Malaysian Identity Research Articles

Japanese and Western Influences on the Local Animation Character Design Identity in Malaysia

Identity is regulated by culture and can be delivered meaningfully in numerous expressions, among which animated designs. In tandem with technological evolution, animation today shows fusions of various cultures. Two main influences in the Malaysian animation industry are Japan and Western countries due to their status as pioneers in animation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the influence of Malaysian, Japanese and Western animated character designs on the local university students’ production of their character designs. This study was conducted based on semiotic theory, followed by a research method that employed a content analysis approach using the SPSS software. Through the analysis of cross-distribution and Chi-Square, it was found that the criteria of physique, national characteristics, and colors in the students’ work showed similar characteristics to both local and foreign animations. Consequently, further studies should be conducted to comprehend why the students are inspired by Japanese and Western styles. These influences also raise the question of whether these cross-cultural forms lead to a new identity of Malaysian animation or only a trend.

Exploration of Web Contents of Selangor Royal Family using Web Archiving Tools

This study aims to explore the web contents of Selangor Royal family as an initiative to preserve the contents of social and cultural values. Initially, an exploration of websites’ profiles and the contents of Selangor Royal family by using tools BuildWith and XML-Sitemaps. Then, the selected web pages were then archived using web archiving tools, HTTrack and Conifer. The findings indicate that there are different types of websites and website owners covering the Selangor Royal family-related content. The recorded information and lifestyles of royal family represent value in building Malaysian identity and are significant to be preserved for future discovery.

Reimagining Cultural Identity and Cosmopolitanism: The Literary World of K.S. Maniam

ABSTRACT This paper delves into the reimagining of cultural identity through the corpus of a prominent Malaysian novelist, K.S. Maniam. By exploring Maniam’s novels within the framework of cosmopolitanism, which challenges traditional notions of exclusive and divisive cultural identities, this paper unravels the complex interplay between colonial legacies and contemporary cultural narratives in this Malaysian novelist’s canon. Maniam’s literary contributions as the finding indicates subvert historical constructs of race-based cultural identities in Malaysia, offering a compelling critique of the entrenched divisions perpetuated by colonial cultural projects. In addition, Maniam’s portrayal of characters navigates the complexities of identity beyond the rigid race-based categorizations of Malay, Chinese, and Indian found in many Malaysian works. Maniam’s works, as this paper illustrates, transcend the limitations imposed by colonial-era segregation, urging readers to incorporate a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of identity that draw parallels with the cosmopolitan ethos. We also extend the discussions further by positing that readers globally might explore Maniam’s profound reinterpretations of cultural identity, showcasing the enduring impact of his work in reshaping cultural narratives and advocating a cosmopolitan perspective on identity in our interconnected world.

Time for Tea: Representations of Postcolonial and Chinese Diaspora Culture and Identity in Chuah Guat Eng’s Echoes of Silence

Tea, the second most consumed beverage in the world, originates from China, and was then brought all over the world through trade, affecting the many different cultures that it encounters along the way. The way a person takes their tea can often reveal parts of their cultural identity and upbringing. This paper aims to examine the representations of the hybrid identities of the Chinese Diaspora in Malaysia through a close reading of tea scenes and tea culture in Chuah Guat Eng’s first novel, Echoes of Silence: A Malaysian Novel, first published in 1994. The novel explores the complex race relations and postcolonial politics and identity in Malaysia and provides an excellent springboard for the examination of Malaysian literary cultural politics, as well as postcolonial issues such as cultural hybridity, and the way that culture spreads and is spread from one part of the world to another and is manifested in diaspora identities. Through such an exploration, I hope to examine the negotiation between the hybridizing culture of being overseas Chinese as well as a British subject simultaneously in relation to representations of tea consumption and culture in Anglophone literature, which may provide more insight into the mentality of Anglophone Malaysian writers concerning issues of cultural identity and diaspora.

