LAN

Malaysian Studies

ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF THE MALAYSIAN POPULATION



Malaysia is a plural society of many ethnic groups. In West Malaysia, the largest ethnic groups are the Malays. Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, the number of ethnic groups is even bigger including among them the Kadazan, Bajau, Bidayuh, Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Murut.

These groups are categorized into Bumiputra and non Bumiputra. In terms of the size of the group, the Bumiputras far outnumbered the non-bumiputras. nonBased on employment distribution, the bumiputras continue to dominate the agricultural sector. The Chinese and Indians too continue too be predominant in the professions, as accountants, engineers, lawyers and architects. Most of the Malays were originally from Indonesia, mainly from Minangkabau, Javanese, Banjar, Bugis and Boyan Indians from India and Chinese from China.

UNITY AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION



Unity and national integration is important to ensure the people live in peace and harmony. Conflict among the races can bring trouble and disturbance to the country with adverse effects on its development In Malaysia, unity has as its foundation the national ideology (the Rukun Negara).

It is hoped that national unity can be achieved through unity at the following levels : territorial economic, political, educational, social and cultural.

The ultimate objective is of course an overall and lasting integration.

Plural Society:


A complex society such as Malaysia is called a plural society, from the point of view of settlement, politically and socially. Every group has their own religion, culture, language, thinking and way of life. .

Ethnic Relations in Malaysia

The process of Integration : The theory of Racial Relations can be broken down into 5 sectors ::

Segregation in the area of residence, school systems, transportation and public facilities. It occurs whether consciously by law (de jure) or not based on law (de facto) an example of segregation de jure is the apartheid policy (official government policy) that was practiced in South Africa.

Accommodation - ethnic groups are aware of each others norms and values but they continue to safeguard their own living culture. They live in harmony and respect one another. Acculturation is when a minority group accepts the norms, values and patterns of behaviour (culture) of the majority group. This process is a process of borrowing or accepting the cultural elements of the majority group, without changing the original; cultural elements.

Assimilation the entry into a dominant society through friendship and close connection. Amalgamation - when different culture /races mixes to form types of new culture and race, which is done through inter-marriage between ethnic intergroups or races

History of Ethic relations

    

stage of co-existence costage of frequent external contact stage of compromise stage of unity stage of integration

NATIONAL INTEGRATION PROBLEMS Obstacles :



Prejudice a pre-judgment action of actions. The preproblem with this in the country is, it usually takes the form of bad expectations of other races. Communalism the attitude of favouring ones own ethnic community. Ethnocentrism - is the belief that ones own culture is superior to that of others. Such behavior is described as discrimination.

The Basis of Racial Unity in Malaysia

The fundamental reasons behind Malaysias success in uniting her people are:
   

sharing of political power democratic government sound economic growth cultural compromise

RUKUN NEGARA (R N)


The RN was officially proclaimed by the Agong on 31st Aug 1971, on the 13th National Day celebration. The decision to formulate the RN was made after the May 13, 1969 tragedy. The racial clash had eroded the peoples confidence in race relations in the country.

THE OBJECTIVES OF RUKUN NEGARA:

  

Achieving a greater unity among the people; Maintaining a democratic way of life; Creating a society in which the nations wealth can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner; Ensuring a liberal attitude towards the rich and diverse cultural traditions; and Building a progressive society which shall be oriented towards modern science and technology.

THE PRINCIPLES OF RUKUN NEGARA

    

BELIEF IN GOD LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY UPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTION RULE OF LAW DECORUM( socially acceptable behaviour) DECORUM( AND MORALITY

STATUS AND ROLE

1Gods creations (servant of God) obey teachings of religion 2Subject of King and Country Be loyal and patriotic 3Citizen of Democratic country fulfill duties 4Member of civil society- respect laws society5Responsible individual - disciplined

National Development Objectives



The aim is to enhance national economic growth, as well as to ensure a balance in growth between urban and rural sectors. This will then reduce the poverty gap within these sectors. In Malaysia, the policies enshrined in the national development plan are to be enjoyed by all Malaysian citizens. Social development mentioned above is not limited to one particular ethnic group, but goes beyond ethnic and geographical boundaries.

This plan can be divided into 4 main phases of development:



  

Planning prior to the New Economic Policy (NEP) Outline Prospective Plan 1 (OPP1) Outline Prospective Plan 2 (OPP2) Outline Prospective Plan 3 (OPP3 The ultimate objectives for all are the same to create national unity through sociosocioeconomic development.

THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (NEP):



The following are some of the strategies to eradicate poverty modernize the living conditions of the lower income group, both in the urban and rural areas by increasing basic facilities and education such as book assistance and scholarship. Expand employment opportunities for all Malaysian citizens regardless of race Encourage participation in sectors of high potential and high productivity such as business, industries and services Improve further the productivity of the poor, thereby increasing their income.

VISION 2020


To empower citizens to transform Malaysia into a developed nation. It is hoped that in the developed nation, around 9 years from now, Malaysian society will have a strong moral and ethical values and live in an environment that is democratic, liberal and tolerant, caring, fair in economic distribution, progressive and prosperous and be in full control of an economy. The govt has put a time frame of 30 years from the time of its inception to realize Vision 2020.

Nine challenges of Vision 2020:



create a Malaysian nation that is united and with a common objective create a society that is free, peaceful and advanced, confident in its own capabilities, successfully proud and strong in facing problems create and develop a democratic society that is matured and practises a shared philosophy create a moral and ethical society with strong religious and spiritual values

create a society that is tolerant and liberal and free to practice its own customs, culture and religions create a scientific and progressive society that is forward looking and far-sighted and is thus able to contribute to farimproving civilization based on science and technology. Create a caring society and practice a caring culture Create a society that is fair in the distribution of national wealth regardless of race Create a prosperous society with a competitive economy.