Bumiputera ?

Definition

The concept of a "Bumiputra" race in Malaysia was coined by Tunku Abdul Rahman and has its roots in the recognition of the "special position" of the Malays given by the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, in particular Article 153.


The constitution does not mention the term "bumiputra", it only contains the definitions of "Malay" and "aborigine" (Article 160(2))[1], "natives" of Sarawak (161A(6)(a))[2], and "natives" of Sabah (Article 161A(6)(b))[2].


Thus, the definition of "bumiputra" varies in different institutions, organizations or other government departments and agencies.

According to the book entitled "Buku Panduan Kemasukan ke Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam, Program Pengajian Lepasan SPM/Setaraf Sesi Akademik 2007/2008" (Guidebook for entry into public higher learning institutions for SPM/equivalent graduates for academic year 2007/2008), by Student Entry Management under Management Department of Higher Education Institution, Malaysian Higher Education Ministry, the definition of Bumiputra are as follows:


Peninsular Malaysia

"If one of the parents is Muslim Malay or Orang Asli as stated in Article 160 (2) Federal Constitution of Malaysia; thus the child is considered as a Bumiputra"

Sabah

"If a father is a Muslim Malay or indigenous native of Sabah as stated in Article 160A (6)(a) Federal Constitution of Malaysia; thus his child is considered as a Bumiputra"

Sarawak

"If both of the parent are indigenous native of Sarawak as stated in Article 160A (6)(b) Federal Constitution of Malaysia; thus their child is considered as a Bumiputra"

In addition to the interpretation given above, there have been proposals for a broader definition of bumiputra to include groups such as the Thai Malaysians, Muslim Indian Malaysians, Straits Chinese or Peranakan [3]and the Kristang people of Portuguese descent.

I am in midway of doing my work and come across the word bumiputra and it get my attention to look at it in detail for the first time in my life as a Malaysian.


A bumiputra as define in the article above, it does intrigue me in many way. I think the main question is how do we actually award this so ‘special position’ to people

1. How do you define Malay?


2. Does the government consider Indonesian as Malay? Malay-Chinese a Malay or a Hindu-Malay a Malay too?


3. Even trickier question, Malay Muslim is considered a bumiputera? So is an Indonesian Malay-Muslim a bumiputera?


4. Can we stripped of bumiputra status? Such as for so called bumiputra who no longer reside in Malaysia or have PR or Citizenship in other countries?


5. Does this bumiputera being awarded or being inherited?


Tons and tons of questions just flushed into my mind and in a quick flash, I realized that inequalities by segregating difference races policy in Malaysia is actually a game of toying the flame.