Penang Govt Scrapped NEP To Victimise Bumiputeras, Says Ali Rustam - Bernama

MELAKA, March 12 (Bernama) -- The DAP-PKR led Penang state government's decision not to implement the New Economic Policy (NEP) is to victimise the Bumiputeras, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said today.

He said the NEP, introduced by the second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein in 1970, had contributed to national economic growth and the spin-offs were reaped by all races.

"The NEP has narrowed the rural-urban poverty gap and restructured society. The benefits are enjoyed by all races, be they Bumiputeras or non-Bumiputeras," Mohd Ali, who is also Melaka chief minister, told Bernama.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, after being sworn in as Penang chief minister yesterday, said the state government would not implement the NEP.

Guan Eng said the NEP, implemented after the May 13 racial riots in 1969 to eradicate poverty and restructure society, was the root cause of cronyism, corruption and incompetence.

Objecting to Guan Eng's adverse remarks on NEP, Mohd Ali said the Penang government cannot be fair and balanced in its administration and protect the interests of Bumiputeras, majority of whom are still in need of government.

"Instead, the Bumiputeras may become like the natives in Australia and New Zealand. The state government's policy is very dangerous to Malaysia and its multiracial populace," he said.

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