Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia needed a new plan that would drive the Bumiputera agenda to greater heights.

“At the same time, we must not leave anyone behind.

“The idea is that driving the economy should involve the participation of everyone, without marginalising any ethnicity, tribe or territory,” he said when launching Putera35 here today.

The economic plan was introduced to elevate the status of the Bumiputeras in line with the Madani economic framework’s aspirations, to enable all Malaysians to enjoy a better quality of life.

Putera35 encompasses three core areas, 12 growth drivers and 132 comprehensive initiatives aimed at empowering and advancing Bumiputera development.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said Putera35’s introduction would not see the interests of other races sidelined.

He urged all Bumiputera empowerment agencies to plan their programmes responsibly and with full accountability.

Those who manage these Bumiputera agencies would be considered the biggest traitors if they succumbed to corruption and poor governance, he added.

Meanwhile, the economy ministry said the plan’s implementation would be monitored by the Bumiputera Economic Council, chaired by Anwar.