Najib to introduce merit-based scholarships, hints at dropping racial quotas

Datuk Seri Najib Razak gives a speech at the dinner organised by the MCA/ACCIM tonight. Najib at the event said he intends to introduce merit-based scholarships by next year. – Picture by Jack Ooi

By Neville Spykerman- The Malaysian Insider

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said tonight the government would introduce purely merit-based public scholarships by next year, and also indicated his administration’s intent to completely do away with race-based quotas in more sectors.

The prime minister’s remarks at a dinner organised by the Chinese community appear to be designed to win back the support of non-Malay voters for Barisan Nasional (BN).

While his announcement was short on details, it also indicates his administration’s efforts at hijacking Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) more multi-racial platform.

The prime minister said tonight that he believed quotas were bad and that he wanted to create a win-win situation for all Malaysians.

Najib’s remarks seem to also suggest that he believes he can control the potential backlash from Malays while wanting to convince the non-Malays that, even if they have misgivings about Umno and BN, they should have faith in him.

Speaking at a dinner organised by the MCA and Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCCIM), he said a new “National Scholarship” would be formed next year. The National Scholarship will be a new category of aid offered by the Public Service Department (PSD).

“These scholarships will be based 100 per cent on merit and those who receive them will be the best of the best,” said the prime minister.

Najib added that he would also soon be announcing a major shift in policy and hinted at doing away with some forms of quotas soon. “I will not let the cat of the bag now but will announce it later,” he said.

Najib (5th from right) receives a commemorative painting from members of the MCA and ACCIM. — Picture by Jack Ooi

Najib’s speech represents his government’s first concrete response to growing unhappiness — especially among the non-Malay communities — with his government.

Recently, there were widespread protests particularly from the Chinese community over the way PSD scholarships were awarded. There also continues to be displeasure over race-based quotas, particularly from the business community.

The uneasiness has grown recently with Umno politicians pushing for unity talks with PAS, in what was seen as an entrenchment of Umno and BN’s racial policies.

Tonight, the PM acknowledged the failure of quotas when he said “Having quotas is not the right way and is not good for Bumiputeras.”

Najib said he was aware of the rent seeking collaboration between Bumiputera and Chinese businessmen which undermined the purpose of the quota system.

“We know what’s going on and it’s not getting us anywhere.”

He said the government wanted to create a mutually beneficial situation which was acceptable to all communities. He added the new policy would remove the obstacles to doing business and address the complaints from the Chinese community about government policy and implementation.

Najib acknowledged that the Chinese community only wanted fairer policies, and are not opposed to Bumiputeras progressing or helping them to get ahead.

He added the government understood the need to address the concerns of the Chinese community, especially in areas such as education, the economy, religion and the rising crime rate, in order to regain their confidence.