MPW 1233 Malaysian Studies

By Hj. Kamal Abd Razak MBA Techno-Entrepreneurship kamalrazak@must.edu.my 012-6550746

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SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND National unity

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Introduction

Concepts of Unity and Integration Concept of Plural Society Ethnic Relations in Malaysia
Theory of Racial Relations History of Ethnic Relations Forms of Ethnic Relations Obstacles to National Integration Causes and Reinforcing Obstacles to Integration Political Efforts Economic Effort Social and Cultural Effort Sharing of Political Power Democratic Govt Sound Economic Growth Cultural Compromise

National Integration Problems

The strive towards Unity and National Integration

The Basis of Racial Unity in Msia

Method to Achieve National Integration

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Concepts of Unity and Integration

Unity generally to the uniting of various groups that have different social and cultural backgrounds, into one physical entity
Union that is external in form Done through regulations

Integration is a process of uniting groups with different backgrounds into one entity bound by common norms, values and interests
A sense of belonging, a process that takes place as a result of inner ties, that is, ties of feelings between people themselves
A sharing of heart and mind that goes beyond cultural and ethnic difference
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Furnivals Concept of Plural Society

Different culturally, politically and economically Furnival quote (pg. 163)

they mix, but they are not integrated

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Ethnic Relations in Msia

Degrees of nearness
Segregation (Low integration) Accommodation Acculturation Assimilation Amalgamation (High integration)

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Segregation

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Accommodation

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Acculturation

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Assimilation

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Amalgamation

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History of Ethnic Relations

Five stages of change

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Co-existence Frequent External Contact Compromise Unity Integration

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Two possibilities

1. Plurality should be protected

Unity in a plural society
Malaysian Malaysia

2. Assimilate or die.
Same language, values and way of life, education Intermarriage

If ethnic consciousness is strong, then national consciousness will be weak.

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Forms of Ethnic Relations

Conflict
May 13, 1969 World War 2

Competition
In education (student quotas), employment

Cooperation
Political arena (BN, PKR) Struggle for Independence Fight against Communists Ganyang Malaysia
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National Integration Problems

1. Prejudice
Based on generalizations, evidence that is not concrete Bad Expectations of other races

2. Communalism
Favouring ones own ethnic community Tension in relationships w other ethnic groups

3. Ethnocentrism
Ones own belief that ones own culture is superior Eg. Hitler Clip
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 All these feelings inside add up to: DISCRIMINATION.

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Causes of Discrimination

Ignorance of other ethnic groups Process of socialization limited to within ethnic groups Communal Politics Socio-economic difference Cultural Difference Segregation Or Physical Separation
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Striving Towards Unity and Integration

Political Efforts
Special Rights
Assistance

Sedition Act aimed at preventing an individual from raising sensitive issues in public
Position of Malay as the official language Position of the Malay rulers Status of Islam as the official relgiion Special rights of the Bumiputra Citizen rights of the non-Bumiputras
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Striving Towards Unity and Integration

Economic Efforts
Govt. Five Year Plans
Aim: Economic Equity among the races and reduce identification of race by economic activity Creating Malay entrepreneurs to help them control at least 30% of the countrys economy (+ quotas, contracts, loans, employment options, etc) Development agencies (ie. Land Development): FELDA, FELCRA, RISDA.
Aim: Uplift the communitys social and economic standing

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Striving Towards Unity and Integration

Social and Cultural Efforts

Education curriculum 1971, National Culture introduced- founded upon the Malay culture with incorporation of elements from other cultures
Use of Malay language as the official language and also the national system of education

KEMAS, Rukun Tetangga set up. A National Unity Dept was set up by the Minsitry of Ntional Unity and Social Development
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Historical Foundations for Unity

Sharing of political power A Democratic Government

Free, but cannot question certain issues

Sound economic growth

Transformation in 1 generation (agricultural to industry based economy) Free-market economy

Cultural compromise
Other languages used widely Accommodating attitude among some Malay leaders
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Underlying principles for integration

1. Unity of ones own race 2. Reducing of economic difference btwn races 3. Allowing all ethnic groups to develop as much as possible 4. Principle of compromise

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Categories of Integration

1. Self-development 2. Physical and Social Development

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1. Self Development

Stimulating right THINKING

Socialisation and re-socialization (mix everyone up) Reducing group identification (becoming more open to other races) Reducing group demands (groups make claims that can cause tension. Reduce these claims.) Creating cohesive relations (housing and business policies to encourage mixing)
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2. Physical and Socio-economic Development Strategies

Stress on social structural changes thru physical and socioeconomic development (produce an external unity that gradually grows into more sustaining integration)
Updating and increasing socio-economic strategies
NEP (encompassing agriculture, education, industry, enterprise, housing)

Changing concepts of a divisive nature

Concepts such as West Malaysia and East Malaysia/ Bumiputra and non-Bumiputra. Now Peninsula Msia, Sabah & Sarawak used

Inter-regional transfer of officers

Administrative expertise distributed fairly

Exposure to other communities

Visits to other communities, usage of media

Enhancing role of social institutions

Encouraging activities like Gotong Royong that increase physical proximity of races

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The Methods on Physical Proximity

For item Physical Proximity use the following:

Formal education (curriculum that talk abt ethnice groups) Co-curriculum activities (help to foster interaction) Continuous education (diff aspects and values are given importance) Social groups (Socio-political groups, involve all ethnic groups) Social activities (games, sports, art, business activities) Tourism within the country (efforts to improve quality of tourist destinations) Mass Media (bring together ethnic groups. Newspapers do coverage and lessen racial and sensitive issues)

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Methods on Socio-economic Dev

Improving educational infrastructure Create Bumiputra entrepreneurs and professionals Development in the small enterprise sector Development of rural infrastructure Development of the rural folk

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Create a NATIONAL IDEOLOGY

Rukun Negara
National Ideology

Vision 2020 Generasi Gemilang, Terbilang, Terhilang 1Malaysia

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Thank You

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