Conquest to Equality: Exploring Discrimination against Indians in Malaysia

Abstract

The Indian communities in Malaysia emerged in the colonial times, marking their socio-economic presence and contributing to the productivity of the region. But through the course of history, Indians have been subjected to institutionalized discrimination, through the tools of social segregation and violence ever since Malaysia received its independence. This paper attempts to trace the origins of the discriminatory arrangement that the community is subjugated to through historical connotations. Despite being a considerable proportion of the demography of the country, the experience of alienation and marginalisation from the mainstream has become a habit for the Indian community. The system of affirmative action policies in form of Bhumiputera debate have been central to the argument of discriminatory nature of governance along with religious persecution, lack of political representation, socio-economic differentiation and dearth of opportunities. There have been protests countering favouritism in policymaking processes like the HINDRAF movement but there hasn't been any concrete resolution to the same. This paper will highlight the above strands of discrimination faced by the Indian community and will aim to suggest measures to rectify their situation.