BERA: The power being held by Barisan Nasional, which is spearheaded by Umno, enables Malays and bumiputra to enjoy a better life including excelling academically.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the 2017 Bumiputra Education Tour (JPB) Programme was clear proof that the Government always viewed seriously the education of Malay and bumiputra children, especially from the low income group.

“Why is the position of Malay and bumiputra children including in Sabah and Sarawak and Orang Asli much better? … because of Umno’s struggle which brings changes including via the JPB programme.

“Don’t expect the Opposition, headed by the DAP, to implement such a programme. We must understand this. What we witness today cannot be separated from political power because it decides the possibility of everything taking place,” he said.

Najib said this in his speech Saturday when launching the 2017 JPB programme which was attended by 15,000 people at the Bera District Council Field here.

The event was also attended by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also 2017 JPB mentor.

Also present was JPB Main Committee chairman Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar.

Najib said that without the JPB, it would be quite difficult for higher education institutions to provide opportunities to Malay and bumiputra children from the low income group (B40) to obtain a second chance to change their future via higher education.

“They have a desire to succeed, change their lot, and hope for a chance. But if they are poor, and no chance is given, they will not have self-confidence.

“Maybe, the fear of being rejected if the higher educational institution imposes excessively high condition,” he said. – Bernama