Making PuTERA35 the Catalyst for Social Mobility 2.0: A Reflection on the 67th Merdeka Day

As we stand on the threshold of another significant moment, the celebration of Malaysia’s 67th Merdeka Day, it is essential to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a nation, particularly in the realm of socio-economic mobility. The success of the New Economic Policy (NEP) of 1970 is often recounted with pride, having played a crucial role in uplifting a generation through remarkable educational transformation. This policy set the foundation for upward social mobility, a story well-documented in various studies, including the notable work “Climbing the Ladder: Socio-economic Mobility in Malaysia” by researchers from the Khazanah Research Institute.

As we reminisce about these achievements, we must remember to honor the architects of the NEP, particularly the late Tan Sri Just Faarland and the late Tun Razak, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the policy. One of the surviving members of this visionary team, Dr. Rais Saniman, remains a testament to the effort that went into crafting this transformative policy. For those who have the opportunity, meeting and interviewing Dr. Rais about his role in the NEP would provide valuable insights into the planning that shaped our nation’s progress.

However, it is important that we do not remain content in merely celebrating past successes. While many of us have benefited from the NEP, gaining education, securing public sector jobs, and even achieving success in the private sector and multinational corporations, it is time to chart a new path forward. Our children are venturing into the world of business and some are even becoming part of the global diaspora, contributing to the nation in various ways. They, too, have the potential to be the architects of a new wave of social mobility, a Social Mobility 2.0, building upon the foundation laid by Social Mobility 1.0 that we are so proud of.

The latest in a series of development and transformation plans is the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035, or PuTERA35, launched by the Prime Minister on August 19, 2024, at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. While political commentary will always accompany such initiatives, the focus should be on how we, who are more educated and knowledgeable than our parents who only had up to primary school education, can make PuTERA35 the impetus to drive the new wave of social mobility.

There is no need to bring back external consultants as distinguished as the late Tan Sri Just Faarland, or seek out local experts as accomplished as Dr. Rais Saniman to design a new NEP 2.0. The first step has already been taken with the creation of the PuTERA35 plan, which is more than sufficient as a primary reference and catalyst for action.

Moreover, we now have a generation of highly educated and experienced individuals in various fields, including economics, who are capable of undertaking bold transformations. They can lead the nation from the old economic order to a new economy driven by innovation, technology, and high-level skills. These new economic players must be at the forefront of building Social Mobility 2.0.

At the Malay Consultative Council (MPM), an NGO operating as a caucus, we have long agreed, across more than 20 economic clusters, that we are more than capable of contributing back to our nation, our people, and our religion. By using PuTERA35 as our primary reference and catalyst, we are committed to the creative, determined, and willful effort required to build the wave of Social Mobility 2.0.

We ask for your prayers that our creativity, efforts, and determination will lead to success.

Happy 67th Merdeka Day.