Malaysian educational policy for national integration: Contested terrain of multiple aspirations in a multicultural nation

Abstract

This article discusses multiple perceptions and views about policy in Malaysian education policy which aims for achieving national integration in a multicultural setting. The discussion in this article is based on the policy research about Malaysian education policy and ethnicity issues that continue to be an important aspect in Malaysian education policy process aimed at achieving integration through the education means. Using a quasi-historical and a qualitative research approach, eleven Malaysian participants across different ethnic and professional backgrounds who have been involved directly and indirectly in the production of Malaysian education policy were interviewed using semi-structured interview method. Based on the interview data gained from the interview with these individuals, this research shows that Malaysian plural society remains in a contested landscape in ideology and aspiration of building a united and harmonious Malaysian nation.   Key words: Educational policy, ethnicity, ethnic arithmetic, national integration