A Historical Study On Singaporean Malay Ethnic Policy Since Its Independence

Malay is the second largest ethnic after Chinese in Singapore. In the history, Singapore was colonized by Britain and Japan, which made apparent disparity between Malay and Chinese in economy and politics and intensified their conflicts. All these lead to the ethnic conflict of Malay and Chinese in 1964. In 1965, Singapore was force to be independent from Malaysia and fell into an awkward situation in domestic and international affairs. Since then Singapore had been confronted with a significant issue. That is how to appease Malay and make proper ethnic policy for them which can make them get along well with other ethnics like Chinese and also identify Singapore.From independence to now, Singapore's ethnic policy has gone through four stages: in 1960s and 1970s, in 1980s, in 1990s and after 9.11 events. Singaporean government gave different substances to four stages according to the balancing relationship of Malay and Chinese, international and domestic situation and also sensitive features of Malay's issue. In 1960s to 1970s, they suppressed Chinese and gave preferential treatment to Malays. Meanwhile, they focused on economic support to reduce the disparity between Malays and other ethnics. Entering 1980s, they continued this preferential policy to Malays, but the degree was not as deep as in 1960s and 1970s. They turned their focus to the field of consciousness and advocated the Chinese Confucianism. They began the ideological indoctrination and preaching to their brain by that. In 1990s, they basically kept this policy, but the difference lied in that the policy was more hidden. They made some necessary compromise to Malays by removing the word like Confucianism. But by keeping their idea of Confucianism and the hidden way, they carried out the idea of'Common Values'. The traditional Malay culture began to decline because of the impact of it.'9.11'events generated enormous influence. The Singaporean government arrested Jemaoh Islamiyah members. All these and the event itself both aroused Malays'national emotions deeply hidden in their heart. It made the Malay ethnic policy to be paid attention to again and also made the policy more clear. The Malay ethnic policy of Singaporean government is consistent and also has its characteristics of times. The former one especially emphasizes on multiple national democratic discipline, and its purpose is to keep a balance between Malays and other ethnics in ethnical issues. And the latter one shows that once the previous policy can not adapt to it anymore and the original balance status is broken up, the government will make new policies to meet the needs of reality. So this will reflect a sharp ?characteristic of times.After forty years'efforts, Singaporean ethnic policy began to work. It finally promotes the progress of Malay, enhances their national identity of Singapore and maintains national unity and stability of Singapore as a multi-national country, which reaches its fixed goal. While policy is impossible to be perfect and it is certain to have some defects and flaws, which makes some negative impact on Malay. But this is only a minor part of the issue.