Objectives

1. Identify the strategies undertaken by the government at creating

unity and national integration.

2. Explain the concept of plural society within the context of Malaysia

3. Discuss the basis of racial unity in Malaysia.

1. Efforts of government in bringing the various ethnics to live harmoniously.

2. Malaysia regarded as “plural society

3. J.S. Furnival: Plural society –”ethnic groups who are different not just culturally but also economically, from the point of view of settlement, politically and socially.”

4. In Malaysia, for e.g. the diversty of culture, the physical separation

identification of ethnic by employment, lack of social contact, and

the existence of a dominant group politically.

Based on:

• diverse culture

• language

• religion

• employment

• income level

Since independence, the govt has been trying to integrate

The various ethnics.

See Fig.4.12 – 5 levels that depict the stages of unity and integration

In your opinion, the Malaysian society is at which level of the

Integration process ?

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ANS

Refer to page 167 for sketch of history of racial relations in

Malaysia.

Figure 9.2

A Rough Sketch of the History of Racial Relations in Malaysia

a. The integration process has not been easy.

b. Since independence, Malaysia has encountered several incidents due to ethnic tension

as the infamous 13 May 1969 riots.

c. Therefore, the peace and harmony that we are experiencing should never be taken for granted.

Why is unity so important in a multi-racial country like Malaysia?

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ANS

If these problems are not

properly addressed, they may cause ethnic tension,

and disintegration of the

Country.

What are some suggestions to overcome the problems and challenges

of integration?

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How can you as a student contribute towards achieving

national integration ? What is your role ?

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ANS

1. Main objective of national unity = ensure citizens live

harmoniously, in peace and transquillity.

2. Traces of prejudice , communalism and etnocentrism

sometimes surface, causing a rift.

3. Government effort is important and crucial to ensure

there is evident sharing of power, democracy in the

government, sound economic growth, curriculum, co-curriculum and cultural tolerance.

4. Each and every citizen must strive to develop himself/herself to be at par with progress of nation.

What are the factors that reinforce obstacles to integration ?

1. ___________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________________________________

ANS