KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed merger of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), Exim Bank and SME Bank will not overlook the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and Bumiputeras.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was among the key conditions imposed by Bank Negara Malaysia on the merger.
"The condition regarding MSMEs and Bumiputera loans remains a key criterion and part of the policy for this merger," he said during Prime Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this in response to Datuk Dr Ku Abd Rahman Ku Ismail (PN-Kubang Pasu) who enquired about the status of the merger of the three banks.
In terms of the Bumiputera agenda, Anwar said the move will continue despite having a different focus on several areas, such as poverty eradication and improving living standards.
This, he said, was because the approach was comprehensive and cannot be categorised as either Bumiputera or non-Bumiputera.
"The same applies to the quality of education and healthcare.
However, when I make such general statements, due to our experience with racial profiling, it sometimes leads to concerns being raised by the Bumiputera, Indian or Chinese communities.
"Hence, I want to clarify that when we drive economic growth and provide loans, it is inclusive for all. But specific support for Bumiputera will continue, primarily because of the clear policy, including Article 153, and due to the widespread disparities," he said.
Anwar added that while equity was highlighted during the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress, the government was currently placing less emphasis on it. He said when the government previously focused solely on equity, the attention shifted towards large companies and resulted in significant inequality between the extremely wealthy Malays and widespread poverty.
"Therefore, while equity remains part of the agenda, it will not be pursued as rigidly. For instance, Bandar Malaysia, which had been entirely handed over to foreign parties in the past, has now been reclaimed and is fully managed by government-owned companies.
"These companies will prioritise Bumiputera interests, including a dedicated 50-acre allocation for Bumiputeras — a move that has not been made since our independence in 1957. This demonstrates that the policy has not been abandoned."