FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND LIBERAL ARTS (FOSSLA)

GENERAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

MPU3173 PENGAJIAN MALAYSIA

September-December 2020
Final Online Assessment
Question type: Essay

Submission format: PDF document

Submission platform: 1) Upload PDF document on GOOGLE CLASSROOM, click “Final
Examination”
Word limit for each
question: NOT LESS THAN 400 WORDS

Document label format: Please label your PDF submission in the following format:

Your ID Number<space> Your Full Name

(Eg: 1001234567 Norfaizadatul Akma)

Due Date: 7 December 2020 (Monday) at 9:00AM (Malaysia Time)

Submission attempts: on GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Important notice: 1) Please refrain from plagiarism or copying, as the diciplinary

actions will be taken for any cheating / plagrism.
2) The submissions that do not abide by the instructions given here
will not be marked. No appeals will be entertained.
For clarifications,
please contact: Mr. Maniraj Maharjan at maniraj@iimscollege.edu.np

Instructions: 1) Answer ALL the questions (2 essays)

2) Write your answers in the Microsoft Word and then save it in
PDF. After that, submit the PDF file to the GOOGLE
CLASSROOM, under Task section name “Final Examination”.
3) Answer each question NOT LESS than 400 words.
Please Answer ALL the following question.

Q1. After the independence of Malaya in 1957, Malaysia proposed to unite with its
neighborhood countries in order to form an independence state. However, many
obstacles and confrontations were faced by the former leaders to achieve their mission
and vision.

From the statement above, explain FIVE (5) factor that lead towards the formation of
Malaysia together with the reaction of Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.
[20 marks]

Answer: The formation of Malaysia took place on September 16, 1963. With
the British colonies of Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei, Tunku Abdul Rahman
suggested the establishment of Malaysia. All four colonies originally decided that they
would join the union. However when they asserted a point over Sabah, the plan was
rejected by the Philippines. The idea also received criticism from Indonesia, where it was
seen by Sukarno and the influential Indonesian Communist Party as a neo-colonialist plot.
Singapore had proposed that it be combined with Malaya sometime in 1955, and later in
1959. However this recommendation was refused by Malaya. At the time the population of
Singapore composed mostly of Chinese, and Malaya worried that this would influence its
ethnic makeup, which was predominantly Malay. There was also the concern that the
Communists, whose activities in Singapore were still widespread, would affect Malaya and
hinder its fight to rid itself of the threat of Communism.

The Alliance of Southeast Asia, or ASA, was the first regional grouping to
arise as a result of pure Southeast Asian initiatives. Malayan Prime Minister Tunku Abdul
Rahman made the original suggestion for such a grouping during his official visit to the
Philippines in January 1959. Talks and consultations led to the final conference, when
ASA was formally formed, in Bangkok on 31 July 1961. Malaya, the Philippines and
Thailand were among its participants. The territorial dispute over part of Northern Borneo,
prompted by the claim of the Philippines over Sabah in June 1962, led to the steady
worsening of Malay-Philippine relations. Moreover, Indonesian President Sukarno's
opposition to the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia had made ASA a casual one.
As a consequence of the end of the cold war, security issues among ASEAN states are
changing. There was potentially a more urgent domestic challenge than external threats.
Indeed, many of the so-called external challenges, such as the confrontation of
superpowers, communist successes in Indochina and the conquest of Kampuchea by
Vietnam, were viewed largely in terms of their ability to aggravate internal domestic
conflicts. With the exception of the Philippines, the communist insurgency in the ASEAN
states is no longer a legitimate threat to the stability of the government. In Indonesia, after
the 1965 coup attempt, the communist party was never able to recover from its bloody
repression. In 1987, the pro-Beijing Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) shrank to a few
hundred supporters, from a high of 10,000 guerrillas in the late 1970s. The deal between
the Communist Party of Malaysia (CPM) and the governments of Malaysia and Thailand
was reached in December 1989, bringing an end to the 41-year armed uprising against the
Malaysian government.

