In an X posting, Zaid Ibrahim predicted that only Bumiputeras linked to tycoons, the royalty, top politicians, and senior civil servants would be enriched.

“Why are they doing the same thing over and over again? How innovative can the leaders of GLCs and GLICs be if the outcomes have already been decided?

“This quest to promote Bumiputeras is never-ending, but I am sure 10 years from now, we will have the same outcome,” he said, adding that the government’s approach had been consistent over the past 40 years with little to show for it.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday called on GLCs and GLICs to do more to drive innovation and development in the Bumiputera community.

He said this after chairing the first Bumiputera economic council meeting of the year, which discussed empowering Bumiputera companies in government procurement.

He said the council was the country’s primary platform for overseeing the effective implementation of Putera35, officially known as the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035, which was introduced by Anwar last August.

Zaid however said that the only viable and innovative solution was to treat all Malaysians as equals, a stance he claimed was opposed by politicians who favoured a “pick-and-choose” culture.

“Putera35 will again be like other Bumi(putera) plans: an abject failure for the many but a success for the few,” he said.

Among the previously known Bumiputera policies include the New Economic Policy and the Bumiputera Development Action 2030.