We know that having a ‘Bumiputera’ status in Malaysia entitles people to some special privileges. Now, it looks like another group may acquire this status based on what our prime minster recently stated.
In recent news, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak has just announced at an Aidifitri event that the government will conduct an in-depth study about the request from the Indian Muslim community to be considered as ‘Bumiputeras’ either by administration or gazetting.
Source: MMO
However, according to MMO, our wonderful leader added that further research is needed in order to make this a reality. So, not so fast we suppose?
The Prime Minister said,
“I heard the demand made by the Federation of Malaysian Indian Muslim Associations’ (PERMIM) president Dhajudeen Shahul Hameed, and I accept that Indian Muslims are like Bumiputeras.”
There are currently about one million Indian Muslims in the country and Dhajudeen came out with three demands on behalf of the community.
The three demands are for the government to acknowledge the Indian Muslims as ‘Bumiputeras’, install an Indian Muslim landmark in Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya, and to elect an officer in the Prime Minister’s Department to manage the community’s affairs.
Source: Malaysian Times
These demands are what the Indian Muslims in Malaysia had always wanted, which was voiced out by the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) in the past.
Our esteemed leader also expressed his gratitude towards the 15,000 Indian Muslim NGO leaders and their families who attended the Hari Raya event and thanked them profusely for their support.
“I can conclude that the Indian Muslim community in our country are strong supporters of, and are loyal to BN (Barisan Nasional),” he said.
Source: Lowyat
He agreed that the Indian Muslim community in Malaysia had contributed a lot to Malaysia, especially when it came to their delicious food. He admitted that he was a huge fan of it and would eat it whenever he had the chance.
Najib said that he understood there were about 10,000 Malabari Indian Muslim and Pakistani restaurants nationwide, and you know we all love our mamak stalls too!
Part of the prime minister’s speech during the event hinted at an upcoming election. He said,
“I want to bring Malaysia in line with the top 20 countries in the world in the future, so we must be ready to go past the 14th General Election.”
“Today, we will celebrate Aidilfitri. Not too long from now, we will celebrate another ‘Hari Raya’ which requires the support of Indian Muslims to make a new vision for Malaysia.”
Source: Daily Mail
“We can do it, and we can bring change and transformation to the country. If you want the government to transform the country, a government which is inclusive, assisting all large and small communities, including Indian Muslims, will continue to be built by the BN government,” he said.
“My personal relationship with Indian Muslims is very good, and hopefully, all here will give support to the government led by myself. There is someone on the other side, a certain person who is also Indian Muslim, but I believe the Indian Muslim community is more supportive of me and hope this relationship will continue forever,” he said.
By the sound of things, it looks like it’s only a matter of time Indian Muslims will be given ‘Bumiputera’ statuses. Whatever it is, it looks like the upcoming election is bound to be an interesting one!
Also read: Straight A’s Student Shares Disappointing Experience of Applying for Pre-U As a Non-Bumi
