ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impact of accommodative multiculturalism policies on the development of national integration. Multiculturalism-based on ‘unity in diversity’ is a commendable ideal, but its application in Malaysia has been problematic. Political loyalty to the state and its governing principles can potentially serve as a precondition that binds all ethnic communities together. Malaysia has not possessed such preconditions. Therefore, expanding the cultural autonomy of non-Malays could lead to further ethnic polarisation and cause disunity. The possibility of polarisation is considered by analysing ethnic polarisation in primary and secondary education, as reflected in Chinese enrolment trends after the implementation of the 1996 Education Act based on an accommodative multiculturalism approach. This examination indicates that the implementation of the 1996 Education Act has not influenced Chinese enrolment trends and has not caused an increase in ethnic polarisation in primary and secondary education. This chapter also explains that the government’s understanding of accommodative multiculturalism policies is different from that of non-Malays. Many Chinese see them as the continuation of assimilation. Thus, such policies have not been able to reduce ethnic tensions and achieve a middle ground.
