KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional leaders agree that there is no dispute among them on the issue of 30% bumiputra equity and welcome the Prime Minister's assurance that all races will be treated fairly.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi explained the issue to prevent misunderstanding among the coalition's component parties.

“The component parties' leaders gave their views. We will use their input on the matter to formulate policies,” Najib said, adding that the leaders did not dispute the goal to attain 30% bumiputra equity.

They felt, however, the “methodology, ways and approaches to attain this aim need to be fine-tuned”.

MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said his party had reached consensus with other Barisan parties on the proposed national development policy after being guaranteed that it would be more comprehensive and balanced and would take into consideration the interest of all races.

“The spirit of the policy will not be that of the 1970s and 80s as we are now facing the challenges of a new world.

“Therefore, the future policy by the National Economic Action Council will take into consideration many new factors in a wider perspective and context,'' he added.

Gerakan president Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik suggested that an in-depth study be conducted to determine the weaknesses that made the 30% bumiputra equity yet to be achieved.