BEING MALAY IN SINGAPORE : PERCEPTIONS AND ARTICULATIONS OF IDENTITY

Abstract

The Malay community in Singapore has undergone a lot of changes. From a communally insulated life in the kampongs 'villages', the majority of Malays have moved into high-rise flats in close proximity to other ethnic communities. This represents not only a physical shift but would also affect the Malay way of life and socio-economic status to a certain extent. Although the physical move would mean greater inter-ethnic contact and possibly assimilation of the minority group into the majority group, this is not the case in Singapore. Each ethnic group has remained distinct. For the Malays, their persistence as a closely-knit ethnic group in a continuously changing environment is significant. Now that they are attempting to improve their socio-economic status, there is greater pressure for them to maintain the markers that denote their identity. Chapter One in this study will trace the historical background of Malays in Singapore which would help in understanding their situation today. Chapter Two will examine the extent to which Malays have progressed educationally and economically. This chapter will also present views from my informants regarding efforts which are aimed at improving the welfare of the Malays. Chapter Three will be on how Malays and non-Malays maintain their separateness. Chapter Four will highlight the important markers of Malay identity. It is hoped that this study will have some contribution in our understanding of Malays in Singapore.