Meritocracy with Affirmative Action
The Importance of Affirmative Action
It is heartening to hear that Sarawak has decided to remove race-based quotas for university entrance and to bring back meritocracy as the basis for entry into tertiary educational institutions. However, before we go overboard with total meritocracy, let us not forget that affirmative action was intended for a noble purpose and is based on some critically important principles.
Aiding the Less Privileged and Marginalized Groups
The Orang Asal – Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit, Penan and others – are the poorest and most exploited indigenous people in Sarawak and they should receive adequate affirmative action. In contrast, affirmative action in Peninsular Malaysia is driven by the politically dominant and majority Malay elite and is directed at the Malay community, as the beneficiary group, regardless of wealth and position.
Specific Goals, Quotas, and Sunset Clauses
Any preferential treatment for any group should be followed by specific goals, quotas, and sunset clauses. In contrast, the goals of the “Never Ending Policy” – the NEP, remain obscure. Though it was supposedly designed to end in 1990, the NEP continues its populist run in Malaysia, periodically renewed under some other Orwellian terminology.
Conclusion: Our Experience at New Era College
Allow me to illustrate the above with our experience at New Era College when I was principal from 2000 to 2008. Since our tertiary institution was set up by the Chinese community mainly but not solely for the graduates from the Chinese independent secondary schools whose Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is not recognised by the government, naturally the enrolment was mostly Chinese. There was never a doubt that the educational standards at the college would be based on meritocracy. Nevertheless, we implemented affirmative action practices in the campus because we wanted to attract non-Chinese students to enrol to ensure a more ethnically mixed campus.
A Balanced Approach
Thus, if we are serious about eradicating poverty in Sarawak, Sabah, as well as in the peninsula, affirmative action must be considered for the Orang Asal and other marginalised communities while maintaining meritocracy as the rule in all educational institutions. Furthermore, students from marginalised communities whose learning styles may vary, must be given special assistance to acclimatise to a campus culture. By doing so, Malaysia can become a beacon of inclusive educational attainment and thus leave no child behind because of their disadvantaged start in life.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of affirmative action?
A: Affirmative action is intended to aid the less privileged and marginalized groups in society, providing them with equal opportunities and a fair chance to succeed.
Q: Why is affirmative action necessary?
A: Affirmative action is necessary to address the historical and systemic inequalities that have disadvantaged certain groups, such as the Orang Asal and other marginalized communities, from accessing education and other opportunities.
Q: How can affirmative action be implemented effectively?
A: Affirmative action can be implemented effectively by setting specific goals, quotas, and sunset clauses, and by providing targeted support and resources to marginalized communities.
Q: Is meritocracy compatible with affirmative action?
A: Yes, meritocracy and affirmative action are compatible. Meritocracy is based on individual talent and achievement, while affirmative action is based on addressing historical and systemic inequalities. By combining both, we can create a more inclusive and equitable education system.