The Ethnic Relations in Malaysia

Concepts of Unity and Integration

National Unity refers to the uniting of various groups that have different social and cultural backgrounds, into one physical entity.

National Unity The unity that exists in the country is

founded upon power sharing, a democratic government, sound economy distribution and cultural tolerance.

Example Uniting Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsula

into one country or federation, for example, is the effort at achieving national unity.

Integration The concept of integration is wider than

that. It is a process of uniting groups with

different backgrounds into one entity bound by common norms, values and interests.

Integration Therefore, National integration is more an

abstract process, a coming or binding together that is genuine and time-consuming.

Concept of Plural Society According J.S Furnival, the plural society is

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

Concept of Plural Society Every group has its own language, culture,

religion, values, thinking and way of life.

Social Characteristics of Plural Society

Diversity of Culture The physical separation Identification of ethnic by employment Lack of social contact The existence of a dominant group

politically J.S Furnival 1948

The Theory of Racial Relations

The process of Integration

Segregation Assimilation AmalgamationAcculturationAccommodation

Low integration High integration

Segregation This is a relation that has the

characteristics of a split among the ethnic groups in a country.

Splits occurs in residence, school system, transportation

For example: The Apartheid Policy that was practiced before in South Africa

Accommodation This is a process where the ethnic groups

are aware of each other’s norms and values but they continue to safeguard their own living culture.

However, they live in harmony and respect one and another.

Accommodation For example: Ethnic group of Germans,

French and Italians living in Switzerland who accommodate one another and live in peaceful co-existence

Acculturation (Cultural Assimilation)

This is a process when people from a minority group accept the norms, values and patterns of behavior (culture) of the majority group without changing their original cultural elements.

Assimilation (Structural Assimilation)

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

Assimilation (Structural Assimilation)

The degree of assimilation of the minority groups varies, that is, based on physical differences (like the colour of the skin and the degree to which the cultural features differ from that of the dominant group).

Amalgamation This is a process that happens when

culture or races mixes to from a type of new culture and races. For example: Inter-marriage between ethnic groups or races.

 

In Conclude All of the five process above portray how

minority groups become part of the main stream of society.

The presence of accommodation in a society reflects that a society is in a situation of merging together.

In Conclude However a situation of real integration can

only be achieved starting with acculturation, assimilation and finally amalgamation.

Integration

Acculturation Assimilation Amalgamation

Question

1.The question now is at which stage of the process is the Malaysian society.

2. Is the Malaysian society still at the accommodation stage or at a higher state than that.