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International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7 (2.29) (2018) 1049-1052
International Journal of Engineering & Technology
Website: www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJET
Research paper
Social Integration as Catalyst for People's Prosperity
Fadillah Ismail
1
*, Zuhaimy Ismail
2
, Mohd. Azhar Abd Hamid
3
, Ismail Mohamad
4
, Kassim Thukiman
5
1
Faculty Of Technology Management And Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
2,4
Faculty Of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
3,5
Faculty Of Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
*Corresponding Author E-Mail: Fadillah@Uthm.Edu.My
Abstract
In a nation-state, the aspect of unity among the people is important. Unity can define the political, economic and social stability. As a
multi-racial country, Malaysia is a unique and special nation. Malaysia is regarded as an ideal country, a peaceful and happy country
inhabited by various races and religions by other countries in the world. Due to its multi-racial status, it can’t be denied that Malaysia
faces some problems in sustaining the harmonious people. Various policies were formulated by the Federal Government and the
State Government to address racial issues in Malaysia. In this regard, the article seeks to identify the level of social integration of the
community in Johor. The findings show that the state of Johorian integrity is at a good level that is projected to an excellent level. In
addition, the findings show that some elements need to be emphasized in empowering social integration in the state of Johor to avoid
inter-racial tensions, especially in relation to the Rukun Negara that is not understood and practiced in a day-to-day life. The implica-
tion of this study is that social integration between the peoples is actually a catalyst for the welfare and at the same time improve the
quality of life of the people of Johor. Hence, it is proposed that the Federal Government in collaboration with the State Government
of Johor formulate various inclusive policies and have a close relationship with the people.
Keywords: Social Integration; People’s Prosperity; Unity
1. Introduction
Unity is the pillar for the stability and prosperity of a nation. It is
an important element especially for a country like Malaysia with a
multiracial and multi religion population. The government needs
to develop ideology in building the nation identity, value, and
sense of belonging among its people. According to the Malaysian
Information Department, various policies were developed, includ-
ing education policies, national language policies, national cultural
policies and sports as a tool of unity, have been carried out by the
government towards ensuring unity among Malaysians is not only
achievable, but sustainable.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
has defined that prosperity can be measured through two things,
namely through quality of life and material. Quality of life is
measured through several components; health, work balance, so-
cial relations, education, civic engagement and governance, envi-
ronment, personal safety and personal well-being. While compo-
nent for material well-being include income, employment and
housing.
According to the Malaysian Well-being Report [1], the people
prosperity or well-being is measured through two sub-composite
indices, namely economic prosperity and social well-being. The
economic prosperity is divided into five components namely
communication, education, income and distribution, transportation
and working environment. While social well-being comprises of
nine components, namely culture, environment, family, govern-
ance, health, housing, vacation, public safety, and social participa-
tion.
During the period of 2000 to 2012, The Malaysian People's Wel-
fare Index showed an improvement in the level of people well-
being. The implementation of various policies and strategies by
the Government has contributed to the improvement in the quality
of life and the well-being of the people. Other than that, the Gov-
ernment, the private sectors, and the societies also strive to in-
crease the public awareness on social participation. The Malaysi-
an Well-being Report [1], shows that the social participation refers
to the involvement and interaction of the public with the commu-
nity, such as volunteerism, donation and involvement in sports and
recreational activities. Social participation also includes participa-
tion in political and social activities influenced by factors such as
social networks, the spirit of belonging and the level of trust. This
effort is to ensure the society is more responsible in promoting
unity and harmony among the people.
As indicated in the 10th Malaysia Plan [2011-2015], the govern-
ment has invested heavily in improving the people prosperity and
well-being. The social interaction programs involved government
agencies, non-governmental organizations [NGOs] and communi-
ties have increased significantly. It is found that these programs
have created experiences and value sharing among the people and
has successfully foster social integration and strengthens national
unity. In addition, the 11th Malaysia Plan proposed by the gov-
ernment through the National Unity and Integration Department
were carried out involving more than 875,590 social interaction
activities between government agencies, the private sectors and
NGOs. Additionally, the government also strives to foster a spirit
of volunteerism among youths by setting up 1Malaysia for Youth
[iM4U] and Bridged Volunteers of National Service, and many
others.
In order to further strengthen the social integration and national
unity, the Government has also established the National Unity
Consultative Council [MKPN] in 2013. The council is responsi-