ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that socio-economic factors are merely one facet of the problem. There are other important social factors that contribute to the underdevelopment of educational access and quality of education for indigenous children in East Malaysia. The chapter analyses clash between universalism and pluralism in Malaysia's education system. It also focuses on the education of indigenous children in East Malaysia, which is composed of two constituent states – Sabah and Sarawak. Furthermore, in Malaysia, several laws and policies have led to systemic discrimination against indigenous and minority groups. One such discrimination lies in the documentation requirements, which many groups are unable to fulfil, and which therefore pose a regulatory barrier alienating indigenous groups in Sabah and Sarawak. The chapter studies on information obtained from conversations and discussions with civil society activists and political actors. A key political factor that contributes to the underdevelopment of educational access and quality in East Malaysia is the politicization of education along ethnic lines.
