Bumiputera (Malaysia)

Bumiputera (often spelled as Bumiputra) is a term used in Malaysia to describe the Malay and indigenous peoples of Malaysia. The term is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Bhumiputra', which means 'son of the soil'. The concept of Bumiputera is significant in the socio-political landscape of Malaysia, as it is associated with various affirmative action policies aimed at improving the economic status of the Bumiputera population.

Definition

The term Bumiputera encompasses several ethnic groups in Malaysia, including the Malays, the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, and the various indigenous groups of Sabah and Sarawak. The definition of Bumiputera is not strictly codified in Malaysian law, but it is generally understood to include these groups.

Historical Background

The concept of Bumiputera gained prominence after the May 13 Incident in 1969, which led to the implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1971. The NEP aimed to reduce economic disparities between the Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera populations, particularly the Chinese and Indian communities.

Affirmative Action Policies

Several policies have been implemented to support the Bumiputera population, including:

• Quotas in education: Bumiputera students are given preferential access to public universities and scholarships.
• Business and economic policies: Bumiputera entrepreneurs receive various forms of assistance, including grants, loans, and preferential treatment in government contracts.
• Real estate policies: Certain percentages of new housing developments are reserved for Bumiputera buyers at discounted prices.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Bumiputera policies have been a subject of debate and controversy. Critics argue that these policies have led to a sense of entitlement and dependency among some Bumiputera, while also creating resentment among non-Bumiputera communities. Proponents, however, argue that these policies are necessary to address historical injustices and to promote social harmony.

Current Developments

In recent years, there have been discussions about reforming the Bumiputera policies to make them more inclusive and to address issues of inequality within the Bumiputera community itself. Some have called for a needs-based approach rather than an ethnicity-based approach to affirmative action.

See Also

• Malaysian Chinese
• Malaysian Indians
• New Economic Policy (Malaysia)
• Orang Asli
• Sabah
• Sarawak