Prime Minister and Umno president Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has told Malays to further upgrade their economic power by tackling the set-backs they currently face with new mind-sets and fresh sprits, pledging the government's backing all the way.

At the same time, he scoffed at members of the community who abused their special privileges to gain quick bucks during his 90-minute address at the 56th Umno General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

"Latest statistics indicate that the New Economic Plan (NEP) targets have only been partially achieved. This is because of the action of rent-seekers who prioritize short-term gains.

"The opportunities that were given were abused instead of being used to expand businesses or to enhance capacity that would have ensured continued and lasting success," Abdullah told the 2,533 delegates attending the assembly at Umno headquarters in the Putra World Trade Centre.

He added that the introduction of the NEP in 1970 was a formula to reduce the disparity in economic achievement among the various races in the country primarily between the non-Malays and the Malays.

"Permits, facilities, contracts and licences which were allocated to bumiputras were instead handed over to others for quick profit. Having done so, they asked for new opportunities once, twice, and more. As a consequence, a class of Malays arose that turned being middlemen into a full-time profession," he said, adding that this was one reason for the NEP's set-back.

"Our dignity and our survival are at stake. The Malaysia of yesterday, when the NEP was first introduced, is radically different from the Malaysia of the knowledge-based economy. The Malays have to infuse their struggle with a fresh spirit."

Two-fold backing

Abdullah added that the government will work with the community to fix the shortcomings in the implementation of the NEP.

"A zeal for capacity building that will increase the income of Malays on a sustainable basis must be ignited," he pointed out.

The premier told the delegates that all this is done with the goal of achieving a parity of income between the two communal sections of the nation.

"Malays should earn one ringgit for every one ringgit earned by non-Malays. Therefore, the government will redouble efforts and increase programmes to develop human capital to ensure that Malays have the physical, mental and spiritual strength to pursue their objectives," he said of what is needed to increase the nation's productivity and competitiveness.

Abdullah's pledge to increase government contribution to Malay sustainability includes efforts to provide more facilities to ensure more Malays master science and technology.

"This will ensure a sustained supply of Malay professionals," he added in his speech which was televised live.

Too many contractors

The assembly was also told that as opposed to having 2,049 bumiputra contractors in 1992, the country now boasts over 46,000 of them. Of these, Abdullah said more than 42,000 are registered as Class F contractors.

Class F contractors - many of whom are badly affected by a slowdown in the construction industry - carry out projects that are below the RM200,000 mark. The premier said this category had been created with the objective of encouraging bumiputras to break into the industry.

However, he was disappointed that these contractors took things for granted and always expect the government to provide for them.

"Almost all these contractors expect to get government contracts. There are too many players on a shrinking field. In 2000, the government was compelled to launch a pre-emptive package of projects allocating RM3 million for each parliamentary constituency, aimed at ensuring the survival of Class F contractors.

"Contractors should have seen the writing on the wall and realised that future prospects were already dimming. The government cannot play the role of Santa Claus, perpetually handing out gifts. Contractors should have taken this as a signal to diversify to other sectors," he added.

Abdullah, who has been criticised for the slow pace of an anti-corruption campaign he declared after assuming power, used some of his toughest language yet to describe the scourge that has dogged his party for decades.

"I am determined and committed to cleanse Umno of political corruption," he said. "I may be climbing a steep slope, but I will not be deterred nor will I lose faith."