KUALA LUMPUR - The MADANI government is stepping up efforts to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs as key contributors to the economy, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the government plans to raise investment by government linked investment companies (GLICs) to as much as RM2 billion.

He said the initiative also targets at least 10 new public listings and aims to develop Bumiputera companies valued at RM500 million within five years.

“This is not just a number but a symbol of our determination to elevate the economic standing of Bumiputeras to a more sustainable and competitive level,” he said in a post on Facebook on April 16.

Anwar said the strategy includes strengthening existing businesses while opening opportunities in new sectors such as artificial intelligence and high technology.

“The success of brands like SERAI and GlocAl shows that when the right ecosystem is in place, bumiputera entrepreneurs can stand on equal footing and even excel in the modern economic landscape,” Anwar said.

He added that access to financing, government contracts and business opportunities will continue to be expanded to support entrepreneurs.

He said companies such as Bateriku, Hanan Medicare, Bluesity, Pak Tam and Meraque show how inclusive policies can build lasting business success.

Anwar said the government will keep improving its policies to ensure they meet real needs on the ground.

“With collective commitment and principled leadership, we are confident that the Bumiputera entrepreneurship agenda will continue to grow, not only as a pillar of the national economy but also as a manifestation of social justice that lies at the heart of the MADANI vision,” he added.