PM: New Economic Model to benefit all - The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The New Economic Model (NEM) unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Tuesday will generate benefits for all Malaysians, irrespective of race under its inclusive growth goal and approach.

The pro-poor growth warrants that no groups be marginalised and the essential needs of the people will be satisfied, according to the NEM.

Under the NEM, inclusiveness will enable all communities to contribute to and share in the wealth of the country.

t points out that a key challenge of inclusive growth is the design of effective measures that strike a balance between the special position of the Bumiputera and legitimate interests of different groups.

While saying that ethnically divide societies are more prone to violent conflicts, NEM emphasises that the multi-racial composition of the Malaysian population is still its outstanding feature and this ethnic diversity will always be with us.

As such, the market-friendly affirmative action programmes in line with the principle of inclusiveness will target assistance to the bottom 40 per cent of households, of whom 77.2 per cent are Bumiputra and many are located in Sabah and Sarawak, and ensure equitable and fair opportunities through transparent processes.

It also allows access to resources on the basis of needs and merit to enable improvement in capacity, incomes and well-being, and has sound intellectual frameworks for better monitoring and effective implementation.

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