Reducing Non-Malays’ Dissatisfaction with the NEP

Addressing Key Issues

PETALING JAYA: Non-Malays’ discontent about the New Economic Policy (NEP) can be reduced if the government resolves certain key issues, says Khairy Jamaluddin. The former health minister believes that non-Malays’ grievances about the affirmative action granted to Malays and Bumiputeras under the NEP would be alleviated if they had equal opportunities in areas such as education.

Pain Points

“I think the pain point for non-Malays is not so much the advantages given to the Bumiputeras, it’s when their legitimate expectations are not attained — such as being unable to further their studies at local universities despite scoring straight As,” he said. “That is a really big pain point … If you can crack that, their dissatisfaction (surrounding) the NEP would be reduced,” he said in the latest episode of his Keluar Sekejap podcast.

A Brief History of the NEP

The NEP, introduced in 1971 by the Abdul Razak Hussein-led government, was aimed at addressing economic disparities among ethnic groups through affirmative action programmes. Among its wide-ranging policies, the racial quotas for education have long been a hotly debated issue, with critics arguing that it discriminates against non-Bumiputera students.

Khairy’s Thoughts

Khairy’s thoughts on the NEP followed former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks in a podcast recently that the NEP needs to be phased out eventually. Khairy today said while the NEP might have failed to make a large impact on Bumiputera entrepreneurship, it had given birth to a significant number of Malay professionals.

Government Intervention Needed

A former Umno Youth chief, Khairy also said Malay contractors and entrepreneurs still need government intervention as non-Malays dominate various supply chains. He said many Malay contractors or entrepreneurs find it hard to compete in their respective sectors due to reasons such as non-Malay suppliers offering better rates and credit terms to those of their own race. “This is the reality that we always hear,” he said.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Khairy’s remarks highlight the need for the government to address the key issues surrounding the NEP, particularly in the area of education. By providing equal opportunities for non-Malays, the government can reduce their dissatisfaction with the policy. Additionally, government intervention is needed to support Malay entrepreneurs and contractors who face challenges in competing with non-Malays.

FAQs

Q: What is the New Economic Policy (NEP)?
A: The NEP is a government policy introduced in 1971 aimed at addressing economic disparities among ethnic groups through affirmative action programmes.

Q: What are the key issues surrounding the NEP?
A: The key issues include racial quotas for education, which critics argue discriminate against non-Bumiputera students, and the need for government intervention to support Malay entrepreneurs and contractors.

Q: What are the implications of the NEP on non-Malays?
A: Non-Malays who excel academically but are unable to further their studies at local universities due to racial quotas have valid reasons to be dissatisfied with the NEP.