RM20 million allocated to NGOs to boost Bumiputera business

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has announced an allocation of RM20 million to the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) in an effort to strengthen the Bumiputera development programme.

The prime minister said the allocation would be channeled through Teraju to 13 selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) nationwide to implement the programme.

Najib, who is also finance minister, said the allocation complemented the government's efforts in assisting NGOs, saddled by financial constraints, in carrying out the Bumiputera business development programme.

He said Teraju had been receiving many applications for financial assistance from NGOs to undertake Bumiputera economic empowerment activities.

"It's time for NGOs to get an allocation that is systematically and transparently channeled through Teraju in line with its role as a body that manages the Bumiputera economic agenda," he said when presenting credentials to Teraju Service Delivery Partners here today.

Najib said the selected NGOs would be gauged through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and they would have their own accounts to facilitate monitoring by Teraju on the effectiveness of the programme implemented.

The prime minister reminded the NGOs not to be fixated on the notion that they would continue to get financial aid from the government, instead it a temporary measure.

"We must be aware at the outset that this programme has a shelf life, which is a rather limited time. So, do not expect it is open ended, that it goes on forever.

"What is important is that in the next few years we maximise the fund to achieve the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda collectively and harmoniously," he said.

The NGOs accorded with the credentials were, namely Malaysia Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM) Centre; DPMM Putrajaya; Gagasan Badan Ekonomi Melayu (Gabem); Malaysian Malay Entrepreneurs and Merchants' Association (Perdasama); Malaysian Malay Contractors Association, Association of Bumiputera Women in Business & Profession Malaysia (Peniagawati).

The others were Association of Bumiputera Women Entrepreneurs Malaysia (Usahanita); Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Bersatu; Pertubuhan Usahawan Generasi Muda Berjaya (GMB Malaysia); Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs, Kadazandusun Chamber Of Commerce & Industry; Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs; and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry.