vvMalaysia, a country that is commonly attributed for its opulent culture and traditions, is known to be one of the most diverse countries in Asia today. The country consists of five main races that make up the population: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, and Kadazan. Although the country has a reputation for its rich background, there are still serious issues that exist throughout the country.
The massive ethnic and religious differences lead to many issues within the country. As a result of so many different groups of people occupying one land, the different beliefs of people tend to lead to a deterioration within the communities. Tension is ubiquitous throughout Malaysia’s background, specifically ethnic tension that has a huge impact on its politics. Additionally, Malaysia’s “national identity” is extremely hard to be defined, for the country is split in many different places Malaysia's ethnic diversity is apparent in food prohibitions: muslims are forbidden to eat pork which is a favorite of the Chinese population, Hindus do not eat beef, some Buddhists are vegetarian, and alcohol consumption also separates non-Muslims from Muslims in the region.
Even within each group there are significant cultural differences. There is no such thing as a standard “Chinese” or “Indian” person. The Malays enjoy certain privileges from the New Economic Policy of 1970; have more power and position in society than other ethnic backgrounds. Within each ethnic group exists political parties that these groups will traditionally back, meaning the government is being pulled in many different directions too. Migrant workers make up 20% of the population due to the economic growth which creates another sub-group and ethnic issues
After Malaysia officially gained its independence in 1963, a “social contract” was created. This contract was essentially a way for the non-Malay to become citizens and retain the ability to live and work in Malaysia, but at the cost of the Malay population having a better chance at holding seats in political office and other benefits such as education. In the Malaysian context, the term “social contract” is in relation to the bargain in a political society between the state and its citizens; this is where the more frequently used term, “The Bargain”, came from. While the citizens adhere to the state and its laws, the state reciprocates the respect by protecting its citizens and attempting to follow through with all obligations. Of course, all of this isn’t possible without building a foundation of trust between the people and the government. The New Economic Policy, a step taken by the government to reduce inequality and unlawful treatment between Malays and the wealthier Chinese class, was established as a response to a race riot that took place in late 1969.This is a very rare example of an affirmative action program that actual benefits the majority race. “In Malaysia, the term “social contract” has a unique meaning. It refers to the painstaking compromises between the ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians on their mutual rights and privileges and their bargains with the Malay Rulers and the British for the creation of a democratic, monarchial, federal and non-theocratic system of government” (Understanding the Social Contract, Faruqi). With this today, we see that Malays have fewer issues as far as being equally treated as everyone else. Barriers to education, both elementary and at the collegiate level aren’t as severe, starting businesses is now more common and achievable because of equal opportunity, and even purchasing land to build a house is more likely now than before compared to Chinese-Malaysian and Indian-Malaysian citizens. This bargain was struck between the three major elite groups; Malay, Chinese, and Indian. It was officially called “Article 153” in their constitution.
Brunei
The Sultan knows that they only have so much oil and gas left, their primary export and 98% of their exports and 80% of its GDP, however their tourism did not rise at all from 2002 – 13, and with Sharia Law less people will be likely to go. Brunei is losing their only major source of income, oil. This ultimately has driven the country to take further steps in expanding and making Brunei even more of a tourist hotspot by becoming an Islamic country so that they can maintain the people. This plan is part of the 2035 plan to become the top tourist destination similar to the way Singapore did, but with Muslims instead.
Attempting to reform the Sharia Law quickly led to chaos throughout the country. For starters, the country is only 67% Muslim, meaning that a fairly large portion of the country will have to be under the the same law too, regardless of religion. Being under a political system that requires everyone to follow a set religion would mean that everyone must respect and actively practice any routines and traditions that go along with the religion set by law. In the case of Muslims that would mean every citizen partaking in daily prayers and abiding by the religious guidelines presented through the Quran.
Both Malaysia and Indonesia are close by and have more relaxed forms of their practicing of Islam. Due to their not being so strict, these two locations have definitely become better tourist destinations to foreigners. This Created backlash in the US, with congressmen wanting to remove them from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. The Sultan himself lives a sorted life not following Sharia Law himself.
