Islam And Ethnicity In Malay Politics

Covering the period 1963 to 1986, this study demonstrates the degree of influence that Islam exerts on Malay identity. Islam is not only a focal point in relations between Malays and non-Malays, but also in the Malay ethnic community since Islam is integral to its culture and identity and is involved in a tense, dialectical relationship with Malay ethnicity. The Malay tendency to opt for ethnic Malay-based solutions instead of an Islamic alternative results in an upsurge of Malay ethnic nationalism, and is here explored against the backdrop of the current Islamic resurgence in Malaysia.