The formation of a ‘Malaysian-centric’ history syllabus

Ethnonationalism and Ideology

“…8 Kevin Blackburn and ZongLun Wu point out how this approach was part of a general trend of moving away from the multicultural syllabus instituted during the 1950s to one prioritizing Malay-centric history by 1990. 9 These changes are attributed to the increasing Malay dominance in academic historiography, as reflected in the ideas of Malay teachers, historians, and politicians. 10 Manickam also points out that this trend took place against a backdrop of government policies that solidified the hold of Malay dominance in national culture and identity, paving the way for a nationalistic narrative along Malay-centric lines.…”