NEP created dependency culture among Malays, say prominent figures

KUALA LUMPUR — Prominent Malaysian figures including Nazir Razak and former Deputy Prime Minister Musa Hitam have joined a growing debate over the long-term impact of the New Economic Policy, arguing that the affirmative action framework inadvertently created a culture of dependency among Malays rather than genuine economic empowerment.

The NEP, implemented since 1971, was designed to eradicate poverty and address economic imbalances between ethnic groups. However, the senior figures contend that the policy's mechanisms and implementation fostered what is colloquially referred to as a "tongkat culture"—a reliance on crutches rather than self-sufficiency.

The criticism reflects broader concerns among Malaysia's economic and political establishment about whether decades of targeted assistance have achieved their intended objectives. Proponents of reform argue that continued dependency on affirmative action measures may hinder long-term competitiveness and economic dynamism in an increasingly globalised marketplace.

The remarks underscore an ongoing national conversation about balancing historical inequities with contemporary economic realities. Such critiques from respected figures within Malaysia's Malay-Muslim majority suggest growing momentum for reassessing how affirmative action policies can be restructured to promote genuine economic advancement rather than sustained reliance on state support.