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Anwar’s justification for maintaining the apartheid-style quota system is deeply flawed. His argument that the political coalition would lose votes if the status quo were changed highlights a disturbing prioritization of political power over equality and meritocracy.
Athena Angel, Focus Malaysia
The recent controversy in Malaysia surrounding the cardiothoracic surgery programme at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has reignited national discussion on the country’s apartheid policy.
Maria Polytechnic, which has historically admitted only “bumiputera” (literally “sons of the soil”) students, has been criticized for its exclusionary policies, which many believe exacerbate racial inequality.
The introduction of a new cardiothoracic surgery course that does not require a medical examination for admission has further highlighted the disparity in educational opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
Malaysia is unique in the world in its practice of apartheid, with the decades-old, outdated policy favouring the majority Malay population, or Bumiputera, while ethnic minorities such as Malaysian Chinese and Indians are severely disadvantaged.
These radical policies, especially Malaysia’s New Economic Policy (NEP) of 1970, were initially aimed at reducing economic disparities.
However, these policies have evolved into a mechanism that systematically harms the interests of non-Malay communities, particularly the Chinese and Indians.
This racial discrimination persists in all areas, including education, where non-Indigenous students face huge barriers to access quality higher education and scholarships.
The government’s policy of positive discrimination favours the Malay majority and bumiputera status, particularly in areas such as education.
Indigenous students receive heavily subsidized education at local universities and dominate both student numbers and employment opportunities.
Non-Indigenous students often find it difficult to obtain scholarships and access public universities, resulting in significant gaps in educational opportunities.
UMNO Youth chief Akmal Saleh’s recent attack on journalist Andrew Sia’s opinion piece titled “Apartheid Academy” is a stark reminder of the resistance to change that exists within certain political circles.
Sia’s article criticised Universiti Teknologi MARA for its racial exclusivity, which was met with hostility from Akmal, who angrily defended the status quo and demanded that Sia retract the article and apologize.
This overreaction highlights the deep-seated resistance among Malaysia’s elite to address and redress racial inequality in Malaysia. Rather than silencing critics, political leaders should engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions that promote inclusivity and equality.
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