But neither are the bumiputras homogenous. This explosive mixture erupted in May 1969, when the economic dominance of the Chinese amidst the poverty of the Malays sparked race riots. But history has not repeated itself since, and years of affirmative action for the bumiputras have produced a sizable Malay middle class, crucial for stability. But it's a fragile peace, reliant on a growing economic pie and strict laws with which to punish anyone inflaming racial tensions. We need high growth not just to reach developed status but to maintain racial harmony.
Race defines the Malaysian ethos.
The preferential treatment accorded the bumiputras to bring them up to parity with the richer Chinese has been a perennial source of dissatisfaction with the non-bumiputra segment of society. But go-go growth has defused many problems, because almost everyone has benefited from the expanding economy. That's a remarkable clarion call and, for Malaysia, wildly egalitarian. It implies the subsuming of ethnic identity in favour of a national mien and the scrapping of affirmative action altogether. Mahathir is saying that we be Malaysian first and then only Malay, Indian or Kadazan.