Bumiputera

Bumiputera is a Malaysian term meaning “sons of the soil” and is used to describe groups regarded as indigenous to the country. The phrase is widely used in government and policy contexts, but it is not a precise constitutional category. In practice, bumiputera generally covers Malays and the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, with eligibility determined by government agencies and policy definitions.

In Malaysia, bumiputera status underpins the government’s affirmative action programs designed to address economic disparities. After the 1971 New Economic Policy, policies sought to increase bumiputera ownership in key sectors, expand access to higher education, and provide preferences in public procurement, housing, and civil service recruitment. The aim is to promote social equity and reduce income gaps between ethnic groups, while maintaining political stability.

Contemporary debate around bumiputera policies focuses on balancing affirmative action with merit, efficiency, and non-discrimination. Proponents argue that targeted measures are necessary to correct historical imbalances and to ensure national unity. Critics contend that the policies can entrench group-based advantages, hinder competition, and create uncertainty for non-bumiputera groups.

Outside Malaysia, the term is occasionally used in Brunei to refer to the Malay-majority population and other indigenous groups. In Indonesia, bumiputera is not a standard legal category; the country typically uses terms like pribumi (indigenous peoples) to describe native groups. The Malaysian concept of bumiputera remains a distinctive element of its affirmative-action framework and a subject of ongoing policy reform discussions.