Abstract
Guided by the representative bureaucracy literature, this article examines the development and effects of a Malay-dominated bureaucracy in Malaysia. Malay domination is largely the result of ethnic preference in personnel policy and practice to provide employment to the economically disadvantaged Malays and to ensure their control of the bureaucracy. However, it dampens bureaucratic responsiveness to under-represented ethnic groups and government legitimacy among them. It also lowers bureaucratic effectiveness and efficiency. Malay domination of the bureaucracy is thus a multi-valued political choice. Pressures for reconsideration are briefly discussed and difficulties of reform noted.
Notes
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