Transition in Self-Identity: A Sociological Narrative of Tamil Muslims in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

The history of Tamil Muslims is intertwined with the Malay Archipelago since antiquity because of their geographical proximity. A community that has valued its heritage is now forced to reinvigorate itself and bridge through the current socio-economic and political scenario of Malaysia. The subsequent change in self-identity is viewed through the socio-historic approach of Anthony Giddens and the Assimilation Theory of Milton Gordon. The ethnicity with which the Tamil Muslims associate themselves has changed from Tamil to Malay, a shift highlighted among the younger citizens, carving a niche for themselves in society. The importance of a biographical narrative and the reflexivity of a modern society in the conceptualization of self-identity is noted in the case of Tamil Muslims in Malaysia.

KEYWORDS:

• Anthony giddens
• ethnicity
• Milton Gordon
• self-identity
• Tamil Muslims

Acknowledgments

I want to express my immense gratitude to my informal gatekeeper, Mr. Fidhaulla Khan (Editor of Tamil Muslim Magazine “Nambikai”), for providing me with valuable insights on the Tamil Muslim community and helping me secure the appointments with the interviewees.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. It was fairly common for Malaysian Muslims of Indian origin to be born in India until the latter half of the twentieth century as they were sojourners. The child could migrate without any travel document before the age of 5 under their father’s passport. The customary practice in the natal villages did not encourage women to accompany their husbands (see Kaur, 2001).