Malaysian

Studies
FN101
Chapter 4 : Malaysian Multiracial Society and Unity

By: Nurhani Hazirah

 Fundamentals of Culture
• Religion and Beliefs
 Islam is the religion of the Federation, but
other religions may be practiced in peace and
harmony in any part of the Federation. Thus,
the many religions and beliefs in this country
do not hinder unity among the people of a
multiracial society.
 Concepts in Race and Ethnic Relations
• Ethnic refers to a group of people sharing a
common and distinctive cultural heritage.
• In the context of Malaysia, ethnic groups refer to
various groups that exist in this country.
• Peninsular Malaysia, there are Malays, Chinese,
Indians, Sikh, and Siamese people.
• In Sarawak and Sabah, there are ethnic groups
such as Melanaus, Ibans, Dayaks, Dusuns,
Kadazans, and many more.
 RUKUN NEGARA
• “National Principles” is the Malaysian
declaration of the five principles:
 Cont…
• Believing in God
• Loyalty to the King and Country
• The transparency of the Constitution
• The Sovereignty of Laws
• Mannerism and Courtesy
 National Flag of Malaysia
• The flag of Malaysia, also known as the Jalur
Gemilang (Malay for "Stripes of Glory“, comprises a
field of 14 alternating red and white stripes along
the fly and a blue canton bearing a crescent and a
14-point  known as the Bintang
Persekutuan (Federal Star).
• The 14 stripes, of equal width, represent the equal
status in the federation of the 13 member states and
the federal government, while the 14 points of the
star represent the unity between these entities.
• The crescent represents Islam, the
country's official religion; the blue canton
symbolises the unity of the Malaysian people;
the yellow of the star and crescent is the royal
colour of Malay Ruler
 Vision 2020
• In 1991, Vision 2020 was introduced with the
objectives of turning Malaysia into a fully developed
country in its own mold by the year 2020.
• V2020 outline the roadmap towards achieving a
fully developed status by aiming for economic
growth at the rate of 7 per cent per annum until the
year 2020.
• The key in achieving the V2020 is by overcoming the
9 key areas.
 1Malaysia
• 1Malaysia is a concept to foster unity in
Malaysians of all races based on several
important values which should become the
practices of every Malaysian.
• The concept is based on the principle of
‘People First, Performance Now’ fulfils the
aspirations of Malaysians in line with the
provisions in the Federal Constitution and the
Rukun Negara
 1Malaysia
• 1Malaysia emphasized the attitude of acceptance
among the people of various races where any one
race, accepts the uniqueness of other races as they
are, so that the community can live together in
mutual respect as citizens of one nation.
• In order to achieve racial unity, the people of all
races and religions must think beyond racial
boundaries. It will be materialised within the two
prime aspects:
 The Cores of Unity
• Acceptance;
 a race would accept a sense of uniqueness
beheld by others through respecting one another
as the people in one country and practicing
tolerance.
• Citizenship;
 to ensure that the implementation of 1Malaysia
based on the Federal Constitution and the Pillars
of Principles or Rukun Negara.
 Cont…
• Social justice;
 every Malaysian will be considered and none
is to be abandoned by taking into account the
progress of the races at varying stages.
All of these three cores then supported by
several good values such as mutual respect,
humble (tawaduk), moderation, and
courtesy.
 Values of Aspiration
• High performance;
 every matter and task that is to be accomplished
must be done excellently, no attitude of
nonchalance and being too ‘easy-going’ in a
progressive community.
• Accuracy;
 in terms of measurement, delivery schedule, and
quality; including being punctual and prioritizing
efficacy in performing all duties and obligations.
 Cont…
• The culture of knowledge;
 to educate the people to always be inclined to keep
abreast with the latest knowledge and always be
prepared to gain knowledge throughout their lives.
• Integrity;
 embodies the virtues of being trustworthy, clean,
and efficacious in carrying out duties and obligations
besides working towards correcting mistakes as to
obtain better results or outcomes.
 Cont…
• Perseverance;
 Malaysians should not easily give up or surrender,
being disappointed and always blaming fate; must
possess a high level of self-confidence and a
strong fighting spirit in any obstacles and trials.
• Loyalty to the King and the Country;
 the backbone to credibility, strength, success, and
excellence which will build trust and form ties
between the leaders and the followers.
 Cont…
• Wisdom;
 guides the people on ways to face problems with
strength and discipline so there will be no
offensive issues concerning other parties.
• Innovation;
 Malaysians should be bold enough to change for
good, brave enough to seek new resolutions in
handling problems, and always ready to try new
things and become pioneers.
 Conclusion
• Malaysian government has taken several
initiatives to raise country’s unity and
development.
• Each ethnic group has its role and function in
the development of the country. Thus, all
groups must work together, appreciate and
respect the roles of each group.