The Contribution of Non-Malay Architects to the Development of National Architecture Identity in Malaysia

The idea of adapting Malay traditional architectural values has been gazetted as one of the resolutions for National Architecture Identity as presented in ‘Seminar Ke Arah Identiti Kebangsaan Dalam Seni Bina’ in 1981. The resolution heavily influenced the adaptation of traditional Malay architecture, motives, and artefact onto modern architecture as a form to inculcate a singular and united national identity. A lot of research and documentation on good and meaningful architecture embracing the ideals of National architecture identity through the worldview and perspectives of Malay scholars and architects have been documented through books, journals, magazines and extensively discussed during seminars, symposiums, and discourses. Ironically, the contributions of Non-Malay architects adapting Malay symbolism to enunciate or articulate national pride and identity, either due to policies or interest, are minimally discussed and highlighted. This publication attempted to document the contributions of non-Malay architects to the national architecture identity construct. It is crucial to shape future philosophies, theories, criticisms, and thoughts on the overall built environment in developing a comprehensive construct of national architectural identity that does not necessarily rely on ethnocentric criteria based on a single race dominance. The research allows us to expand and progress the local architecture narrative by including diverse voices and thoughts, especially of those who have contributed extensively in the eras of nation-building. This inclusive and diverse input will, in turn, inform and expand the discourse of national identity and unity.

Charting a Malay-Islamic past: An emerging transnational geography of meaning and the consolidation of an exclusivist identity in Malaysia

ABSTRACTThis article examines an emerging historical narrative that invokes an exclusivist Malay-Islamic identity in Malaysia through a sacred geography centred on Aceh in Indonesia. The examination is located against the growing sacralisation of space across the world and its often contentious if not violent political outcomes. It considers the role of scholarship on sacred geographies in the face of output on the same subject by an informal expert – a person working outside of established institutional frameworks. The article focuses on the writings of Radzi Sapiee, a Malaysian informal expert who advances an exclusivist Malay-Islamic identity based on field observations, scholarly works, and inner wisdom. His partially completed book series constitutes an autobiographical return to Aceh and articulates a transnational geography of meaning that consolidates the exclusivist identity within the already racialised politics of Malaysia by further grounding it in space and time.

Bridging Identities: Analysing Code-Mixing in Yuna's Conversation with a Local Malaysian Activist

Code-mixing, the seamless blending of two languages within the same utterance or sentence, is a natural occurrence among proficient multilingual speakers. Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring code-mixing due to its prevalence and significance in multilingual societies. This study aims to investigate the types and motivations behind code-mixing in Yuna's interview with a Malaysian music activist titled "Korek Fizikal bersama Yuna." Employing a qualitative research design, the study identifies three types of code-mixing (insertion, alternation, and congruent lexicalization) using Musyken's classification. The framework of Hoffman's theory of code-mixing is adopted to categorize the reasons for its usage, such as expressing identity and emphasizing points. Throughout the interview, Yuna's code-mixing is prevalent, notably employed to assert her local Malaysian identity and establish familiarity with the interviewer. This highlights the significance of code-mixing as a powerful communicative tool for expressing cultural identity and building rapport in interviews. The findings of this research have broader implications for our understanding of language dynamics and bilingualism in multicultural societies like Malaysia. By comprehending how proficient multilingual speakers utilize code-mixing, we can gain valuable insights into the sociolinguistic aspects of language use and intercultural communication.

The Influence of Cultural Congress on the Preferences of the Permanent Collection of the National Art Gallery of Malaysia

Since Malaysia's independence, the government convened the National Cultural Congress in 1971, which discussed building national identity in Malaysia through the culture of various races. The National Art Gallery, as an official institution with policy overtones, maintains a permanent collection of artworks for the nation, showcases the work of local and international artists, and encourages the development of art in the community. Therefore, this study uses a quantitative approach to secondary research, using the Cultural Congress as a dividing line, and to statistically classify works from each of the five years before and after by comparing changes in the nationality of the artists, the medium of the works, and the subject matter of the works to verify whether the emergence of the Cultural Congress had a significant impact on the National Art Gallery's collecting preferences. The results of this study show that the National Art Gallery's collection of works by national artists has also been on the rise since 1971, particularly in terms of the number of works by Malay artists and indigenous subjects. This research helps to examine the influence of the Cultural Congress from different perspectives and to understand the role of social factors on the views and approaches of artists. In addition, the collection of the art gallery will be collated and summarised to understand the preferences of the collection in each period and thus provide insight into the prevailing genres and approaches to art.

