MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE AND PRACTISE OF MULTICULTURISM IN EDUCATION

MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE AND PRACTISE OF MULTICULTURISM IN EDUCATION

Mr. Samsudin Suhaili
Faculty of Languages
Sultan Idris University of Education


Summary in English

Malaysian society is multicultural. As such, members of its societies must take steps to know and adapt themselves within that society. This is crucial in order to ensure the Malaysian society grow from one generation to the next. We must take into account and ensure that the differences in religion, language and culture do not escalate into enmity and conflicts. It is obvious that the concept of multiculturalism is indeed important in a process of nation building common values should be stressed to neutralize ethnocentricity and factionalism.

The discussion on education planning and the implementation of the education policy would be wise to take an approach that is cultural in nature. It should take into account the various cultural traits that should be incorporated into the policy. We do have existing codes and by-laws that are being observed as basis to develop cultural tolerance and togetherness. However, the cultivation of such values in a natural manner among members of our pluralistic society seems to be just as important. This entails that a concept of multiculturalism that accepts and accord the right to certain cultural values, reciprocal understanding and tolerance would ensure individual freedom and that of the country and the nation.

This concept of multiculturalism has been elaborated, and it is one that has been incorporated and practised in education. History of the country and the direction to be adopted are made the objectives of our education system. In addition to that, Malay is taught as language of unity and as a feature of national Malaysia identity. Still, the differing history and traits of the students should not be summarily waived aside.

In fact, national integration in previous European colonies appears to continue being an issue. This is due to failure to integrate the various political factions, ethnic groups, language, religious and social economic groups. As a colony of the British, Malaysia is also facing the same problem, though it cannot be said to be as serious as others. Issues on national integration should be stressed upon using a more rational approach acceptable to all. This is crucial in order to sustain peace, prosperity and stability.

Through multicultural education, students’ readiness, understanding, response and acceptance of various ethnics and cultures in our country would be inculcated to ensure the country will be more harmonious in the future. In ensuring Malaysians who live in a multiracial country to be more tolerant, it is important to inculcate them with the sense of equality and understanding. One of the effective instruments is through formal education which has appropriate materials and teaching methodology.

By looking from the perspective of creating nation’s nation, re-evaluation of educational philosophy, system and practice should be done effectively. By taking such approach, the existed philosophy and system will be having added-values as well as fulfilling the current needs of pluralistic society in Malaysia. Therefore, continuous research and rearrangement of curriculum and co curriculum and the use of text books should be done in order to bring up to date the unification of cultural education in school. Co-curriculum activities which can instil understanding among ethnicity, culture and national value should be given a priority. At the same time, cooperation among schools, teachers and students in the same district should be enhanced either by means of curriculum or co-curriculum activities.

Through multicultural education, students will be assisted to develop cooperation, understanding, and readiness to accept various ethnic cultures existing in Malaysia. This should be developed into an asset to build a harmonious society. The sense of togetherness and willingness to cooperate is of utmost importance. As such a suitable formal education system should be developed using suitable approaches and materials.

A critical evaluation of the present philosophy and practice in national education system need to be done. This means that we will be giving more positive values to the present policy to meet the need of a Malaysian multicultural society. Studies to restructure the curriculum and co-curriculum in our education system need to be undertaken from time to time to ensure that cultural education and social integration occur in schools. Stress should be placed upon understanding between ethnic groups and national values. Cooperation between schools, teachers and students in the same district need to be enhanced.

With this awareness, cultural education, in particular that of national culture and multiculturalism should be stressed upon at various levels of education. Under the influence of globalization and the borderless world, the principle of togetherness, mutual respect and tolerance should be repackaged on a broader and general perspective.