Those who understand Malaysia's economic and political landscape will agree that the New Economic Policy (NEP) is not merely an instrument to achieve equitable economic growth.

Born in the aftermath of the 1969 racial riots, it was intended to create national unity within a multi-ethnic scenario by removing the causes of socio-economic disparities inherited from the colonial government's administration.

The policy, which took effect in 1970, rested on two planks - eradication of poverty regardless of race, and restructuring of society to eliminate the identification of race with economic function.