Kuala lumpur: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) is intensifying the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) through strategic collaboration between MARA and the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) to ensure the agenda is executed comprehensively and effectively. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the Bumiputera agenda involves coordination with various departments and agencies under the ministry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MARA is working with TERAJU to empower PuTERA35, which is set to run from 2025 to 2035. The plan includes 132 initiatives aimed at uplifting Bumiputeras in the economic sector, with a progress milestone of 44.5 percent achieved by the end of last year. To ensure the plan's success, a Bumiputera agenda empowerment section has been established across ministries, involving Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs). Ahmad Zahid addressed this during the 'Road to Ramadan' programme at the Kariah Pantai Mosque, where he was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis, and other state dignitaries.
During the event, Ahmad Zahid also announced donations totaling RM18,000 to nine mosques, RM3,000 to three suraus, along with contributions to orphans and the asnaf in Mukim Pantai. He further highlighted the MARA-TERAJU collaboration's goal of listing potential Bumiputera companies on Bursa Malaysia. Last year, three companies were listed, and there is an aim to list five more this year, with the hope of increasing this number by 2035 as companies receive necessary support to grow.
The media had previously reported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for the ministry and GLICs to assess the effectiveness of high-impact initiatives under PuTERA35 to ensure they are complementary and not redundant. Additionally, Ahmad Zahid mentioned the upcoming first meeting of the Ummah Consultative Council, expected to occur during Ramadan, involving 11 clusters, including political parties, Islamic NGOs, professionals, scholars, and individuals. This council aims to gather strategic feedback for advancing the Islamic agenda and addressing issues concerning the ummah.
Regarding the cancellation of the Gerakan Anti-Rumah Anutan Haram (GARAH) rally, Ahmad Zahid urged parties to act with wisdom, following guidelines set by the Cabinet. He stressed the importance of respecting land rights and adhering to legal procedures to avoid further complications.