CHAPTER FOUR

Multiracial Society

What is multiracial
society?

A multiracial society refers to a society that consists of various groups of

races or ethnicities but under leadership.

J.S. Furnival - the plural society is characterized by ethnic

groups who live under one political unit ( a country) but
are not integrated.

A process of uniting the members of a society and the country as a whole through
national ideologies so that the members of the society can build up an identity, common
values and sense of belonging.

The Malay Community

Original inhabitants of
Malaya.
Influx of Indonesian
Malays to Malaya; due to
political, economic and
social standards.
Main economic activity of
the coastal Malays was
trade, fishing and farming.
Not encouraged to
participate in the modern
economic sector.

The Chinese Community

Concentrated at early mining sites, gambier and

pepper plantations.
Came through the Kangchu system or Surat Sungai.
Malayas banking and insurance industries were run
by the Chinese from the start, and Chinese
businessmen usually in partnership with London
firms, soon had a stranglehold on the economy.
Since the Malay Sultans tended to spend well
beyond their incomes, they were soon in debt to the
Chinese bankers, and this gave the Chinese political
as well as economic power.

The Indian Community

Started off as workers in coffee and sugarcane

plantations in Seberang Perai.
Also served in government department, in the
police force and railway services as well as
security guards.
Came through Kangani system and Contract
system.
They were also a less united community, since
they were divided between Hindus and
Muslims and along lines of language and caste.
Majority of Indians remained poor and
uneducated in rural ghettos in the rubbergrowing areas.

The Pribumi inhabitants of Sarawak & Sabah.

Sarawak population,
approximately 70%
consists of Bumiputras
In Sabah, the main
groups are the KadazanDusun, Murut and
Bajau ethnicities.

IMPACTS ON ETHNIC RELATIONS

Different Religions and Cultures

Divide and Rule Policy
Separate Systems of Education
Different Economic Roles and Activities.
Ethnic Associations
Communal Newspapers

Divide and Rule Policy

They were mixed but not united
They lived side by side yet divided in the same
political system
Each held steadfastly to their own culture,
religion and language
There were clear divisions of jobs based on their
racial background.

Questions for review

1. Discuss racial unity as an important
constant in determining political,
economic and social stability.
2. In your opinion, what are the main factors
that have strained ethnic relations in
Malaysia? Is it due to economic, political
or social factors?

What is Unity?

Unification in
A process of
physical, social,
forming a
economics and
national identity
political.

Concept of integration.
Segregation

Accommodation

Acculturation
Amalgamation
Assimilation

Segregation
The relation that has the characteristic of a split among
the ethnic groups in a country.
Occurs whether consciously by law or not base on law.

Acculturation
Also known as cultural assimilation; when people
from a minority group accept the norms, values and
patterns of behavior (culture) of the majority group.

Assimilation
The concept of assimilation is about the entry into a
dominant society through friendship and close
connection.

Accommodation
A process where the ethnic groups are aware of each
other norms and values but they continue to safeguard
their own living culture.

Amalgamation
Is a process that happens when culture or race mixes to
form types of new culture and race; through marriage.

Obstacles to National Integration

Prejudice
Communalism
Ethnocentrism

Prejudice
The attitude towards other groups on common
generalizations, on evidence that is not
concrete.
Takes form of bad expectations.
Eg: racism, prejudices towards those with
disabilities, against people from other countries,
regions and occupations as well as expressing by
jokes or statements.

Communalism
The attitude of favoring ones ethnic community.
Shows favoritism within the group.
Is a modern term that describes a broad range of social
movements and social theories, which are in some way
centered upon the community.
Communalism can take the form of communal living or
communal property, among others. Eg: Hippie
movement, Black Metal, Punk

Ethnocentrism
The belief that ones own culture is superior compared to
others (a.k.a. Racism)
Any cultural elements or manifestation of another
culture that is different is considered wrong, bad or even
dangerous.
Will lead to racial riots eg: Native America, slavery
systems etc

Factors lead to Racial Riots 1969

The excitement of celebrating the success of the election
was not immediately contained until it reached beyond
the limits of democracy
The imbalances in the distribution of benefits from
economic development
Past animosities sewed the seed of prejudice
Exploitation of sensitive situations by irresponsible
people

Lessons learned .

The value of democracy

Physical and social distance
Post-world war animosity
Experiences during colonial administration
Poverty amidst plenty

Rukunegara
Sensitive issues NOT to be
discussed in public.

The
The constitutional
constitutional position
position of
of the
the
Malay
Malay Rulers.
Rulers.
The
The special
special rights
rights of
of the
the Malays
Malays
and
and other
other indigenous.
indigenous.
The
The status
status of
of the
the Malay
Malay as
as the
the
official
official language.
language.

CHALLENGES TO NATION BUILDING

Segregation of living areas of settlements

Different focus of economic sectors
Segregation in education system
Differing political ideologies and influences
Use of ethnic based newspapers

HOW TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF

NATION BUILDING?
Encouraging people to move from one area to
another
Standardization of the education system
Role of the mass media
More comprehensive economic integration