Bumiputra: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Introduction

Bumiputra (Sanskrit, translated literally, it means "princes of the Earth") or sometimes spelled as Bumiputera is an official definition widely used in Malaysia, embracing ethnic Malays as well as other indigenous ethnic groups.

In Malaysia, certain pro-bumiputra policies exist that are a form of affirmative action. However, it stands as the only example of affirmative action where such actions benefit the majority race of a country. Such policies include quotas for the following: admission to government educational institutions, qualification for public scholarships, positions in government and ownership in business. Since 2000, the Government has discussed phasing out these advantages, and reinstating a "meritocracy". In 2003, the government claimed to open up university admissions for students.

Such policies were rationalised by claims that these policies would provide more opportunity for bumiputras in order for them to be competitive against foreign interests who had gained unfair advantage due to colonial policies. However, in practice new immigrants are often declared bumiputra while citizens who can trace back their heritage pre-dating formation of the nation are not bumiputra. Such policies are now largely cynical and ethnically based.

It is generally considered that all Malays are bumiputra and that all bumiputras are Malay. This is technically incorrect, as there are cases of non-Malays declared as bumiputra, and similarly of Malays (who are not Muslim) who are not considered bumiputra. However, the definition excludes ethnic Chinese. Some Indians are similarly excluded.

This confusion is compounded by the fact that different ministries of the government may have different definitions themselves. What is not obscure is that legally-based preferential racial bias for bumiputra is built into the Malaysian constitution. In practice, racial policies were a consistent, even fundamental basis for the long regime of Mahathir bin Mohamad, 1981 - 2003, as laid out in his own book The Malay Dilemma (1970).

The Malaysian Federal Constitution has clauses specifically addressing the area of Malay rights but does not explicitly protect any Bumiputra rights per se. Article 153 states that:

"the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (The King of Malaysia) shall exercise his functions... in such a manner as may be necessary to safeguard the special position of the Malays... to ensure the reservation... of such proportion... in the public service... and of scholarships... and other similar educational... privileges or special facilities given... by the Federal Government".

The Constitution defines Malays as being one who "professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom".

Some argue that the advantages afforded to bumiputras are said to border on outright racism.

Examples of such policies include

• A certain percentage of stock in publicly listed companies must be owned by Bumiputras.

• A certain percentage of housing in any development has to be sold to Bumiputra owners. Housing developers are required to provide a minimum discount to Bumiputra buyers of these lots. Fulfillment of this quota is often by ear-marking less desirable properties as "bumiputra lots".

• A basket of government guarunteed and run mutual funds are available for purchase by Bumiputra buyers only.

• Many government tendered projects require that companies submitting tenders be bumiputra owned.

Some argue that the legal and economic advantages were necessary for Malaysia to reduce ethnic conflict and insure that economic opportunity in Malaysia was evenly distributed.

Yet, many of the policies seem to strive for equality of results than equality of opportunity. This can be seen by the targets set, for example 30% of all equity in Bumiputra hands is attempting for equality of results. 30% of Bumiputras trained and certified to run companies would represent a better equality in terms of opportunity.

Despite such policies for nearly half a century the Bumiputras today have not seemd to "arrive".

See also Discrimination against non-Muslims in Malaysia.