Tobacco and the Malays: ethnicity, health and the political economy of tobacco in Malaysia

ABSTRACTObjectives: To identify the historical nexus between Malaysia’s largest and politically dominant ethnic group and the political economy of tobacco, and to consider the implications of this connection for tobacco control.Design: Primary and secondary documentary sources in both English and Malay were analysed to illuminate key events and decisions, and the discourse of industry and government. Sources included: speeches by Malaysian political and industry actors; tobacco industry reports, press releases and websites; government documents; World Health Organization (WHO) tobacco control literature; and press reports.Results: Malays have the highest smoking prevalence among Malaysia’s major ethnic groups. The tobacco industry has consistently been promoted as furthering Malay economic development. Malays play the major role in growing and curing. Government-owned Malay development trusts have been prominent investors in tobacco corporations, which have cultivated linkages with the Malay elite. The re...