Malaysia: Minorities pessimistic about controversial socio-economic initiative

Najib Abdul Razak, Malaysia's prime minister, is set to present on Tuesday a new economic policy, a controversial socio-economic initiative that aims to give equal treatment to all ethnic groups in the country.

But for decades many ethnic Chinese and Indian groups have long grieved of institutionalised discrimination and alleged the country's ethnic majority enjoy special advantages in housing, education and employment.

Waves of ethnic Chinese and Indians left the country between 2008 and 2009 to seek a better life abroad.

Although Najib is vowing equality for all, minority communities are pessimistic.

Laura Kyle reports from Kuala Lumpur.

Published by i On Global Trends - Mike Hitchen Online - news, opinion, analysis
See also Sydney Irresistible and for personal comment, Mike Hitchen Unleashed
Putting principles before profits