Citation

Chin, Avril Clarice Ning and Ng, Gary Kit Min (2025) The Quota System in Malaysia – Time for Meritocracy? Asia-Pacific Journal on Human Rights and the Law, 26 (3). pp. 204-226. ISSN 1388-1906

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Abstract

Established under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, the quota system grants preferential treatment to the Bumiputera. This system, originally implemented under the New Economic Policy to address ethnic inequalities and reduce economic disparities between races, has faced criticism for perpetuating disparities and hindering meritocracy. In light of controversies and voices to shift towards a meritocratic system, this article aims to study quota-based and meritocracy-based systems and discuss the feasibility of shifting towards meritocracy in Malaysia. Referring to statistics, news, opinions of scholars and the public, and the mainstream media, it is found that the quota system should not be abolished in its entirety. While maintaining diversity through quotas, the system should also help the poor and recognise merits by adopting a ‘semi-meritocratic’ system that balances between need, merit and identity.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Affirmative action, article 153, constitutional law
Subjects:	K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Law (FOL)
Depositing User:	Ms Rosnani Abd Wahab
Date Deposited:	22 Dec 2025 07:32
Last Modified:	22 Dec 2025 07:32
URII:	http://shdl.mmu.edu.my/id/eprint/15123

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