Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today argued that the 37-year-old, pro-bumiputera-based New Economic Policy (NEP) must be continued as non-Malays were still topping the Malaysian rich list.

Abdullah, who is also the Umno president and finance minister, gave this reason in yet another defence of the controversial policy.

"Although it has been 37 years since the introduction of the NEP, we have not made Malays rich by seizing the wealth of the non-Malays.

"The list of the richest individuals in Malaysia is still led by non-Malays," he said in opening the annual Umno meet in Kuala Lumpur today.

The NEP, introduced in the aftermath of the 1969 race riots, is aimed at increasing the bumiputera participation in the economy pie. In order to achieve the policy, the government has long been implementing policies which would benefit and assist the bumiputeras.

Recently many quarters have called for the NEP to be abolished, thus allowing a level playing field for everyone, a proposal not taken lightly by Umno at all.

Stressing that the NEP was never intended to rob anyone's rights, Abdullah in his one-hour presidential address, called on all parties to work towards achieving the objectives of the NEP.

"We should champion the fulfillment of the objectives of the NEP, ensuring the development of deep professional and middle classes among the Malays, so that Malaysian society is no longer divided by profession," he added.

Interestingly however, the premier earlier in his speech has called on the Malays to remove the "poisons" in them and not to fear a meritocracy-based system.

"For as long as Malays remain unambitious, they will fear meritocracy. The feelings of inferiority, nervousness and insufficiency are poisons that have been injected into the Malay mentality since colonial times.

"These poisons must be removed. Malay, when given the proper guidance and fair opportunity, are prepared to compete," he said.

The need to continue the NEP was widely debated last year after two separate studies showed that the NEP target to have 30 percent bumiputera equity ownership had been exceeded.

A balanced speech

In his hour-long address, Abdullah also said the Barisan Nasional was strong and united to face the next general election, which is expected to be called by early next year although officially is not due until April 2009.

He claimed there were groups trying to divide the ruling coalition and "poisoning" their mindset.

"Alhamdulillah (praise to God), until now, we don't see anything that can divide us. We are all strong and stable to face the next general election to ensure a bright future (for the nation)," Abdullah said this in an off-the-cuff remark.

His prepared speech however did not touch on anything on the general election, including the party's preparedness or confidence in retaining its landslide majority, despite the anticipation of a snap poll.

Nevertheless, observers saw his speech - the fourth as Umno president - as election-driven as it did not came with major surprises and was crafted in a cautious manner in attempt to please both the Malays and non-Malays communities.

For instance, as he stressed that the party was committed in strengthening Islam and will not be apologetic for doing so, at the same time he said the calls to return the spirit of the federal constitution should be viewed in positive light.

Abdullah also took the opportunity to emphasise on the significance of launching several development corridors - his brainchild projects - and that he was committed in his pledge to fight corruption as witnessed in the recent arrests of several civil servants.

Media under spotlight

The fears on crime, inter-religious and communal issues - which topped the people's concern - were brushed aside by the premier and the problems were attributed to negative media reports.

"Media reports of crimes have heightened the public's awareness, but the dramatic manner in which the news is presented gives the impression that this country is no longer safe. Higher crime rates and the approach taken by the media will effect the nation's image," he said.

He assured the people the country's future will remain bright in the next 50 years.

"The next 50 years must be fully optimised by the Malays, by all Malaysians... We want an advanced nation that continues to progress, steered by the National Mission," he said.