Religion as an Indicator of Social Well-Being in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysian Well-Being Index (MyWI) which was introduced in 2013 and Malaysian Well-Being Report portray the determination of the government in the issue of people"s well-being regardless of their races. The Malaysian Well-being Report 2013 by the Economic Planning Unit shows that the people"s well-being has increased significantly. Several well-being indexes in Malaysia include the Malaysian Well-Being Index (MyWI), Family Well-Being Index (IKK), Malaysia Youth Index and Malaysian Syariah Index were used to measure the people"s well-being from various dimensions and consist of different and separate indicators. In this research, five indicators were utilized; 1. Religion and beliefs indicator; 2. Life necessities indicator; 3. Social issues indicator; 4. Social chance or social mobility indicator; and 5. Political and stability indicator. This research serves the purpose of identifying suitable social well-being themes thus analysing the social well-being indicators in Malaysia. Data were collected through structured interview technique using questionnaire and unstructured interviews. Respondents consist of government civil servants and private sector workers as well as T20, M40 and B40 community groups. This research was conducted in 4 zones throughout Malaysia namely North Zone, West/Middle Zone, East Zone and East Malaysia Zone. This survey research uses mixed-methodology technique, that is a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. A total of 419 respondents participated in the questionnaire and 15 informants were involved in unstructured interviews. Finding reveals that religion and beliefs is the most relevant element to be used as an indicator of social well-being among the society.

Exploring Factors Affecting the Sustainability of Islamic Affairs in Malaysia: An Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Approach

“…Numerous studies found that well-being is not just about being happy or satisfied, but also about being actively engaged in life and with others [68]. According to Ariffin et al [69], the role of Islamic elements is one of the factors that can have an impact on the well-being of individuals, communities, and countries. Islam is a religion often emphasises virtues such as justice, compassion, and empathy to be practiced within society.…”