1Malaysia: ‘People first performance now' A critical perspective on the nation building approach in Malaysia’s government public relations

• Main Authors: Ahmad, Zeti Azreen, Idid, Syed Arabi
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2017
• Subjects: HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/84429/6/84429%201Malaysia_People%20first%20performance%20now.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84429/; https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9781315716749

Since independence in 1957, government public relations in Malaysia has strived to accommodate needs and expectations of multiple ethnic groups to avoid discontentment and prejudices that would put social stability at stake. In Malaysia all ethnic groups have equal rights to practice their cultural values rather than being absorbed into the mainstream (dominant group). Malaysia framework of pluralistic society resembles Berry’s (2011) multiculturalism view that holds pluralism as a resource rather than a problem. This perspective also emphasises that supportive policies and programmes are crucial to uphold inclusivity. Strategic government public relations has been employed since the British colonial rule in Malaysia in 1876 (at that time known as Malaya) to maintain the status quo. Similarly, the Malaysian leaders used government public relations extensively during the pre and post-independence to unite ethnic groups and to win public support. A major challenge for government public relations in Malaysia is the need to meet the expectations of multiple constituents that at times compete which one another. This study argues that government public relations in a pluralistic society should focus beyond two-way symmetrical communication between government and rakyat (citizen). The readiness to negotiate and compromise among the multiple constituents that make up the social landscape in the country is also imperative for the prevention of racial divide.