MIRI: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has been urged to rethink its new policy and grant Open Approved Permits (AP) to all races.
This will ensure inclusivity for both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera enterprises said Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii who made the call here Saturday.
Yii, who also serves as the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Central Publicity and Information Secretary and as the Mayor of Miri, expressed deep concern over the recent policy shift.
He emphasised that the approach violates Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) pre-election commitment to a multiracial policy and unfairly discriminates against non-Bumiputera businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Since the formation of the unity government, the emphasis has been on creating a harmonious, inclusive, and diverse society, which must be based on fairness and justice, not through exclusionary policies,” Yii stated.
On June 18, MITI announced that starting from July 1, any Bumiputera company, including those previously not involved in the automotive industry, could apply for an Open AP.
The ministry highlighted that this initiative aims to create more opportunities for interested Bumiputera entrepreneurs and aligns with efforts to improve inclusiveness and transparency in the Open AP application process.
However, the policy has faced criticism for only permitting Bumiputera companies to apply, thereby excluding non-Bumiputera enterprises.
Yii warned that preferential treatment for specific groups not only fails to promote social harmony and unity but may exacerbate racial tensions and inequalities.