In 1957, Malaya gained merdeka (independence). On August 31, 1957, it

officially became an independent country. In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka Square
is where in 1957, the Malaysian flag was first lifted. This incident is being commemorated
today with the tallest flagpole in the world. After the British left, the sultans maintained
some influence and authority over the territory, as illustrated by the constitution. Due to an
internal Communist rebellion and an external conflict with neighboring Indonesia,
independence was accompanied by a period of turmoil. In 1963, together with Singapore,
the North Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak entered Malaya to establish Malaysia.
Violent inter-racial riots broke out in 1969, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, killing hundreds
of people. The government has moved to dispel the conflicts that predominantly remain
between the Malays and the Chinese. Malaysia's culture today is largely prosperous and
cooperative.

The formation of Malaysia to form understanding and cooperation in the

economic sectors. Malaysia is encouraging five areas to be developed to experience
economic prosperity together. The economic growth made by Singapore, Brunei and
Malaya was very satisfactory, although the Sabah and Sarawak States were still
withdrawing. Enable the foundation of the Sabah and Sarawak Malaysia Federation to be
established. This means that the developing region's funds would be passed to the retired
area in order to fund construction programs. The transition of independence has been
intensified by the formation of Malaysia. For Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Singapore, the
establishment seeks to step up the principle of independence. In the event of Sabah,
Sarawak, Brunei and Singapore joining Malaya to form Malaysia, Britain pledged to give
independence earlier.

Article 153 The Constitution of Malaysia confers liability on the Yangs di-
Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia), and determine the forms in which to do so, such as
quotas for admission into the civil service, scholarship and pub, for "safeguarding the
special position of the Malays' and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak and
the legitimate interests of other communities" Article 153 of the Malaysian Constitution is
one of the most contentious documents. Critics consider that the Malayans from diverse
ethnic groups are needless and racialist, since the Bumiputera, who made up the bulk of the
population, are responsible to enforce affirmative action policies. For Sabah, Sarawak,
Brunei and Singapore, the establishment seeks to accelerate the concept of independence.
The British pledge to grant independence earlier in the case of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and
Singapore joined Malaya to form Malaysia. Malaysia's Constitution specifically sets out
favorable policies for Malays and indigenous groups—collectively recognized as the
Bumiputera or "sons of the soil"—on the basis of their "special position." In 1957, when
the Malaya colony achieved independence, Malaya accounted for around half of the
population. The unification of Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia) with Malaya
(Peninsular Malaysia) in 1963 raised the proportion of indigenous peoples subsumed in the
Bumiputera category. Higher Bumiputera population growth currently represents 67% of
Malaysians, with Malays accounting for 54% of the national population (mainly Peninsular
Malaysia) and other indigenous communities called Malaya (predominantly in Sabah and
Sarawak).

Blessed with a vastly diverse multiracial population of diverse political views and
religious aspirations, Malaysia's nation-building efforts have been a unique experiment.
Since the colonial period the country had to contend with three large and distinct ethnic
groups, most of which, due to history, could be identified by their role and place in
Malaysia's society and economy. Upon becoming independent, this nascent political party
faced a colossal task—to unite the different ethnic groups in the country under a single
national vision and a coherent economic development strategy. Today despite several
weaknesses, Malaysia has been relatively successful in building a competent economic
model based on a complex multi-racial unity formula in the country. Malaysia can be said
to be one of the few countries that have been successful in balancing national imperatives
with ethnic and religious realities. It is this understanding and response to a uniquely
pluralistic demographic landscape that has served as the underlying philosophy of
Malaysia's foreign policy. The country's approach to building relations in the region begins
with a deep appreciation of the diverse ethnic, religious and cultural nature of Asian
societies. Her many policies over the last 50 years have been aimed at strengthening ties
with her Asian neighbors on the basis of enlightened self-interest and mutual political,
social and economic benefits. Its domestic experience in dealing with a multitude of Asian
races and cultures has enabled Malaysia to respond to the challenges facing Asian nations.
This has allowed her to forge close cooperation with many Asian countries over the years.
 Overall, it would appear that Malaysia has not only been able to achieve its national slogan
"Unity is Strength" within its borders, but has also been able to work with its neighbors to
try to achieve it internationally.

