Proceedings of ADVED 2016 2nd International Conference on Advances in Education and Social Sciences 10-12 October 2016- Istanbul, Turkey ISBN: 978-605-64453-8-5 593 MULTI-VARIED REALITIES OF MALAY CULTURAL IDENTITIES IN POPULAR TV FICTION Mohd Muzhafar Idrus 1 *, Ruzy Suliza Hashim 2 , Raihanah M. M 3 , Harison Mohd Sidek 4 , Hazleena Baharun 5 , Noor Saazai Mat Saad 6 , Yurni Emilia Abdul Hamid 7 , Suzanah Selamat 8 1 Dr. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, muzhafar.idrus@gmail.com 2 Prof. Dr. Universiti Kebangaan Malaysia, MALAYSIA, ruzy@ukm.edu.my 3 Associate Prof. Dr. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, MALAYSIA, raihanah@ukm.edu.my 4 Associate Prof. Dr. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, harison@usim.edu.my 5 Dr. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, hazleena@usim.edu.my 6 Dr. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, noorsaazai@usim.edu.my 7 Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, yurniemilia@usim.edu.my 8 Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, MALAYSIA, suzanah@usim.edu.my *corresponding author Abstract This paper discusses readings on Malay cultural identities in the Malaysian context. While previous research on Malay cultural identity has presented a broad understanding, this paper attempts to frame this discussion based on three perspectives- elite constructions, socio-cultural worldviews, and resistance to the Malay world. By placing Malay cultural identities in relation to the Malaysian context, it explores the dynamics concerning what is distinctive and worthwhile about Malay cultural identities. In addition, this study forms some of the bases for a renewed understanding and interests on Malay cultural identities in light of the burgeoning industries of popular TV fiction. Keywords: Popular culture, postcolonial literature, Malayness, media, TV fiction 1 INTRODUCTION In what follows, readings on Malay cultural identities in light of popular TV fiction proliferation, beginning from what is termed as earliest attempts are provided. The use of “attempts,” we must nevertheless concede at the outset, does not reflect a definitive spectrum of works on Malay cultural identities but represent some of the many current readings relevant to bring to light what it means discussing Malay cultural subjectivities post-popular TV fiction era. These readings are then pieced together with those formed by socio-cultural worldviews and alternative perspectives of Malayness. By understanding these threads of inquiry, different concerns on Malay cultural studies and popular culture are tied.