Nation-State, Ethics & Civilization (Malaysian Context)

• The study notes cover the concept of a nation-state, ethics, and civilization, focusing on the Malaysian context.

Introduction

• Malaysia is an independent nation-state
• Efforts to solidify the nation-state have been ongoing since its independence
• Malaysia's diverse population presents unique challenges, therefore national identity is built on multiculturalism and societal needs
• The groundwork for a nation-state was laid during the Malay kingdoms
• The British colonial administration introduced modern nation-state concepts to Tanah Melayu (the Malay Peninsula)

Concept of a State

• A state is a defined territory inhabited by a nation with its own governing institutions
• Malaysia was known as the Federation of Malaya, or Malaya when translated to English, before transitioning to the Federation of Malaysia in 1963
• Sabah and Sarawak joined at that time to make Malaysia
• A community precedes the concept of a nation
• The state contains a hierarchical structure responsible for governance, public order, budgeting, taxation, and public welfare
• The United Nations recognizes 193 countries

Elements of a State

• Population: Recognized citizens with rights and responsibilities
• Territory: A sovereign region that is advanced and modern
• Government: An organization with the power to legislate and enforce laws within its territory
• Sovereignty: Exclusive authority over its territory, administration, and people

Concept of a Nation

• A nation is a group of people sharing common ancestry, such as Malays and Chinese
• A nation is a group of people bound by citizenship
• A nation consists of a group of people sharing a territory, having a civilization, and possessing its own distinct political culture
• Despite differences in ideology, customs, ethnicity, and religion, these groups possess a shared history, political objectives, and territory
• A nation constitutes a political society shaped by shared identity, culture, language, and territory
• Politics is essential, as members are bound by a legal system with rights and responsibilities
• The understanding of a nation evolves based on leaders and political usage of the term
• Nations may include multiple races or ethnic groups unified by governance, law, and shared responsibility to uphold the nation's constitution Nations can be defined by communities with:
  • Shared political community within a specific territory
  • Common physical traits such as race
  • Shared ethnic characteristics, bound cultures

Characteristics of a Nation-State

• Characteristics of a nation-state create a clear picture of its importance and development
• Administrative and regulatory systems, an organized society, and distinctive political direction are needed for a nation
• Core elements of a nation-state include:
  • Government
  • Citizens
  • Sovereignty
  • Territory
  • Laws
  • National symbols

The function of Government

• Government arises from rulers and monarchs
• Monarch acts as the highest authority, is paralleled by the Prime Minister as the head of the government
• The cabinet assists the Prime Minister
• The government maintains political stability, security, defense, and economic health

The role of Citizens

• Citizens pledge allegiance to the government and adhere to its laws
• Citizens are nationals with shared identity and loyalty and represent diverse ethnicities and cultures, forming the nation's diversity
• Citizens have rights to education, employment, and healthcare

Sovereignty Explained

• Sovereignty symbolizes supreme authority in a state
• It manages internal affairs and international relations without external interference
• Sovereignty cannot be challenged by domestic parties or foreign powers
• Sovereignty manifests through legislation, national defense, and diplomatic relations

Nation-State Formation in Malaysia

• Malaysia's federal system unites several states with a shared government
• A key federal element is the existence of a federal government (central) and state governments, each with allocated powers

Key Independence Dates

• The Federation of Malaya declared independence on August 31, 1957
• The Federation was based on the 1957 agreement, establishing a strong federal government and a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy
• Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963
• The Federation consisted of 11 states from the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and Sarawak and Sabah with Malaysia being its name

National Integration Approach

• Malaysia employs an integrative approach, "Unity in Diversity," as opposed to the assimilation approach used in Indonesia
• "Unity in Diversity" promotes harmony in a diverse society
• Assimilation involves forcing minorities to assimilate into the majority

The goal of Unity in Diversity

• "Unity in Diversity" bolsters a nation's strengths and advantages, leading to a more balanced and integrated multi-ethnic society
• Vision 2020, articulated by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on February 29, 1991, placed emphasis on a united Malaysian nation with shared values and undivided loyalty

Challenges in Building a Nation-State:

• Non-Malays having negative perceptions towards the Malay language
  • Viewing it as only useful for daily affairs and not recognizing its economic and unifying potential
• Emphasizing ethnic interests and lacking empathy for other communities
• Hindering the growth of positive values under the guise of liberalization and democracy
• Malays having doubts about the loyalty of non-Malays and holding prejudices alongside stereotypes
• The unwillingness to accept the diversity of languages, cultures, and religions, viewing them as a valuable asset for Malaysia

Ways to develop a Nation-State

• These perceptions and biases remain a topic of political debate in Malaysia
• Sensitive issues tend to resurface, creating anxiety as elections approach

Efforts to Build a Nation-State

• A national education system using a unified curriculum and standardized assessments are being executed in Malaysia
• Making national schools the core of national policy to foster unity and academic excellence
• Inculcates identity, cultural appreciation, and arts into the curriculum

Rukun Negara Principles

• The Rukun Negara's goals include creating a just society that equitably shares the nation's prosperity
• The Rukun Negara preserves a democratic way of life, guaranteeing basic human rights and political freedom as long as citizens abide by the law
• It strengthens unity among society, supporting national unity
• The Rukun Negara encourages a culture that is supportive of a culture liberal which enriches diverse traditions, allowing communities to practice them as long as it aligns with national harmony
• The Rukun Negara is capable of developing of progressive society that makes use of science and modern technology

Political Aspects

• The early stages of nation-building in Malaysia focused on political needs, originating from the people's desire for independence
• Political cooperation began with the UMNO-MCA-MIC alliance in 1954
• Following the May 13, 1969, riots, nation-building efforts intensified, particularly through the New Economic Policy (DEB)
• Malaysia established a unique path for nation-building that incorporates its diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural elements

Conclusion

• Citizens need to instill love for the country in themselves so it can build a strong nation regardless of race, class, and religion
• Upholding peace and achieving national goals is needed to achieve a more promising Malaysia
• It is important to resolve challenges and obstacles that are faced when building a nation-state
• A concerted effort from all parties is critical for the growth and advancement of the Malaysian nation-state