National cultural policy: Challenges in nation building

This paper will discuss the importance of cultural issues in a pluralistic society in strengthening the unity of the country and the construction of a Malaysian race or Malaysian society.Cultural diversity in a country like Malaysia, a multi-ethnic society, is considered a uniqueness and a specialty...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: A. Latif, Taufik, Abu Bakar, Afi Roshezry, Thangavelu, Muthualagan, Ibrahim, Ira Meilita
Format: Conference or Workshop Item
Language:English
Published: 2012
Subjects:
Online Access:https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/6825/1/Tau.pdf
Description
Summary:This paper will discuss the importance of cultural issues in a pluralistic society in strengthening the unity of the country and the construction of a Malaysian race or Malaysian society.Cultural diversity in a country like Malaysia, a multi-ethnic society, is considered a uniqueness and a specialty.Similarities and differences of lifestyle should be taken into account in shaping the national culture to reflect the identity of Malaysia's plural society in terms of language, race, religion and culture.Culture is very important to inculcate the spirit of nationalism and nationhood that will guarantee the stability and harmony, as well as unity in Malaysia.The formation of the National Cultural Policy in 1971 was a right step.However, how far has this policy achieved its goal since its implementation 41 years ago? The focus of this paper is to examine the challenges that can jeopardize the goal of the National Cultural Policy, and the efforts that should be done to strengthen this policy.This paper is important in the effort to build a nation of excellence, glory and distinction.