Bangau Perahu: Identiti Malaysia Dalam Rekabentuk Barang Kemas

This research was conducted to identify the potential and importance of Malaysian identity in generational ideas from a new perspective for contemporary jewelery design. The main goal is to help researchers recognize and appreciate the national identity (Bangau Perahu) so that it can be translated into more creative and innovative jewellery designs, especially contemporary brooch. The method used is the Double Diamond from the British Design Council starting in 2005. This model is seen as very appropriate to be applied in this study. This process has four main phases which are: 1) Search 2) Define, 3) Develop and 4) Deliver. Feedback is obtained through survey questions that are divided into 2 main parts: Part A: The level of evaluation criteria for design and Part B: The level of evaluation criteria for the product. The results of the design-related study found that 4 indicators were chosen as very agreeable while the criteria for the product, it was found that the average chose 3 indicators as very important. However, everyone thinks telesis is clearly present in this design. This product is suitable for commercialization but needs some improvements.

Narratives of Resistance Towards Stigmatised Refugee Identities in Malaysia

The tendency to frame refugees as problems and threats has often fuelled negative attitudes among residents of the host countries towards refugees. This can contribute to overall hostile dominant discourses surrounding asylum seekers and refugees. Guided by narrative analysis, this article examines how refugees living in Malaysia cope with stigma through their personal narratives of the refugee experience. The topic is particularly relevant in the Malaysian context due to an increase in recent years in the visibility and the numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia, of whom about 182,780 are registered but have no legal status, leading to barriers to protection rights and assistance during their displacement. The narratives presented here provide some description of how refugees in Malaysia experience stigma and the ways in which they have navigated hostile situations. More importantly, the narratives display awareness of the stigmatised identities imposed on refugees and illustrate the range of narrative strategies available to refugees to resist and offer alternative ways of being. These strategies include blaming or rejecting the discrimination, appropriating the Malaysian identity, assuming the good citizen identity, and passing for another person.

Institutional Dynamics of Halal Tourism Development in Indonesia and Malaysia

In the context of Southeast Asia, Muslim-majority nations Indonesia and Malaysia had pioneered the development of halal tourism. Nevertheless, Malaysia has outperformed Indonesia in cultivating its halal tourism industry. The research sought to investigate the political economy factors contributing to this discrepancy. The research posited that the emergence of Islamic identity, the intensification of Islam’s politicization, and the varying degrees of capitalizing on Islamic values are three crucial determinants influencing the relative success of Malaysia’s halal tourism industry compared to Indonesia’s. Firstly, the perception of Islamic identity in Malaysia is less threatening compared to that in Indonesia. Secondly, the politicization of Islam is less pronounced in Malaysia than in Indonesia. To examine these assertions, the research utilized a methodological blend of primary and secondary data, incorporating interviews with policymakers and stakeholders of halal tourism in both countries. In addition to identifying the critical factors shaping the development of halal tourism, the research contributed by offering several recommendations concerning the innovative aspect of halal tourism branding. It was argued that within the growth of halal tourism in a nation, debates surrounding the emergence of Islamic identity in aspects of halal tourism can potentially obstruct the advancement of cultural tourism commodities. Consequently, the research enhances our understanding of the complex interplay between political economy factors and the evolution of halal tourism from an academic perspective.

Blame It on My Parents! - Parental Heritage Influence on Iban Popular Music Consumption and Ethnic Identity Among Iban Youths in Malaysia

The Iban is an indigenous group living in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, located on Borneo Kalimantan. The study examined ethnic identity and consumption of Iban pop songs by investigating the influence of half- or full-Iban parentage on knowledge, attitudes and practices of listening to Iban pop songs. Questionnaire data were collected from 189 Iban participants (21.16% half-Iban; 78.84% full-Iban). The favourite genre of Iban pop songs is ballads but 74.6% of the participants could sing the iconic Iban rock song, Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis. A majority of the Iban participants listened to Iban pop songs on YouTube channels although a fair number still used the radio and mobile phones. The participants believed that Iban songs can unite the Iban and represent the Sarawakian identity. The male participants were more familiar with Iban pop songs than the female participants. Consumption of Iban music does not differ significantly with monthly income and education level. The results showed that full-Iban participants are more interested in, knowledgeable about, and positive about Iban pop songs, compared to half-Iban participants. The full-Iban participants felt strongly that Iban songs can represent the Malaysian identity, and modern Iban culture and attain the international standard. The findings suggest that Iban parents shape their children's interest in Iban popular music by inculcating a strong Iban ethnic identity.

