ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bumiputra

Imagine that you are playing a game with your friends, but only certain kids are allowed to play. Those kids get extra toys and treats, while you and your other friends have to watch from the sidelines. That wouldn't be very fair, right?

Well, that's sort of how the concept of bumiputra works in Malaysia. The word "bumiputra" means "son of the soil" in Malay, and it refers to people who are considered to be native to Malaysia.

In the past, Malaysia was ruled by colonizers from other countries who didn't always treat the local people fairly. So, the Malaysian government decided to give special advantages to bumiputra people to help make up for that inequality.

These advantages might include things like easier access to jobs, education, and business opportunities. The idea is to help level the playing field and give bumiputra people a better chance to succeed.

Of course, this can sometimes make things more difficult for people who aren't bumiputra. They might feel left out or not have the same advantages. But the hope is that by giving these advantages to bumiputra people, Malaysia as a whole can become more inclusive and fair.