MULTIKULTURALISME DALAM NARATIF SEJARAH NASIONAL MALAYSIA.

In Malaysia, identity politics has become one of the phenomena behind its ethnic relations that shadowing its society's ethnic relations. The Malaysian society has yet to find a conclusive formula for building a complete unity. The national identity, which is the instrument of unity, is still facing the collective consent of society as its orientation is rather exclusive. In order to dissolve that element, some advocated the multiculturalism idea to be held as the backbone of Malaysia's identity. However, this idea became problematic. As a result, there is ongoing debate on an identity in Malaysia, especially in terms of language and cultural position within the framework of national identity. This article attempts to analyze Malaysia's national history polemic in the setting of identity politics. We argued, although the polemic of national history was running on various issues, however, multiculturalism has become one of the most contested paradigms. We also argued that there is a close correlation with the different 'Nations of Intent' held by the Malaysian community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]