Political Impact of Islamic Revival in a Plural Society: The Case of Malaysia
Abstract
Like many other multiethnic countries, Malaysia has seen revival in Islamic fundamentalism in her Muslim populace since the seventies. The ongoing revival has led to pressure on the Malaysian government to establish an Islamic state in the country. Since the eighties, this revival is associated with a deterioration in political relations between Muslims and non-Muslims and a heightening of domestic tensions in the country. this study examines the process by which the activities of Islamic revival movements have contributed to the polarization in Malaysia's domestic politics. This study analyzes the characteristics of the revival and the impact on some key area of Malaysian politics. These areas include Muslim and non-Muslim interests, governmental response to the revival, responses of major political parties, and changes in the alignment of popular support fo these political parties. The study shows that the government has adopted conciliatory responses toward the demands of Muslim revivalistic because of the pivotal role of the Muslim vote in the electoral process. Such responses have been detrimental to the interests of non- Muslims, resulting in a deterioration in relations between Muslims and non- Muslims at the grassroots level, and a polarization of support for political parties along ethnic lines. If the momentum for the revival continues, interethnic relations are likely to continue deteriorating.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212471
Entities
People
- Yat C. Ng
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College