Reflections from the 34th Steering Committee Meeting of MPM: National and Global Engagements

The 34th Steering Committee Meeting of Majlis Perundingan Melayu (MPM), Series 4/2024, for the 2019-2024 term, held on 25th September 2024, served as an essential platform for deliberating various national and international engagements involving MPM. Since July 18, this committee has seen several strategic activities that reflect its robust role in engaging with key players both locally and abroad. Beyond activities, critical national issues were also addressed, demonstrating MPM’s commitment to advocating Malay and national interests.

Key Activities and Collaborations

Over the last two months, MPM has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering the business and education sectors while promoting international collaboration. Some notable engagements include:

1. Business Empowerment: On July 18, MPM hosted a courtesy visit from the Malaysian Business Empowerment Council (MPPM), reinforcing its commitment to fostering business growth within the Malay community. Additionally, MPM’s partnership with Alliance Islamic Bank and the Bumiputera Economic Community (BEC) reflects efforts to enhance business funding programs.
2. Entrepreneurial and Educational Initiatives: MPM’s collaboration with Usahanita to launch the UniversityThroughLife program on August 16 signifies its dedication to advancing lifelong learning and entrepreneurial development, particularly for women in business. The program, spearheaded by the MPM Academy and officiated by YBM KUSKOP at SME Corp, marks a strategic milestone in promoting education through life experiences.
3. International Cooperation: Strengthening international relations, MPM hosted a delegation from the Shaoxing Municipal Council of China on September 10, which included discussions with the BEC at MPM to explore business cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese business communities. Such initiatives highlight MPM’s role in facilitating cross-border economic ties.
4. Community Empowerment: MPM’s participation in the Pelan Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera 2035 (PuTERA35) and establishment of the PuTERA35 Secretariat underscores its long-term vision for the economic empowerment of the Bumiputera community. The continuous engagement in Bumiputera-centric programs, including the recent Sabah-level UniversityThroughLife initiative, reflects MPM’s regional outreach.
5. Cultural and Historical Engagements: The 2024 Merdeka Eve celebrations, graced by YBhg Tan Sri Dato Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, signaled MPM’s commitment to preserving the national spirit of independence. Furthermore, MPM’s participation in the National History and Unity Convention, organized by the National Archives, reiterates the council’s dedication to fostering national unity through historical reflection.

MPM’s Stance on National Issues

Beyond activities, the Steering Committee Meeting took bold stances on several pressing national issues, reflecting MPM’s commitment to safeguarding national interests:

1. Support for Palestinian Treatment in Malaysia: MPM strongly supports PMX’s efforts to bring injured Palestinians to Malaysia for medical treatment. The council condemned the criticisms by anti-Islamic factions, viewing such opposition as disrespectful.
2. Rationalisation of Malaysian Agencies Abroad: MPM welcomed PMX’s announcement on August 16 regarding the streamlining of overseas Malaysian agencies to improve service integration, cost efficiency, and prevent redundancy.
3. Curbing Government Waste: MPM expressed full support for PMX’s decision to cancel a planned visit of 68 government officials to Berlin, citing it as an unnecessary waste of public funds, especially as it was organised without prior cabinet approval.
4. Madani Housing Project: MPM backed PMX’s firm stance against those attempting to obstruct the Madani Housing Project aimed at the B40 urban group, recognising the importance of affordable housing for low-income citizens.
5. The Duta Enclave Land Dispute: MPM urged the government to take a firm stand in appealing the court decision to return the Duta Enclave land to Semantan Co. The council attributed the unfavorable ruling to procedural inefficiencies during the land acquisition process.
6. Foreign Equity in MAHB: The council expressed concerns over foreign ownership in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), urging the government to take a firm stance on national security implications.
7. Halal Certification Issue: MPM voiced its support for the cabinet’s decision to reject JAKIM’s mandatory halal certification proposal. The council, however, emphasised that JAKIM should have consulted the Conference of Rulers before bringing Islamic matters to the cabinet.
8. Foreign Threats and Territorial Integrity: MPM underscored its serious concern over repeated Chinese incursions into Malaysian waters, particularly attempts to disrupt Petronas’ projects. With the upcoming 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties, MPM called on the government to address this matter with greater urgency.

Other Notable Issues

• Islamic Organisation Exposure: MPM criticised the government for unnecessarily publicising internal issues within Islamic organisations, calling for more tactful handling of such matters to avoid bringing disrepute to Islam.
• Investment Initiatives: MPM lauded the government’s RM120 billion domestic direct investment initiative, emphasising the importance of involving Bumiputera institutions in its implementation.
• Rising Crime Rates: In response to increasing incidents of abduction and murder involving women and children, MPM urged the relevant ministries and agencies to raise civic awareness and bolster preventive measures.
• Medical Act Amendments: While MPM recognised the need for legal reform, it expressed concern over the potential implications of the Medical Act amendments, particularly regarding the accreditation of foreign institutions. The council warned that this could create a double standard that may marginalise local institutions.
• Tourism Concerns: MPM also called attention to the government’s inaction over the loss of 1.2 million foreign tourists, particularly from China, and pressed for clear measures to address this issue.

Conclusion

The 34th MPM Steering Committee Meeting highlighted the council’s active involvement in various strategic initiatives while addressing national concerns. As MPM continues its work through programs like PuTERA35, it remains a crucial voice advocating for Malay and national interests, especially in navigating global challenges and ensuring sustainable development for the Bumiputera community.