While Malaysia’s racial, cultural and religious diversity is often highlighted, it is less often recognised that this diversity itself represents the very “face of Malaysia”.
It is from this diversity that a unifying strength emerges, with culture serving as a bridge for Malaysians to know, understand and respect one another’s differences, while fostering a sense of belonging as a nation.
In Peninsular Malaysia, Malays, Chinese and Indians, together with the various Orang Asli communities, live side by side, sharing spaces, traditions and values that form the foundation of harmony.
In Sabah and Sarawak, the face of Malaysia is reflected in the rich diversity of ethnic communities such as the Kadazandusun, Bajau, Murut, Iban, Bidayuh and Melanau, each with their own customs, languages and heritage.
Despite differences in cultural backgrounds, beliefs and traditions, all these communities share one identity -- they are Malaysians.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Commenting on the issue, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Institute of Social Science Studies (IPSAS) Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Roslan Rosnon said the diversity was among Malaysia’s key strengths.
“This strength is reflected in Malaysians’ ability to live with diversity and share the same social space.
“Through this process of interaction, understanding, tolerance and a sense of togetherness are gradually developed among the people. Therefore, diversity should not be viewed as a barrier to unity, but rather as social and cultural capital that must continue to be preserved,” he told Bernama.
Mohd Roslan, however, stressed that cultural differences could become divisive when clouded by suspicion and prejudice, particularly when there were limited opportunities for people to know, understand and appreciate one another.
However, when differences are understood and respected, they can become a source of learning and a shared strength in building unity.
“Unity does not mean erasing a person’s ethnic or cultural identity. Instead, it allows individuals to preserve their respective cultural identities while sharing a broader identity as Malaysians.
“Therefore, the principle that needs to be cultivated is ‘different but respectful, diverse but united by a sense of belonging’ as the foundation of life in a multicultural nation,” he added.
CULTURE SHAPES NATIONAL IDENTITY
Elaborating, Mohd Roslan said that in the Malaysian context, culture played an important role in shaping the national identity of Malaysians.
This identity has evolved from the country’s historical journey, shared experiences and the cultural diversity of its people, all of which form part of the nation’s development.
He said national identity was not expressed solely through national symbols such as the Jalur Gemilang and the Negaraku, but was also strengthened through language, customs, arts and heritage, as well as shared values embraced by Malaysians.
“In this context, we can also see how the Rukun Negara serves as an important foundation for bringing society together, while providing a framework that enables Malaysians from diverse cultural backgrounds to live in an environment of mutual respect and foster a shared sense of responsibility towards the country,” he said.
“A Malaysian can continue to take pride in their cultural identity as Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazandusun, Bidayuh, Orang Asli or any other community, while at the same time sharing a broader identity as a Malaysian,” he said.
Mohd Roslan also said culture played an important role in fostering a sense of togetherness among Malaysians of different races, religions and backgrounds.
According to him, culture has a unique ability to bring people closer because cultural elements are often shared through direct experiences within communities.
“For example, when we attend an open house or participate in the celebrations of another ethnic or racial community, the most important thing is not merely the food or festivities...but the opportunity to gain a closer understanding of that community.
“We learn why certain practices are carried out...from knowledge comes understanding, and from understanding comes respect. Celebrating diversity does not mean adopting another person’s culture, but appreciating it with respect and understanding,” he added.
BUILDING TRUST
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Human Ecology Department of Citizenship and Civilisation Studies senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Ku Hasnita Ku Samsu said from a psychological perspective, culture played an important role in building mutual trust and respect among Malaysians.
She said these elements formed an important foundation for stronger social relationships, contributing to lasting unity in a multiracial society.
Ku Hasnita also said cultural practices that crossed racial boundaries were nothing new, with cultural sharing among ethnic groups having developed naturally over the years through a process of acculturation in Malaysia.
She said through this process, practices, traditions or cultural symbols originally associated with a particular group could be accepted, adapted and voluntarily practised by people from different ethnic backgrounds without erasing their original identity.
“This cultural sharing can be clearly seen in traditional attire and everyday communication. For example, the baju kurung worn by non-Malay women in schools, institutions of higher learning and public service premises has become commonplace due to its comfort and values of modesty.
“From a linguistic perspective, words such as ‘tapau’, derived from Cantonese, and the friendly term ‘macha’, from Tamil, have been absorbed into everyday speech and are understood by Malaysians. This active sharing of culture demonstrates that cross-cultural respect and understanding in Malaysia are deeply rooted,” she said.
CULTURAL PROMOTION MUST CONTINUE
Elaborating, Ku Hasnita said that although cultural sharing was widely practised among Malaysians, efforts to promote it needed to be sustained rather than seasonal.
She said this was because most cultural activities tended to be concentrated around the festive seasons of particular ethnic or cultural communities.
“I see the current practice of celebrating diversity as often being ‘episodic’, where cross-cultural interaction is celebrated on a large and festive scale only during major celebrations, such as open houses.
“Although these festive gatherings are highly positive, they can inadvertently create a syndrome of ‘seasonal unity’, where cultural exchange is viewed merely as a special event or performance,” she said.
In this regard, she recommended strengthening such efforts through informal community activities, including arts programmes under the Rukun Tetangga initiative, which provide opportunities for people of different ethnic backgrounds to interact, work together and build mutual trust without relying solely on festive celebrations or official events.
She said efforts to make unity a part of everyday life should also be supported by key institutions, particularly in the education and employment sectors.
Schools, institutions of higher learning, as well as public and private agencies, should be strengthened as spaces for interaction and social engagement among people from different ethnic backgrounds, she said.
“Through group activities involving different ethnic communities, curricula that recognise the contributions of every community, and interaction in educational institutions and workplaces, these values of harmony can be nurtured continuously.
“When cross-cultural interaction becomes part of everyday life and is accepted as the norm, national unity will be strengthened,” she said.
EVERYONE SHOULD BE CELEBRATED
Meanwhile, Ku Hasnita said government policies should also be underpinned by efforts to develop an inclusive national identity, with the unique cultures of every ethnic community celebrated as important elements that complete the face of Malaysia.
She said every official government programme should feature a balanced representation of Malaysia’s demographic composition, not only in terms of programme content but also in its visual presentation.
She added that such an approach was important to ensure that every ethnic group felt genuinely represented, valued and recognised.
“The uniqueness of every ethnic culture is an important component that completes the face of Malaysia. This is because a national identity shaped by a multiracial population forms the foundation of the country’s unity and harmony.
“Therefore, we not only want Malaysians to understand the diversity that exists, but also to embrace it openly and ultimately celebrate it as a shared strength for generations to come,” she added.
-- BERNAMA
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