 per cent from the total population,” he said in a statement, as reported by the daily.
Bumiputeras enjoy affirmative action policies which are backed by the country’s constitution.
He also said Perkasa objects SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) falling under the purview of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He claimed Wee was given a specific budget to assist the small and medium enterprises for ethnic Chinese helping from startup through readiness for export.
“Is it true that SME Corp will be under the responsibility of Ka Siong? Are Malays not smart enough to manage the organisation so everything is given to other races?” he asked in what appeared to be a rhetorical question.
