THE government should re-examine Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and restructure Malaysia’s affirmative action policy, said Hassan Abdul Karim. 

“Bumiputeras are allocated RM10 billion every year, yet more than 70% of those who have less than RM10,000 in their EPF accounts are Bumiputeras. 

“Who then are the Bumiputeras who are benefitting from all these allocations when the Malays and the Sabahan and Sarawakian Bumiputeras are still poor?” said the Pasir Gudang MP during the debate on the 2022 Budget in Dewan Rakyat today.

He said that while he supported affirmative action to help poor Malays and Bumiputeras, it was time to be fair to the other races.

“I can see that there are efforts to help Malaysians as RM8.2 billion has been allocated for Keluarga Malaysia. But can the Finance Ministry explain whether the allocation is for all regardless of race and religion?

“As pointed out by others, the allocation for Bumiputeras is RM11.4 billion while the allocation for the Chinese and Indians is only RM345 million. How can they only get 3% when 97% goes to Bumiputeras,” said the PKR lawmaker.

“And when the government says ‘Bumiputera’, I want to know how much is allocated to Sabahans and Sarawakians, and how much goes to Malays,” said Hassan.

Hassan said that he felt moved to raise the issue as he did not want the matter to be championed by non-Malays only.

“I am a Malay Muslim MP and I like that we get more allocations but is this fair when there is such a big gap?

“As a lawyer, we talk about justice and my conscience is pricked by this. When I raise this, it is not because I don’t love my race or don’t want my people or religion to get any allocations. But don’t go over the top,” said Hassan.

Article 153 or the de facto clause for affirmative action provides that it is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s responsibility to safeguard the special position of Malays and Bumiputera from East Malaysia. 

The clause further provides for the government to safeguard the communities’ interest by allocating reasonable resources (permits, licences, scholarships, etc.) to help them without depriving others of their rights. – November 10, 2021.