ABSTRACT
This study aims at investigating the contributing factors of ethnic tolerance among multiethnic youths. The following four factors were identified in this study: socioenvironment, socioparticipation, knowledge, and practices of patriotism. Ethnic tolerance can be defined as ethnic relationships and the unity among myriad ethnic groups who practice a variety of cultures, religions, and lifestyles which are different from each other, and who can live together without feeling prejudiced at each other. Ethnic tolerance also refers to the concept of integration in the context of ethnic diversity in the multiethnic society in Malaysia (Syamsul Amri, 2012). This survey included 2600 multiethnic youth aged between 19 and 29 years in Malaysia, which comprises the Peninsular area (n = 1600), as well as Sabah and Sarawak (n = 1000). The peninsular zone was divided into four zones, namely north, south, east, and west. A set of questionnaires was used for data collection. A pilot study was carried out before data collection. Cronbach’s alpha results indicate that the items for all constructs are valid and can be used (0.806 and 0.953). The results from this study revealed that all factors had a significant relationship toward racial tolerance. Detailed findings show that socioparticipation is the largest contributor to tolerance (34.4%), followed by knowledge, practices, and socioenvironment. Hence, all parties have to work together to organize activities that can enhance the friendship relationships between different races. Integrity, moral, and empathy should be used by every individual in learning and practicing tolerance. The importance of tolerance as a social value cannot be understated in the life of a harmonious society.
