The Federation of Malay Economic Bodies (Gabem) hopes that the Budget 2017, to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 21, will emphasise on the Bumiputera non-governmental organisations (NGO) especially in the economic sector.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik said this was important to help the Bumiputera NGOs to operate more effectively in assisting Bumiputeras in the economic sector at the grassroots level.

"Under Gabem alone, we have over 200 NGOs with not less than a million members.

"If possible, the allocation can be channelled to these NGOs as they reach out to grassroots levels. They can hold activities that explain to the people on the government's struggle in helping the 'rakyat' from the past until now," he told a press conference here today.

Earlier, Abdul Rahim launched the Patriotism Consolidation of Bumiputera Economy Programme at Kolej Universiti Agrosains Malaysia (UCAM), here which was attended by 500 students.

Also present were Gabem chief executive officer Datuk Mohammat Izat Hassan and UCAM vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Faridah Hanam Mohd Rashid.

Abdul Rahim said such assistance in the form of allocation via the Budget 2017 would help the NGOs' members, especially successful businessmen, to operate more effectively to help other Bumiputeras.

"It would be better if they give (straight) to Mabem because we're able to mobilise the NGOs under our umbrella. We have programmes tailored to develop the Bumiputeras," he said.

Asked on the desired amount of allocation in the Budget 2017 for the NGOs, Abdul Rahim hoped that the government would increase the current allocation in each ministry compared to the previous budget. - BERNAMA