Don't sideline the Bumi minorities: KCCI

10 April, 2005

Penampang: The Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the Federal Government to integrate Bumiputera minorities in Sabah and Sarawak with their counterparts in the peninsula as a single entity.

Its President Datuk Dr Makin Marcus M. Mojigoh said there is need for such integration because distinctions should not be made between Muslim bumiputeras and non-Muslim bumiputeras.

"One of the KCCI's roles is to bring awareness to the Federal Government that there are such Bumiputeras with no Malay or Muslim name in Sabah and Sarawak. And this group of Bumiputeras in East Malaysia are the ones that have been sidelined for a very long time," he said, after chairing the eighth annual general meeting of KCCI at the regional library, here Forty two members comprising 37 KCCI members and five observers attended the meeting. Also present were Penampang MP, Donald Mojuntin, and Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau.

Marcus, who is also Putatan MP, said there is need for special attention and effort from the Federal Government to ensure development programmes could also be carried out in East Malaysia in line with the country's halatuju of 2020.

He pointed out that various attractive and genuine development programmes from many ministries have not reached the target group, including in Sabah, due to a poor delivery system.

On another aspect, he said KCCI has proposed for the Sabahan Bumiputera entrepreneurs to be invited to implement Federal projects under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (9MP) with some experienced companies from other states in the Peninsula or Sarawak for national integration and economic development purposes.

In this respect, Marcus said the Chamber has submitted the proposal as well as resolution drawn up from a business congress of Bumiputera Minorities, in February to the Economic Planning Unit to be studied and screened so that it could be included in the Federal Cabinet for discussion in May.

"The Chamber would like to be seen as a body to facilitate the Government in reaching the Vision 2020 and to eradicate poverty in the country as well as a bridge between the particular community and government so that any arising issues can be tackled easily.

"We (KCCI) do not want to be seen as a liability to the Government as our role is to assist the Government in reaching out to the target group here and to ensure that all planned development programmes are carried out effectively," he said.

In doing so, Marcus said the chamber needs financial help from the Government to continue with their effort and struggle to improve the economic future of bumiputera minorities here as well as achieving the country and state's vision.

"If there is an indication from the Government or relevant Ministry such as the Industrial Development Ministry that is sympathetic to our effort, then we would be applying for the funds," he said.

According to him, the Chamber has until now been using the members' money to finance their costly activities.

On a suggestion that the Chamber provides loans for members in operating their businesses, Marcus said they would study the possibility and discuss the matter with the Supreme Council.

"The Chamber needs to check whether it is permissible for the organisation to undertake such task of giving out loans to members," he said.

As for the Chamber's budget, Marcus said they would cut expenditure as requested and advised by members, and organise more programmes to benefit them.