Study Of The "One Malaysia Concept"-Key Issues In Malaysian Ethnic Relations From The Malaysian-Chinese Perspective

Malaysia is a multicultural country primarily composed of three ethnic groups,including the Malays,Chinese and Indian ethnicities and some minorities.The various ethnic groups that comprise this society are experiencing collisions and contradictions as they interact,exchange cultural and integrate.From the outside world’s perspective,the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia seem to be relatively harmonious and peaceful,and are known for their stable,healthy and sustainable economic development.However,in reality,the boundaries between them are clear and prudent.Cultural differences and conflicts between ethnic groups abound.There are often extreme and discriminatory remarks and conflicts of varying degrees of severity.The relationship between ethnic groups can be said to be an undercurrent of anger and discontent.As the second largest ethnic group in Malaysia,how the Malaysian Chinese view the issues within these ethnic relationships and policies? This is the primary research question this paper explores.This paper first introduces the socio-economic background and differences in the main ethnic relations in Malaysia.This is followed by an overview of the Malaysia government’s major ethnic policies,including the Malay First "New Economic Policy" and Najib’s 1Malaysia concept as well as exploring the conflicts and the impact on the country’s ethnic relations.Following this,the paper will analyze ethnic policy(1Malaysia concept),ethnic relations and the key issues from the perspective of Malaysian Chinese based on the interview records.Finally,the conclusion will reflect on the ethnic relations and the effectiveness of policy in Malaysia.In the conclusion section,this paper also briefly analyze the ethnic policies and ethnic relations in Canada and Singapore.Our research concluded that the Malaysian Chinese community has different understandings of relevant ethnic policies,especially the concept of 1Malaysia.Many Chinese believe that this concept has not reached the effect they had expected and the goal of integrating all ethnic groups in Malaysia.The split relationship between the ethnic groups was not effectively bridged and the Malay First is still the rule in the Constitution.However,some interviewee said that the 1Malaysia policy and slogan has a certain reminder effect,reminding all ethnic groups to be mutually tolerant,which is in line with the demands of the Chinese.The Chinese are eager for the separation between the various ethnic groups and the stereotypes of each other can be broken,and everyone is living together to build a "One" Malaysia that is proud of multi-ethnic and multiculturalism.A question worth pondering is that the Canadian government has put a lot of efforts to appease all the ethnic groups,but in the country,the voice of independence is still emerging.However,in Malaysia,ethnic minorities,especially the Chinese ethnic group,at least the Chinese interviewees,have a strong sense of national identity in Malaysia and consider themselves to be Malaysians and are willing to contribute and be loyal to their country.The problems in ethnic relations have not risen to the extent of ethnic separation in Malaysia.The cultivation and integration of ethnic relations is a long process.From the Malay First policy in the "New Economic Policy" period to the "1Malaysia" concept,regardless of the actual effect,this transformation itself is worthy of recognition.