ABSTRACT
This chapter delves into the conceptual underpinnings and policy frameworks of affirmative action, in general and with specific application to Malaysia and South Africa. I draw on international and country-specific literature to distil the policy’s defining objectives and instruments. Affirmative action promotes the representation of a disadvantaged group in socially esteemed and economically influential positions – specifically higher education, high-level employment, enterprise and wealth ownership. The policy applies preferential treatment to overcome barriers to entry and systemic disadvantages that render equal opportunity, anti-discrimination enforcement and market-based solutions insufficient. The political imperative of affirmative action is underscored by colonial and apartheid legacies in Malaysia and South Africa and the constitutional authorization. Affirmative action is undeniably contentious, and on logical and moral grounds should be pursued as a transitory intervention. However, popularly articulated alternatives are also complicated and indeterminate – and sometimes incoherent. Ultimately, the affirmative action regimes of Malaysia and South Africa must effectively develop capability and competitiveness, confidence and self-reliance in order to begin rolling back overt race-preferential treatment and reducing dependency. Where possible, progressive distribution within the beneficiary group amplifies inter-generational upward mobility and selection based on capability and potentially enhances the efficacy of affirmative action in developing capability and demonstrating success. This chapter concludes by presenting a systematic framework for formulating need-based and merit-based measures that enhance affirmative action and engage in long-term reforms on a sector-by-sector basis.
