Malaysian Studies Essay: Equality in Malaysia, does it exists?

It has been 55 years since our country had gained independence. As we gaze back into the past decade of our nation’s humble history, we can see many progressive developments happening in our country. Despite the political, economy and social stability in our country, many of us are still unsatisfied by the issues regarding equality of Malaysians in opportunities of education, government service and the distribution of special privileges to certain ethnics. Is our country equal? Does our government practice social equality in maintaining the rights of its denizens? 

Before we look into this issue, I would like to ask you to pause and ponder about the following question: Is being 'equal' same as being 'fair'? Being 'fair' means that you act accordingly to the conditions before satisfying all sides whereas being 'equal' means that regardless of everything, you satisfy all sides unconditionally. Hence, we should bear in mind that there is a great difference between this two words.

Well, in my context, equality means people of different identities being given the similar  treatment and respect regardless of their sex, age, race, ethnics, cultures and historical backgrounds. Each and every one of them is given the same opportunities and aids that result in positive growth and development, thus enabling them to discover their true potential and increasing their competency and versatility to assist Malaysia in its future developments. 

Well, do you think that our country practices equality for every citizen? The easiest way is to look at the constitution of Malaysia. According to Article 8 of the Constitution of Malaysia, all persons are equal before the law and entitled to its equal protection and there shall be no discrimination against citizens. However, the article also mentions that “affirmative actions” are taken to protect the special position of Malays and indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak. This reflects the opportunity crisis that befalls the non-bumiputeras whom their next generations have long officially became the citizens of our country since independence.

Sad to say, but inequality does exist in many forms and ways that are powerful enough to shape the fate of these descendants of so called “immigrants” that had assisted the country in gaining the independence of the nation. For instance, many opportunities in education such as the places in many renowned government universities such as the University of Malaya and University of Science, Malaysia are reserved for Malays based on the quota system. Bumiputera students whom have average results in their SPM examination can apply for the matriculation program, a 1 year pre-u course that accepts 90% bumiputera students, which is tailor-made for them. Their access to major government universities is guaranteed and they will be faster than any other post-high school students in getting a degree. Many scholarships are also offered by the government to help the bumiputera students. 

In business, business license application is easier for  bumiputeras when compared to the non-bumiputeras. They can also apply for relatively low interest rate loans compared to the other races. In the New Economy Policy, foreign companies whom want to invest in our country by establishing manufacturing factories must recruit 30% of the bumi's to work in their factories and hold their assets. Job opportunities in government sectors are also in the favor of bumi's. More than 80% of the positions are granted for them. Everything in this country works based on the rigid quota system that benefits the major race in Malaysia that is burgeoning in a rapid rate. Our country should embrace upon meritocracy and not thinking of going to please the majority for political purposes. So, do you think that our country is equal? It is all up to you to decide.

We, Malaysians had been living in this strange system that does not support equality for many years and yet continue to live on it. If this persists, I feared that disunity and division among us will continue to progress and not dwindle. Hence, I really hope that there will be a drastic change in the equality systems of our country for the betterment of our life and our future.