“We Need Our Privileges”!

 A recent Merdeka Centre survey revealed a stark generational divide in Malaysia’s racial politics, with 73% of young Malays supporting the continuation of Bumiputera privileges. In a revealing snapshot of Malaysia’s racial divide, 73% of young Malays have voted to maintain their special privileges. That effectively endorses unequal treatment of their fellow citizens in a country where they form 60% of the 32 million population. The Merdeka Centre’s recent survey of 1,605 young people aged 18 to 30 lays bare an uncomfortable truth.

While respondents across all ethnicities were evenly split on equal rights, with 48% supporting equality and 49% favouring special privileges, the breakdown among Malay respondents tells a different story. An overwhelming 73% backed continuing Bumiputera privileges, with only 24% supporting equal rights for all Malaysians.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

This stance effectively endorses a system where university admissions, housing rates, government positions, and business opportunities are allocated based on ethnicity rather than merit. While defenders frame it as protection for disadvantaged communities, critics see it as institutionalized inequality that divides modern Malaysia.

The survey findings appear to reflect deeper concerns about economic security and cultural heritage rather than racial prejudice. Young Malays consistently express concern about maintaining Bumiputera representation and protecting disadvantaged members of their community. After over half a century of affirmative action, the policy’s effectiveness remains questionable.

From Melaka, where over 70% of the population is Malay/Muslim, to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, where diverse communities intersect, the sentiment remains surprisingly consistent among young Malays.

Their strong support for continued privileges suggests Malaysia’s racial divide may persist well into the future, even as the country aspires to compete in an increasingly merit-based global economy.

The findings present a challenging paradox for Malaysia’s future: how can a nation progress while its majority youth population actively supports unequal treatment based on ethnicity? Yet despite these challenges, Malaysia has emerged as a model of multicultural harmony in Southeast Asia. Different ethnic groups, religions, and cultures coexist peacefully.

With that as a backdrop, it is no wonder you find young Malaysians of other ethnicities leave, and never to return. As a good measure, it is better for Madani to shut-down Talent Corp or any other institution that are trying to woo back young Malaysians! It is just a waste of resources and time!

Reference:

Young Malays reject equal rights: “We need our privileges”, Fernando Fong, The Rakyat Post, 

25 November 2024