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I’m sure the public is well aware of statistics on income according to races as revealed in Mid Term review of 9th Malaysian Plan. Specifically the average income for Malays and Indians were listed as below:

• Bumiputera’s mean income
  increased by 5.2% to RM3,156 in 2007 from RM2,711 in 2004.
• Indians’ income rose 3.2% to RM3,799 from RM3.456

That means the Indians on average earned 20 percent more than the Bumiputras in 2007 (RM3,799 versus RM3,156). The acceleration rate is 5.2 percent for Bumiputra against 3.2% for Bumiputras. If this continues, its possible that in next 5 years, the Bumiputras will earn more than the Indians, on average.

I’ve always asking why the term Bumiputra (and not Malay) is used. What would the statistics be like?

Thanks to MP Charles Santiago’s question in the Parliament, we get more details as below. It makes me think why those fellows in MIC never asked for such details before in the last decade (at least to my knowledge).

The statement and tables below show that the Malays in Peninsular earned RM3,311 on average in 2007 while those in Sarawak Rm3,503 and Sabah RM3,089. That means it doesn’t a genius to know that actual poverty is among the real Bumiputras (averagebetween RM2,063 and RM2,857). Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia are the worst with income around RM1,397.

That means, in 2007 the Indians earn on average only 14 percent more than Malays in Peninsular Malaysia (Its a fairer comparison as most Indians live in the Peninsular). Given the benefits and privileges the Malays get, is it fair to say that Indians are doing better than Malays? Shouldn’t the non-privileged communities be given handicap?

Reply on Average Income Breakdown

Reply on Average Income Breakdown 2

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From NST:

Seeking flexibility in their jobs and not low wages was the reason for non-bumiputras to shy away from joining the Armed Forces (ATM). Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop said it cannot be the low wages factor as even a cadet’s basic salary was around RM1,400, excluding service, cost of living allowance (cola) and housing allowances.

From the 101,630 Armed Forces personnel in service, 88.8 percent or 90,254 are Malays, 9.3 percent or 9,411 others, 1.3 percent or 1,316 Indians and 0.6 percent or 649 Chinese, said Abu Seman when answering a question by Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) who wanted to know the involvement of various races in the Armed Forces.

The basic salary mentioned above is after the salary review last year I guess. If include all the allowances, it would reach at least RM1800. For a job that involves less expenses, its a good salary. Probably can save 50 - 60% of it. But really, is RM1800 enough? For those with high ambition, it certainly won’t be. Once married, the expenses will increase, so one will consider the career prospects. Plus with Chinese and Indian having less children per family, the thought of their children entering the army may not bode well with the parents. Of course this is merely my assumption.

I also think its a combination of factors. Those who do well in exams will opt for the standard jobs - doctor, engineer, IT, accounting, law, architecture, science, etc. Those who did badly may not qualify for a job in the army. For the smaller population of Indians and Chinese, that doesn’t leave many candidates left.

However, by glamorising the army and through intake of students via National Defense University,it is possible to attract more recruits especially in the officer levels.

If its about money, career in army is not the answer. If its about wearing a uniform and serving the country, then yes, its a good choice.

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Earlier, Prof Arabi reported his analysis of the election results. He indicated a rather stereotype profiling - Indians felt marginalised, Chinese unhappy with the economy management, and Malays unhappy that government giving in too much to non-Malays. Continue Reading »

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