Malaysia’s Ethnic Strife

Racism Rife in Malaysia’s Melting Pot, Survey

Malaysia’s first serious survey of race relations, in 50 years, shows that behind the façade of outward unity and peace, racism runs deep in this multi-ethnic ‘melting pot’.

It found that more than half the population does not trust each other. For a nation that claims to be a ‘melting pot’, only eleven percent of the respondents said they had eaten often with friends from other races in the past three months. Thirty four percent said they have never had a meal with people of other races.

Chinese and Indians, who began migrating here in the early 19th century, make up 26 percent and 8.0 percent of the population, respectively. The survey found that 42 percent do not consider themselves Malaysian first, 46 percent say ethnicity is important in voting, 55 percent blame politicians for racial problems and 70 percent would help their own ethnic group first.

I visited Malaysia in 2002 and loved it. KL is a beautiful city and the mix of Native Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British Colonial makes for a fun place to visit. They also have some of the best modern architecture in the world. But the ethnic divide is real, and it’s why Singapore exists.