MERITOCRACY IS NOT THE ANSWER FOR THE MARGINALISED INDIANS: Meritocracy Alone Cannot Address the Plight of Marginalised Malaysians: A Call for Inclusive Affirmative Action
In March 2010, Prime Minister Najib Razak unveiled the New Economic Model (NEM), aiming to transform Malaysia into a high-income nation. The NEM emphasises inclusive growth, focusing on elevating the income levels of all disadvantaged individuals and eradicating poverty, irrespective of race. It is built upon four key principles: being market-friendly, merit-based, transparent, and needs-based.
However, the establishment of the Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) in February 2011 and the allocation of 43% of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) works bill to Bumiputera firms appear to diverge from the NEM’s commitment to inclusivity. TERAJU was established as a strategic unit under the Prime Minister’s Department to lead, coordinate, and drive Bumiputera economic participation through existing and new initiatives.
While it is acknowledged that a significant portion of the Malay/Bumiputera population remains economically disadvantaged, affirmative action policies must also urgently address the needs of marginalised groups such as poor Indians, Orang Asli, and impoverished Chinese communities. It is essential to recognise that disadvantage is not inherently linked to race; many individuals from various ethnic backgrounds are thriving, while others are struggling. Meritocracy alone does not rectify historical disparities; it is essential to implement affirmative action policies that consider socioeconomic needs rather than race. Therefore, policies should be based on socioeconomic status rather than racial identity.
To promote equitable development, the government should consider establishing a new unit or expanding TERAJU’s mandate to oversee participation in education, the economy, employment, and housing for disadvantaged individuals, regardless of race. Immediate areas of focus could include:
Education:
- Establishing boarding schools for underprivileged children to provide conducive learning environments.
- Ensuring access to matriculation programmes.
- Providing scholarships for tertiary education, both locally and abroad.
Economy:
- Allocating company shares with mechanisms to finance and retain them for long-term capital gains.
- Opening up the National Equity Corporation Scheme.
- Extending FELDA schemes to all disadvantaged groups.
- Providing access to microcredit facilities.
Employment:
- Appointing qualified individuals to board positions in Government-Linked Companies (GLCs), Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs), State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and State-Owned Investment Companies (SOICs), irrespective of race, religion, or socioeconomic background.
- Ensuring fair representation in the government sector.
Housing:
- Developing affordable housing projects.
- Offering financing options with minimal or no interest.
To prevent past issues such as cronyism and the “Ali-Baba” phenomenon, robust monitoring mechanisms should be implemented, including at least quarterly reviews to assess the effectiveness of affirmative action initiatives and ensure that desired outcomes are achieved within targeted time frames.
While some advocate for a purely merit-based system, it is important to recognise that such an approach may not address historical and systemic inequalities. Equal treatment in the present does not rectify past disadvantages. For instance, an Indian contractor may have equal access to tender processes but may lack the experience or track record to compete effectively, resulting in an uneven playing field.
Implementing race-blind policies without addressing pre-existing disparities can inadvertently perpetuate inequality. To correct such inequities, affirmative action based on need is essential. This approach encourages favourable treatment of socially disadvantaged individuals in areas such as employment, education, and government contracts, without regard to race, colour, or religion, aiming to reverse historical discrimination and create equality of opportunity for qualified persons.
As Oliver Wendell Holmes stated, “There is no greater inequality than the equal treatment of unequals.”
As Malaysia celebrates its 54th Independence Day and 48th Malaysia Day, it is hoped that meritocracy based on need, irrespective of race, will be implemented in the near future to foster a more just and equitable society.
Manivannan Rethinam, A.M.P.
National Secretary, MIC Entrepreneur Committee
National Secretary, Persatuan Kebajikan OSGH Malaysia
Chairman, MIC Kg. Cheras Batu 4 Branch
Note: This article follows up on my earlier call to action urging the government to allocate 10% of the MRT project to Indian contractors, as published in Free Malaysia Today and The Star on 26th August 2011—“MRT: ‘Give Indian Contractors 10%’.
– http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/08/24/mrt-give-indian-contractors-10/
– http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/8/26/nation/9370746&sec=nation