ABSTRACT
A convergence of factors have compelled and facilitated the breadth and intensity of Malaysia's affirmative action. Malaysia is one of a few countries where a majority and politically dominant ethnic group, the Bumiputera, 1 was socially excluded and economically disadvantaged in the aftermath of colonial rule. Bumiputera under-representation in tertiary education institutions and upper occupational positions, and in ownership and control over economic activity, was starker in Malaysia than in most nations that implement forms of affirmative action. Socio-political demands for preferential policies inevitably arose out of such conditions. At the same time, Malaysia's abundant natural endowments and relatively robust record of economic growth, development spending, and rapid industrialization have availed resources and opportunities to be redistributed. Additionally, the perpetuation of a one-party political system since independence in 1957, and exertion of Malay dominance within the ruling race-based Alliance (1957–1974) and Barisan Nasional (or National Front) (1974-) coalitions, coupled with the expansion of executive power from the 1980s, permitted racial preference to be instituted in more explicit and extensive forms than would be realizable in most countries. The United Malays' National Organization (UMNO) is acknowledged as the hegemonic party in the Barisan Nasional, which comprises about a dozen, mostly ethnically-based, parties. 2
