ABSTRACT
Malaysia is one of the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious countries in Southeast Asia. Due to the pluralistic nature of Malaysia, it has a political structure based on ethnic politics. The ethnic preferential policies affected most domains of this country. The objective of this article is to examine the origin and background of ethnic politics in Malaysia. Findings of this study indicate that, ethnic politics originated during the British colonial period, it became a tool used by the Barisan Nasional for the legitimacy of regime. Moreover, ethnic politics in Malaysia today is intertwined with religion. Besides, there is the dilemma of the choice between the interest of certain ethnic group and national interests. However, with the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan won the election in 9th May, UMNO-led BN lost power and interrupted its 61 years control, which leaves us an interesting topic to think about the future of Malaysian ethnic politics.
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Notes
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14. See above 5.
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28. See above 18.117.
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32. See above 22.
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34. See above 29.
35. See above 22.
36. See above 18.117.
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38. See above 5.
39. See above 30.44.
40. See above 5.
41. See above 4.21.
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52. See above 44.
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54. See above 1.266.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Nan Xia
Nan Xia is a lecturer at the School of International Education, Chengde Medical University, China. He is also a PhD candidate at the Department of Government And Civilization Studies, University of Putra Malaysia. His research interests broadly span ethnic politics and Chinese education in Malaysia.
Yok Fee Lee
Yok Fee Lee is an associate professor at the Department of Government And Civilization Studies, University of Putra Malaysia. He obtained his PhD in UK, Malaysia. His expertise is Anthropology and Sociology, Ethnicity and Identity Studies
Adlina Hj. Ab. Halim
Hj. Ab. Halim Adlina is an associate professor at the Department of Government And Civilization Studies, University of Putra Malaysia. She obtained her PhD in UK. Her expertise is Islamic Civilization Studies.