Malaysia, a country that is commonly attributed for its opulent culture and traditions, is known to be one of the most diverse countries in Asia today. The country consists of five main races that make up the population: Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, and Kadazan. Although the country has a reputation for its rich background, there are still serious issues that exist throughout the country.
The massive ethnic and religious differences lead to many issues within the country. As a result of so many different groups of people occupying one land, the different beliefs of people tend to lead to a deterioration within the communities. Tension is ubiquitous throughout Malaysia’s background, specifically ethnic tension that has a huge impact on its politics. Additionally, Malaysia’s “national identity” is extremely hard to be defined, for the country is split in many different places Malaysia's ethnic diversity is apparent in food prohibitions: muslims are forbidden to eat pork which is a favorite of the Chinese population, Hindus do not eat beef, some Buddhists are vegetarian, and alcohol consumption also separates non-Muslims from Muslims in the region.
Even within each group there are significant cultural differences. There is no such thing as a standard “Chinese” or “Indian” person. The Malays enjoy certain privileges from the New Economic Policy of 1970; have more power and position in society than other ethnic backgrounds. Within each ethnic group exists political parties that these groups will traditionally back, meaning the government is being pulled in many different directions too. Migrant workers make up 20% of the population due to the economic growth which creates another sub-group and ethnic issues
After Malaysia officially gained its independence in 1963, a “social contract” was created. This contract was essentially a way for the non-Malay to become citizens and retain the ability to live and work in Malaysia, but at the cost of the Malay population having a better chance at holding seats in political office and other benefits such as education. In the Malaysian context, the term “social contract” is in relation to the bargain in a political society between the state and its citizens; this is where the more frequently used term, “The Bargain”, came from. While the citizens adhere to the state and its laws, the state reciprocates the respect by protecting its citizens and attempting to follow through with all obligations. Of course, all of this isn’t possible without building a foundation of trust between the people and the government. The New Economic Policy, a step taken by the government to reduce inequality and unlawful treatment between Malays and the wealthier Chinese class, was established as a response to a race riot that took place in late 1969.This is a very rare example of an affirmative action program that actual benefits the majority race. “In Malaysia, the term “social contract” has a unique meaning. It refers to the painstaking compromises between the ethnic Malays, Chinese and Indians on their mutual rights and privileges and their bargains with the Malay Rulers and the British for the creation of a democratic, monarchial, federal and non-theocratic system of government” (Understanding the Social Contract, Faruqi). With this today, we see that Malays have fewer issues as far as being equally treated as everyone else. Barriers to education, both elementary and at the collegiate level aren’t as severe, starting businesses is now more common and achievable because of equal opportunity, and even purchasing land to build a house is more likely now than before compared to Chinese-Malaysian and Indian-Malaysian citizens. This bargain was struck between the three major elite groups; Malay, Chinese, and Indian. It was officially called “Article 153” in their constitution.
Brunei
The Sultan knows that they only have so much oil and gas left, their primary export and 98% of their exports and 80% of its GDP, however their tourism did not rise at all from 2002 – 13, and with Sharia Law less people will be likely to go. Brunei is losing their only major source of income, oil. This ultimately has driven the country to take further steps in expanding and making Brunei even more of a tourist hotspot by becoming an Islamic country so that they can maintain the people. This plan is part of the 2035 plan to become the top tourist destination similar to the way Singapore did, but with Muslims instead.
Attempting to reform the Sharia Law quickly led to chaos throughout the country. For starters, the country is only 67% Muslim, meaning that a fairly large portion of the country will have to be under the the same law too, regardless of religion. Being under a political system that requires everyone to follow a set religion would mean that everyone must respect and actively practice any routines and traditions that go along with the religion set by law. In the case of Muslims that would mean every citizen partaking in daily prayers and abiding by the religious guidelines presented through the Quran.
Both Malaysia and Indonesia are close by and have more relaxed forms of their practicing of Islam. Due to their not being so strict, these two locations have definitely become better tourist destinations to foreigners. This Created backlash in the US, with congressmen wanting to remove them from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. The Sultan himself lives a sorted life not following Sharia Law himself.