MPW 123 Malaysian Studies

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

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THE MALAYSIAN SOCIETY

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Changes happened to Malaysian Society over the time

Despite the Muslim majority, Malaysia is not an Islamic state. Instead, Malaysia is considered to be a Malay dominated plural society and the freedom of practicing other religions is granted to everyone

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 This conception of Malay hegemonic rule is a result of the political bargaining between the major ethnic political groups of Malaysia, UMNO (United Malays National Organization), MCA (Malaysian Chinese Association) and MIC (Malaysian Indian Congress) during the formation of post-colonial Malaysia (at that time called Malaya) in 1957
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Tunku Abdul Rahman's first cabinet meeting

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 Tun Sir Tan Cheng Lock shaking hands with Tunku Abdul Rahman at the UMNO and MCA first National Convention

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 As a result of the bargaining, non-Malay ethnic groups such as the Chinese and Indians were granted citizenship and their legitimate interests (economic rights), their rights of citizenshipand residence as well as theirfreedom to preserve, practice and propagate their religion, culture and language were recognized
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Ethnic bargain, achieved through the spirit of mutual tolerance and respect. It is also an attempt to protect the unique ethnic and racial diversity of Malaysia from being destroyed by violence that is so often seen in other countries with different ethnic groups

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Characteristics of Malaysian Society.

Impact on the country (Historical aspects)

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Economy
Malays Mainly involved in the agricultural and traditional industries sectors Low productivity and low income Rural community

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Chinese Mainly involved in business and merchants, businessmen and craftsmen Majority could not acquire land for agriculture Business based on sub-ethnic groups Urban community
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Indians Many started businesses like restaurant, hairdressing and cloth stores Involved in low-skilled or unskilled occupations Many remained in the plantation as laborers Some involved in trading, grocery, medical and legal professions

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Politics
Malays Strong politically Strong representation in Parliament The dominant prime movers in politics since 1946 UMNO, United Malay National Organization: Led by English-educated leaders PAS, Pan Malayan/Malaysian Islamic party, headed by Arabiceducated leaders
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Chinese Not allowed to involved in politics during the Japanese occupation Formed the MCA, Malayan/Malaysian Chinese Association to protect their interests and for self-government after World War Two: Leaders mostly English-educated Politically divided: MCA, Labour Party, Peoples Progressive Party, Democratic Action Party, DAP, etc MCA remains the main Chinese party
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Indians MIC, Malayan/Malaysian Indian Congress, is the main Indian political party Name after the Congress Party of India Indians remain loyal to MIC in each and every general elections since independence

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Socio Cultural
Malays Majority live in villages Characterized by strong social ties and strict social control Adaptation to the values and norms of the community High regard for consensus
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 Family is considered an important institution for social security All Malays are Muslims but not all Muslims are Malays Humble and dont impose their values on others Festivals: Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Awal Muharam, etc.
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Chinese Comprised various dialectal communities Culture greatly influenced by Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism Acceptance of Mandarin as the official language of the community

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 Most Chinese in Malaysia are Buddhists Festivals celebrated taken roots in the history and culture of the society Festivals: The Chinese New Year, the Moon Cake Festival, etc

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Indians Not a homogeneous group: differentiated in terms of origin, language/dialects, caste and religions Religions ranging from Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity and Islam 90% of Indians are Hindus and speak Tamil Festivals: Thaipusam, Deepavali, the Ponggal or New Year Festival, etc

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Questions

Are we now more united than we were in the past?

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Thank You

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