Prior to this, the government had, in the words of a local economist, played "administrative, supportive, and regulatory" roles in attempting to address the economic imbalance, but avoided "represent direct and active efforts in promoting" Malay interests.
Sebelum rancangan ini, pemerintah Malaysia hanya memainkan peran "administratif, suportif, dan regulatoris" dalam usaha mengalamatkan ketimpangan ekonomi, namun menghindari "usaha perwakilan secara langsung dan aktif" dalam mengedepankan kepentingan Melayu.