English Language Journal Vol 3, (2009) 57-66 ISSN 1823 6820

Post-independence Malaysian Malay and English Short Stories: Conflicts and Race Relation in Perspective
Nor Hashimah Isa English Language Department, Faculty of Languages, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak

Abstract: This paper addresses the conflicts and race relations in post-independence Malaysian Malay and English short stories written from 1957 to 1969. During pre-independence, the races were subjected to the British `divide and rule policy that segregated the three races. After independence in 1957, the races were forced to stay together in a young country that was constantly in turmoils of racial dissatisfactions and prejudice. Every race carried with them racial baggage that clouded efforts of togetherness and identity. In 1969, the diversified Malaysians bear witness to the bloody May 13 racial riot that took many lives and scarred the nation. The issue of race relations between the plural societies of post-independence Malaysia is addressed in terms of instances of conflicts identified in the short stories. The contemporary diverse populace in Malaysia is brought to the turmoils and problems faced by the races in the post-independence era to evoke tolerance, respect and empathy for each other. This effort will help intensify the compelling need of Malaysians awareness and positive attitude towards establishing good race relations amongst them in making nationhood and racial harmony a reality. Keywords: Conflicts, race relations, racial gaps, post-independence.

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