Think of "affirmative action" and what probably comes to mind are programs for assisting underprivileged minority groups. But in Malaysia, for nearly five decades now, it's the majority ethnic Malays that have received special government help. Critics have long complained that the program hasn't done enough to help truly needy Malays, let alone those of other races. Malaysia's new government is pledging to finally change the system, with a move to helping people based on their needs rather than their race. But as Rian Maelzer reports from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysians have heard such promises before.

Malaysia's affirmative action policy provides ethnic Malays with a host of special privileges. They include getting discounts on homes, university scholarships, high-interest savings schemes, shares in listed companies and reserved government contracts. The policy was created in 1970 to narrow the yawning economic gap with other races. Most would agree the policy, early on at least, helped reduce Malay poverty and create a sizable, Malay middle class. Faris Fazial studied Islamic banking at a university in Jordan on a scholarship reserved for Malays.

FARIS MURTADHA FAZIAL ISLAMIC BANKING EXECUTIVE "With this scholarship, I am able to pay for my tuition fees, I'm able to pay for my food and transportation, pay my house rent. And as I'm a needy person, coming from an ordinary family, for me this policy has really helped me a lot."

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR "But critics point to the policy's many flaws, with even wealthy Malays getting more perks than the poor of other races, and with the politically well-connected having benefitted the most."

And nearly half a century on, Malays still make up the largest number of poor. The new government elected in May has indicated it wants to move away from affirmative action based on race.

S. ARUTCHELVAN SOCIALIST PARTY OF MALAYSIA "A lot of money didn't go to the really needy ones. The new government really needs to have the will and I think the Malay majority will support the new government if affirmative action is actually by needs."

In 2009, then-Prime Minister Najib Razak vowed to overhaul the policy but never really followed through. Malaysia's new ruling coalition is less beholden to right-wing Malay nationalists and already breaking with convention by choosing non-Malays for key posts in the administration. It's raising hopes that this time, the government will finally ensure that affirmative action helps people based on their needs and regardless of their race. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.