Q2. Malaysia is a country with a multiracial society that have various ethnicity, religion
and also culture. Malaysia diverseness is well portrayed on its society daily lives. A
train ride to work, a weekend hang-out at the malls, and merry festival celebrations
throughout the year the whole community band together to live in harmony in
Malaysia.

Elaborate the 5 ethnic groups in Peninsula Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak
together with festivals celebrated by each of the ethnic groups in Malaysia.
[20 marks]

Answer: The Five ethnic groups of Malaysia are:

i. Malays: The Malaysians are mainly an ethnic group that lives on the
Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. They are Malaysia's largest
community and have a political dominance. About half of the population
is constituted by them. Malaysian are Muslims who practice Malian
customs (adat) and culture in accordance with constitutional definition.
Their language is the national language of Malay (Bahasa Melayu).
Minangkabau, Bugis or Javanese citizens may also speak their respective
ancestral languages, which may be classified as Malaysian by
constitutional definitions. In major cities throughout the country,
however, English is also widely spoken. All Malaysians are Muslims
according to the Malaysian constitution. Malaysians have previously
written in Pallava or used the Kawi Sanskrit alphabet. Jawi has been
taught together with Islam to spread the script across all social classes.
ii. Chinese: The Chinese, which comprise 23% of people excluding non-
citizens since 2018, constitute the second largest ethnic group with 6.69
 million people. Since the beginning of the 20th century, they have
dominated trade and business. The cities of the Chinese majority, George
Town, Ipoh and Iskandar Puteri, were the only state in Malaysia to have
the majority population of non Bumiputera until 2017. For several
centuries, the Chinese settled in Malaysia, as seen in the emergence of
Peranakan culture, but the exodus culminated in trade and tin mining
during the nineteenth century. The majority of Chinese are Tao Buddhist
and maintain strong cultural links with their ancient homeland. The first
Chinese to settle in the Straits, mainly at Malacca and around Malacca,
gradually embraced elements of Malay culture and some of them
intermarried. The Chinese communities speak a variety of Chinese
dialects, including Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Hakka and Teochew,
depending on the predominant dialect in the particular region.
iii. Indian: In Malaysia, the 2.01 million large Indians are the
smallest of the three major ethnic groups, representing just 7.0 per cent
of the total non-citizens excluded population in 2014. In late 18th and
early 19th centuries, the Indians were imported into Malaysia during the
British colonial period. During the colonial rule in Britain, indigenous
peasants, the bulk of whom were southerly Indian Tamils in Tamil Nadu,
and in smaller amounts in Southern India, were brought to work in
Malaya on sugar cane and coffee plantations, the rubber and oil palm
farms, houses, trains, roads and bridges. Kerala had India's first mission
schools and as such, trained administrators developed English. As for the
Punjabi, most of them were enlisted in Malaya during the bullock
carriage services in the region.The Indians who came to Malaysia
introduced the Hindu faith, Kovils, and the Sikhs, their only mosques,
with their gurdwares. Flavorful Tamil cuisine. In Malaysia, more than
85% of the population subscribe to Hinduism. The population of Chitty
in Malacca is the offspring of several earlier settlers who have followed
local culture.
iv. Kadazan: The largest indigenous group in Sabah, containing the
fusion of two groups with 40 sub-groups, is Kadazan-Dusun. Each sub-
group has a different language and culture, but they can understand each
other. To apply to the Kadazan and Dusun peoples, the term Kadazan-
Dusun is frequently used. Today, the Kadazans live predominantly in
urban areas, while Dusun often reside in the hills and upland valleys. The
Kadazans are often located around Penampang, Papar, Ranau, Tambunan
 and Keningau, while Dusun often reside in the hills and upland valleys.
The Kadazan once lived in longhouses, while the Dusun lived in a single
traditional home, although some of them still lived in longhouses. They
celebrate an annual harvest festival known as the Kaamatan, because
both of them are historically rice farmers.
v. Iban: The Ibans form the highest proportion of the population
of Sarawak (nearly 30 percent). Iban is a native of Sarawak and the
largest number of Ibans in Borneo is in Sarawak. The Ibans of today,
formerly reputed to be the most fearsome headhunters on the island of
Borneo, are kind, friendly and peaceful citizens. The Ibans were
historically known as the "Sea Dayaks" because of their past as farmers,
pirates and fishermen. From Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of
Borneo, south of Sarawak, the early Iban settlers migrated through the
Kapuas River. In the river valleys of Batang Ai, the Skrang River, the
Saribas, and the Rajang River, they crossed the Kelingkang range and set
up their dwellings. The Ibans live in longhouses, stilted buildings that
house a whole population of families with a wide number of rooms.
Head awards or antu pala can still be seen at an Iban longhouse.

