Submitted by: Submitted by shapharrell
Views: 741
Words: 2979
Pages: 12
Category: Other Topics
Date Submitted: 06/25/2012 04:50 AM
UNITY AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION
1.0 Introduction
Malaysia is a unique country. It is made up of multi-ethnic group who are living in harmony. Conflict among ethnic group is rare and even if conflict occurs, is not to the extent of destroying the country. In fact, it is the diversity that drives the development of the country and makes this country colourful. Malaysia has been recognized by the world as a model for other plural societies. The concept of ‘unity in diversity’ is always insisted by the leaders. The concept is now supported with the ‘1 Malaysia’ concept which is introduced by the current Prime Minister. The Malaysian government is always put efforts to ensure the unity among the people because the unity is very important for national unity. The national unity will ensure the country’s prosperity and the prosperity will create national integration. The unity and integration is the ultimate aim of development. Thus, in this lesson, you will come across the efforts of the Malaysian government towards creating national integration.
2.0 Concepts of Unity and Integration:
Unity and integration are interlinked in which both aims at bringing different races, closer together. In Malaysia context, unity can be defined as a process of forming a national identity among various groups that have differences in beliefs, cultures, customs, politics, social, economic functions and location into a political entity. In other words, national unity is a process to unite various groups that have different social and cultural background into one physical entity. For example, the effort of uniting Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsular of Malaysia into a federation, is an effort at achieving national unity.
Meanwhile, integration has a wider meaning as compared to unity. It is a process of uniting groups with different backgrounds into one entity which is bound by common norms, values and interests. When the integration takes place, there will be a sense...