Essay About Multiracial Society In Malaysia

1. Introduction

A multiracial society introduce to a society that is various groups of races or ethnicities but under one leadership. According to J.S.Furnival, a mixed society of various races is defined as multiracial society. However, the mix in this sense means communication but not merging. Each group practice its respective religion, lifestyles, cultures, customs, ideologies and language. This multiracial society lives next to each other, but parted in one political unit. However, a division of jobs according to race or ethnicities had existed.

2. Process of forming a multiracial society in Malaysia

There was more than 90% of the population in the Peninsular of Malaysia and Singapore were Malays in the early 19th century. There was only a small number of Chinese who had come to Malaya as

Sarawak has a certain population distribution due to the existence of various indigenous tribes with unique identities. Sarawak had a land area of 48250 square miles. Of the total Sarawak population, approximately 70% consists of Bumiputras. The Ibans are the largest group followed by the Bidayuhs. The Ibans inhabit all parts of Sarawak, especially along the river banks. The Bidayuhs are more concentrated in the First Division, in the districts of Serian, Kuching, Bau and Lundu.

In Sarawak, most Malays inhabit the lower parts of the river valleys, especially in the First and Second Divisions, as well as in small parts of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Divisions. Other than the Malays, there are many Melanau tribes inhabiting the coastal areas, but they are more concentrated in the Third, Fourth and Fifth Divisions. There are also the Kadayan and Bisayan tribes who inhabit the fringes of the Fourth and Fifth Divisions.

The low plains are mostly inhabited by the Ibans (Sea Dayak) and Bidayuhs (Land Dayaks). They are settled at the upper rivers as opposed to the Malays and Melanau, but lower than the Kenyah, Kayan and Penan