The Malay Dilemma

The Malay Dilemma
Dilema Melayu (in Malay)

The front cover of The Malay Dilemma: With a New Preface
Author	Mahathir Mohamad
Language	English
Subject	Non-fiction
Publisher	Asia Pacific Press
Publication date	1970
Publication place	Malaysia
Pages	188
ISBN	978-981-204-355-9
OCLC	246739691

This article is part of a series about Mahathir Mohamad
Early life Electoral history Political positions Awards and honours Prime Minister of Malaysia First term (1981-2003) North-South Expressway MSC Malaysia Proton Holdings Wawasan 2020 National Development Policy 1993 constitutional amendment Bangsa Malaysia Operation Haze IMT-GT Reformasi "Asian values" Putrajaya Petronas Towers Second term (2018-2020) Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 International trips THM fund Borneo states bill 2020 political crisis Cabinets I II III IV V VI VII Political parties UMNO (1964–2016) BERSATU (2016–2020) PEJUANG (2020–2023) PUTRA (2023–present) Coalitions Alliance Party (1964–1974) Barisan Nasional (1974–2016) Pakatan Harapan (2017–2020) Gerakan Tanah Air (2022–2023) Family Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali Mukhriz Mahathir Mokhzani Mahathir Marina Mahathir Related KL War Crimes Commission The Malay Dilemma Citizens' Declaration Asian values Teater Tun Siti Hasmah Mahathir, the Musical Mahathir Science Award Gallery Quotes
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The Malay Dilemma (Malay: Dilema Melayu) is a 1970 book by Malaysian politician and writer Mahathir Mohamad, who went on to be the country's longest serving Prime Minister.

In it, Mahathir describes his interpretation of Malaysia's history in relation to its multi-ethnic society and racial tensions, and advocates for affirmative action policies for Malays. The book was originally banned in Malaysia; the ban was lifted 11 years after its first publication after Mahathir became prime minister. Commentators have since noted its influence on Malaysian society and governance, particularly the New Economic Policy.