Affirmative Action in Malaysia and South Africa

Description

Malaysia and South Africa implement the most extensive affirmative action programmes worldwide. This book explores why and how to effect preferential treatment which has been utilized in the pursuit of inter-ethnic parity, specifically in higher education, high-level occupations, enterprise development and wealth ownership. Through methodical and critical analyses of data on education, workforce and population, the book evaluates the primary objectives of increasing majority representation in education, employment, enterprise and ownership. The book also critically considers questions of the attainments and limitations of ethnic preferential treatment in reducing disparity, the challenges of developing capability and reducing dependency and the scope for policy reforms. Lists of figures ix Lists of tables xi Foreword by Thomas E. Weisskopf xii Acknowledgements xiv Lists of abbreviations and terms xvii 1 Preference for parity: purposes, contexts and instruments of affirmative action 1 PART 1 Theoretical and historical underpinnings 19 2 Concepts, complexities, contentions 21 3 Policy regimes: a study in contrasts 48 PART 2 Affirmative action in practice : quotas, codes and preferences 83 4 Affirmative action pillars and programmes: Malaysia 85 5 Affirmative action pillars and programmes: South Africa 107 PART 3 Policy achievements and reforms: progress, shortfalls and prospects 129 6 Empirical literature and analytical framework 131 7 Affirmative action outcomes in Malaysia 144 8 Affirmative action outcomes in South Africa 178 9 Taking stock and looking ahead 223 Bibliography 252 Index 273