Problems encountered in increasing bumiputera participation in commerce in Sabah

Abstract

The creation of a bumiputera commercial and industrial community is a stated government policy of the nation. Similarly, the task of increasing the number of bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sabah has been an important goal of successive State Governments. The implementation of the policy is considered as one of the key tools for restructuring society so that the identification of race with economic function and geographical location may be eliminated. The aim of the present paper is to examine the success of existing policies and programmes aimed at increasing bumiputera participation in business in Sabah. The central focus of the paper is the identification of problems and constraints which are perceived to hinder further success of development efforts pertaining to the creation of a bumiputera commercial and industrial community in Sabah.