Evaluating the Impact of Vernacular Façade Design on Indoor Thermal Performance in Malaysia’s Modern Masjids

Accessing buildings for evaluation on architectural concerns are raised as some designers create the call to revive indigenous architecture when a trend of adopting foreign or international architectural style is widely spreading. The quests for cultural identity in Malaysia towards sustainable contemporary buildings require research of past achievements. Vernacular masjid is known to adhere to principles of passive design as the key to thermal comfort. Researchers posed questions on the extent of flexibility in vernacular architectural concepts, concerning design adaptation on modern masjids for optimal thermal performance. This experimental research aimed to evaluate the outcome of modern masjid façades designed with the vernacular concept in Malaysia. In the literature, research brings together variables such as building height, façade shading, serambi openings, as well as materials and construction details. A quantitative analysis led this investigation through observation and field survey on stratified random samples of modern vernacular masjids in Malaysia. Air temperature and relative humidity were recorded using a MIC-98583 sensor with ±0.6 °C accuracy in temperature and ± 3 % accuracy in relative humidity. Wind speed was measured using an AVM-305 sensor with ± 0.2 m/s accuracy. The empirical finding highlights serambi opening-to-wall design as the most significant element of vernacular architecture found in building façade that influences indoor thermal performance in modern vernacular masjids. The result could become an extremely useful guideline for designers to create the sustainable design in the future.

Malay Language as the State Emblem of Malaysia

Malaysia has its own identity through nationhood symbols. These nationhood symbols include the National Flag, the National Coat of Arms, the National Flower, the National Language and the National Anthem. This article discusses the Malay language as a symbol of Malaysia's nationalism. The methodology uses bibliographic research methods by referring to books, journals, magazines and print media copies. The results of the study found that the Malay language is one of the identities of the Malaysian nation that acts as a symbol of Malaysian identity, the unification of the voice of Malaysians, and a medium for unity among the plural society in Malaysia. As stated in the 1957 Education Ordinance, the Malay language serves as a medium to increase the understanding of unity among the plural society in Malaysia. The position of the Malay language continues to be strengthened when it is elevated as the main medium of instruction in the national education system as a part of the process of building a nation. The Malay language continued to expand with the emergence of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the National University of Malaysia (UKM). This means that the Malay language symbolises Malaysia to the world. Furthermore, the Malay language is closely related to other ethnic languages ​​spoken in the archipelago. It is hope that the Malay language as stated in Article 152 in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia continues to be used as a part of ‘Language is the Soul of the Nation's.

EMPOWERING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE MALAY LANGUAGE AS A COMMUNICATION TRANSMISSION AND ELEMENT OF IDENTITY

The discussion in this paper refers to the effort to empower Malay language as a communication transmission bridge that is a significant element of Malaysian identity. The issues refined in this discussion refer to (i) The significance of the mother tongue as the language of knowledge in educational institutions, (ii) The balance between the use of Malay and English in HEIs, (iii) Efforts to uphold the Malay language as the national language, and (iv) The use national language in the public service sector. The application of a qualitative approach in this writing utilizes secondary sources such as research results in journals, scholarly writing, online news sources and public forums. The results of the study found that the government plays a critical role in the continued use and position of the Malay language by the people of this country and should be empowered by all parties. The rationale in the effort to dignify the Malay language is the maintenance of the nation state as enshrined in the national constitution which declares the Malay language as the official language of the country. The direction of this study is to pioneer the efforts of various parties in taking responsibility for preserving and empowering the mother tongue regardless of different backgrounds, religions and beliefs, in order to nourish the elements of identity, improve the quality and quality of the use of the national language, while maintaining the image of self-identity, race, and country. This is because in the face of global competition, the Malay language should be a bastion to defend the strength of the Malay nation's identity.

