Deploying nationalism : fear and ethno-nationalist mobilization in contemporary Malaysia

• Main Author: Vedrana Ristic
• Other Authors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Political science
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53215
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research focuses on contemporary Malay ethno-nationalist movements in Malaysia, which have in the last few years been more numerous and more vocal than before. Such non-governmental and civil society movements are advocating the Islamic cause and Malay dominance while creating the atmosphere of fear and insecurity of the Malay ethnic group. Through a comprehensive study of two pro- Malay non-governmental organizations - Pekida and Perkasa - this paper attempts to answer why such movements are on the rise, what their origins and goals encompass and what role they play in the Malaysian society. The research is based on extensive study of existing literature, official documentation and media reports, as well as personal interviews and observations. The research findings show that, although officially non-governmental, the two groups are nevertheless maintaining tight links with the political elites and as such play an important political role. On the other hand, ethno-nationalist outbursts are expressions of the loss ofhegemony of political elites, who are unable to adapt to new socio-economical realities. Furthermore, such organizations operate as a part of the “deep state”, i.e. the unofficial, unaccountable political domain which is nonetheless not autonomous. Such concealed structure is potentially dangerous, as it lacks transparency and predictability. On a broader level, this research shows how nationalist and ethno-nationalist discourses, due to their fluid and multiple meanings, are still important and vulnerable social mobilizers.