The Predicament of Racial Harmony and National Unity in Malaysia: Evidence Accrued from Schools and Classroom Practices

Abstract

This paper examines the education policies and reform initiatives that were put in place historically and their contribution towards race and ethnic relations in Malaysia. The analysis reveals that they did serve well for the broader scheme of socio-economic development but undermined the purpose of integration and harmony among the various racial and ethnic groups. An obvious flaw or oversight of these early policy initiatives appears to be the failure to incorporate policies of multicultural education which, apparently, were foreshadowing the emerging divisive nature of Malaysian society. Before the present situation becomes irretrievable and causes greater harm, the government needs to review its stance and to expose, educate and nurture its citizens as to the nature of multiculturalism, its values and beliefs. The best place to begin would, of course, be in the schools.