This paper looks at the net societal balance of post-independence affirmative action policies in Malaysia. Social imbalances prompted the country to implement affirmative policies to uplift the majority natives (Malays, Indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, etc.). These policies were reluctantly accepted by the immigrant communities (Chinese, Indian, Eurasians, etc.). After 35 years of implementation, the different ethnic groups still struggle to share the country's economic resources. The author visited Malaysia during the summer of 2005.