1. Chapter 7: Nation Building
Malaysian Studies
Chapter 7:
Nation Building

2. Malaysia’s Social History
Malaysia – plural society of many ethnic groups; each with different way of life, language, political orientation, economy, etc.
Unique, often envied by some countries
We can live peacefully with each other, though we’re very different in many ways
The main ethnic composition of Malaysia can be summarized as:

3. Peninsular Malaysia Malay Chinese Indian Indigenous Banjar Boyan Bugis
Jawa
Kampar
Kerinchi
Mendaling
Minangkabau
Rawa
Johor-Riau
Hokkien
Chuan-Chew
Chin-Chew
Eng-Hua
Eng-Choon
Hok-Chew
Kwantung
Kanton
Teochew
Hakka
Hailam
Malayali
Punjabi
Ceylonese
Tamil
Telegu
Negrito
Senoi
Melayu Asli

4. Sabah Sarawak Bajau Dusun Murut Bisaya Kadazan Orang Sungai Orang Laut
brunei
Bidayuh
Iban
Kayan
Kedayan
Kelabit
Kenyah
Melanau
Malay
Penan
Punan

5. Malaysia’s Social History
How did everything started?
Malays / Bumiputeras
Original inhibitors
Traditional, small scale agriculture and fishing
Though belonging to the same ethnic group, already diversified

6. Malaysia’s Social History
How did everything started?
Chinese
Migrated from China to work / start business
Tin miners and merchants
Came by several ways:
Credit System, Sin Kheh and in groups

7. Malaysia’s Social History
How did everything started?
Indians
Migrated from India, usually by British demands
Labours
Came by several ways:
Kangani System, British policy and India Immigration Fund

8. Malaysia’s Social History
How did this situation affect us?
Multiethnic / Multicultural / Multi religious society
Population boom / increase
New towns emerge
Advancement in transport systems
Rapid growth of tin / rubber industry

9. Malaysia’s Social History
How did this situation affect us?
Dual–economy system (Modern and Traditional)
Modern – Chinese and Indians
Traditional – Malays and Bumiputeras
More diverse and complex economy
Clear race-economic function division
Gap of economical status

10. Social Integration
Defined as degree of “nearness” and level of interaction among races
Integration of people in a country takes a long time
Harder if races are different, as seen in Malaysia
The process of integration can be summed up as:

11. Social Integration Weaker Stronger
Segregation
Accommodation
Acculturation
Assimilation
Amalgamation
Weaker
Stronger

12. How Are We Different Back Then?
Distinct differences were seen among the main races (Malays/Bumiputeras, Chinese & Indians), such as:
Economic status
Places of living
Education systems
Limited/no interaction among the people

13. Obstacles To National Integration
There were several obstacles to unite our plural society. They are:
Prejudice
Communalism
Ethnocentrism

14. Obstacles To National Integration
How?
Ignorance of other ethnic groups
Socialization limited to within ethnic groups
Communal Politics
Socio-Economic Differences
Cultural Differences
Segregation / Physical Separation

15. Nation Building We did overcome the obstacles How?
Standardized education system
Improved economic mobility
Introduction of Rukun Negara as National ideology

16. Malaysia’s social “make-up” is very unique
Conclusion
Malaysia’s social “make-up” is very unique
Each race has their distinct “color” that adds to Malaysian charm and identity
National Integration is not an easy process but and takes a lot of time, patience and tolerance
Diversity is not an excuse for conflict rather it is a strength - OUR STRENGTH!