Pro-Bumiputera move will have mixed impact in Malaysia

Significance The initiative is aimed at improving the socio-economic position of ethnic Malay and indigenous people, a sizeable majority in Malaysia. The Barisan Nasional (BN) alliance, led by Zahid’s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), is a key partner in government to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, for many years a bitter rival. Impacts Over the next year, the government will launch further pro-Bumiputera initiatives while attempting to ensure inclusivity in TEB planning. UMNO may look to use TEB-related programmes as opportunities to expand its networks of patronage. The promotion of TEB will affirm the long-standing influence of ethnicity and religion in Malaysian politics.