말레이시아의 교육정책과 종족갈등

Abstract

As a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country, Malaysia traditionally attaches more importance to education compared to other countries in South East Asia. Malay leaders believe that unification and harmonization in the name of ‘Malaysian’ is a central key for national development, and it would be accomplished through education. To realize this national goal, the Malaysian government has been intensifying religious and moral education for a long time. Malay people who are the majority in number and has a enormous political influence has acquired a priority to education for Malay Malaysians by this policy. As is well known, Chinese Malaysians are the minor in number but they have economical power and national-wide influence. The educational policy meets with opposition from these Chinese Malaysians. They are asserting their rights and equal opportunities for education. Simultaneously, they are sending their children abroad for advanced education, especially to USA and some Commonwealth countries. These Chinese Malaysian students would become elite leaders of next generation in Malaysia. Therefore, the more efforts for positive change and reform are required to improve the harmony among ethnic groups in Malaysia. It would guarantee further development and unification to Malaysia in future.