The National Culture Policy introduced in 1970 in Malaysia, emphasized an assimilation of the non-Malays into the Malay ethnic group. However, during the 1990s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad rejected this approach, with his Bangsa Malaysia policy emphasising a Malaysian instead of Malay identity for the state.
Malaysian National Culture Policy is defined in the "1971 National Culture Policy". It defines 3 principles as guidelines for 'national culture':
- The National Culture must be based on the indigenous culture
- Suitable elements from the other cultures may be accepted as part of the national culture
- Islam is an important component in the moulding of the National Culture.
The main objectives of this policy was to:
- Restore, preserve and develop culture towards strengthening national culture through joint research, development , education and cultural expansion and connections.
- Increase and strengthen cultural leadership through training and guidance to interested individuals. Support and mobilize culture as an effective engine of growth.
- Establish effective communication to instill national awareness and Malaysian nationalism.
- Fulfill socio-cultural needs.
- Improve the standard and quality of arts.
References
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