The Five Festivals Of Malaysia Are:

i. Hari Raya: In the Islamic world, Eid is the main festival. Per year,
Hari Raya does not have a set date. Instead the time based on the lunar
Hijri month is decided by religious scholars. Muslims all over the world,
including those in Malaysia, fast for a month during Ramadan before
Eid. Fasting entails not feeding, drinking from dawn to sunset and
smoking. The Eid festivities begin at the end of Ramadan and are
Malaysia's biggest festival. Before they come home and have an open
house, people go to the mosque in the morning for prayers. Typical
snacks, along with a wide range of biscuits and sweets, include rendang
(meat), satay (Malaysian kebabs) and sticky rice.
ii. Chinese New Year: The Chinese New Year is Malaysia's
largest Chinese festival. You will see lion and dragon dances throughout
the city during the festival, involving people dressed in costumes to
perform ritualistic dances for good luck and scare away evil spirits.
 Chinese Malaysians will hold dances in their houses, shops and
businesses. Any cities have lion dances, shows and popular songs at
public ceremonies. Malls and outdoor spaces are adorned with red
lanterns. Traditionally, children and teens get a 'ang pow,' a red packet of
lucky gold. Red is the hue of good luck in Chinese society. Mandarin
oranges are very popular at this festival, and any house you visit will
give you an orange. The Lantern Festival will end 15 days of Chinese
New Year's Eve. In the evenings, the children will enter the temples
holding paper lanterns.
iii. Deepavali: Deepavali, or 'Festival of Light,' is the most
vibrant festival in Malaysia. Local Hindus rejoice by using colored chalk
to make patterns and shapes on the ground while spreading colored rice
at the same time. Both races and denominations are welcome to take part
in an experience that takes place in people's homes or in public spaces
such as the mall. Homemade samosas, murukku and curries are sold on
stalls, making an already large range of Indian food much more readily
available.

iv. Wesak Day: Malaysian Buddhists observe Wesak Day or

Buddha's Birthday, the Sunday nearest to May's full moon. Buddhists all
over the world are going to the temple to attend a service. The aim of one
of the most important religious festivals in the Buddhist world is to
celebrate Gautama's birth, enlightenment and death. The festivities begin
at the temple with religious monks wearing saffron robes and singing
while burning incense and making prayers. Some areas of Malaysia, such
as Penang with a large Buddhist population, have flower and candle-
filled processions.
v. Thaipusam: Malaysia has a strong Tamil community in the
western parts of the country, especially around Kuala Lumpur. At the
end of January or the beginning of February, when the moon is full, the
Tamils are having one of their most significant gatherings. Thaipusam
commemorates Murugan's destruction of the evil spirit called
Soorapadman. During this festival, you can see devotees piercing
portions of their body, cheeks and tongue. Some of them bear a Kavadi.
A Kavadi is a decorative object used by worshipers to enter their bodies.
Thaipusam is rare and very uncommon in the Tamil culture, making it
doubtful. The horror can be too much for others. Thaipusam takes place
every year in Malaysia at Batu Caves on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
Within the tunnel, Batu Caves has a Hindu shrine. Visitors need to walk
272 stairs to reach the shrine.

-END OF QUESTION-