Challenges of Muallaf in Building Muslim’s Identity in Malaysia

Identity is related to a nation’s culture, belief system, and language. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country inhabited by various races and religions. Every year there is a conversion to Islam among non-Muslims on the influence of various factors. It becomes a challenge to certain ethnicities to maintain their identity and build a genuine Muslim personality. This study aims to identify the challenges faced by groups who embrace Islam (muallaf) in building their identity as Muslims. This descriptive study uses an interview method on five important people who are directly involved in the management of muallaf in Malaysia. This study was conducted in five selected zones, namely Kedah (Northern Peninsula Zone), Terengganu (Peninsular East Coast Zone), Selangor (Peninsular West Coast Zone), and Sabah (West Malaysia Zone). The results of the study found that the factors of lack of understanding and appreciation of religious teachings, embracing Islam because of marriage, less moral support from Born-Muslim partner, continuing living in the non-Muslim community, the huge gap with the Muslim community, and difficulty to eliminate old habits are challenges faced by muallaf in building Muslim themselves-identity. This study is important because it provides early information to the relevant institution in Malaysia to take prevention worse, such as apostasy among muallaf.

Rethinking Visions of “Unity” and “Belonging”: Insights into Audience Responses Towards Popular Music of Malaysia’s Indigenous Ethnic Communities – A Case of Iban Pop Song

This article presents the findings of a larger ongoing study that explores visions of “unity” and “belonging” among present-day Malaysians that are shaped by their engagements with popular music genres of the country’s indigenous ethnic communities. Through a critical theory-informed qualitative analysis of Malaysians’ views on the popular Iban song, “Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis”, the study described in this article examines the visions of unity and belonging that they conceived through various engagements with the song. The findings show that these visions were co-created in and through a dynamic interaction between the song and the audience. The former evoked a sense of solidarity and cohesion, and the latter conceived their visions of unity and belonging based on those feelings. However, the findings reveal that these visions did not coalesce with the “grand” or “official” narratives of unification and inclusion, given the audience’s strong sense of togetherness and attachment to their state of origin and community rather than to the country and the nation. Such findings are important as they provide insights into the potential role that popular music of Malaysia’s indigenous ethnic communities can play in the complex and never-ending process of achieving a national sense of unity, belonging and identity in Malaysia.

Rethinking art education through integrating outdoor learning practices as sites of memory

ABSTRACT Outdoor learning through its immersive experience can be an avenue for critical inquiry in artmaking. Malaysian artists Piyadasa and Suleiman claim artists have not engaged in critical thinking and have become craftsmen instead of thinkers. Artmaking becomes concerned with superficial form, technique and style rather than content. The art education in Malaysian schools has emphasized the technical ‘know-how’ of art production with little critical inquiry, focusing on the end product of art as craft and not a thinking process. Outdoor learning, through the context of time and place as social materials, aims to inculcate critical thinking and develop a student’s voice and Malaysian identity. Redefining outdoor learning as sites of memory, this paper presents four types of spaces: physical space in natural and urban environments, communicative space, collaborative space and media space through an art gallery, as ways of integrating artistic thinking and developing a Malaysian identity through art education.

Micro-credentials in leveraging emergency remote teaching: the relationship between novice users\u2019 insights and identity in Malaysia

Micro-credentials have gained much popularity in recent years, and their popularity has skyrocketed due to emergency remote teaching instigated by the pandemic. It has been defined as a platform that provides credentials based on validated competencies. Nevertheless, in Malaysian HEI, such a concept is still novel and identifying insights on the benefits, challenges, and application are still scarce. Similarly, it was observed that there is a lack of observation on how students’ digital learning identity and their perception of professional relevance are influenced by such platform. Henceforth, based on the adapted enriched virtual model approach, a micro-credentials course was implemented to complement the new “normal” classes for a pre-service teacher’s instructional design course. A mixed-method triangulation design was used to explore the qualitative findings operationalized by open-ended questions (N = 74) with data obtained from the Digital Learning Identity Survey (DLIS) and Constructivist On-Line Learning Environment Survey (COLLES) (N = 72). The findings indicated that respondents had an overall positive perception of the use of micro-credentials to complement and overcome online learning challenges mainly due to substandard internet connectivity; nevertheless, they are unaware of the value of such credentials in their future profession. Conversely, their new identity as digital learners and experiences with a blended approach of online learning, especially with micro-credentials, was successful in shaping their identity as aspiring educators that embrace technology for teaching and learning.

Rethinking the Modern Chinese Canon: Refractions across the Transpacific

Rethinking the Modern Chinese Canon: Refractions across the Transpacific