Chapter 7: Nation Building Malaysian Studies Chapter 7: Nation Building

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

Social Integration Weaker Stronger Segregation Accommodation Acculturation Assimilation Amalgamation Weaker Stronger

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

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

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

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

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!