IndexThe Concept of Nation BuildingObjectiveImplementation StrategyNew ApproachCompetition in International MarketsVision 2020Poverty ReductionSociety RestructuringImpact of National Development PolicyConclusionWorks CitedThe nation building process is an effort to develop the spirit of patriotism and solidarity for create a country whose people share a common identity. The main purpose is to promote national unity by developing a new nation and an integrated race (Hippler, 2002:1-3). In Malaya, the idea of ​​establishing a nation was initiated before the Malayan Union was introduced, during the struggles to gain independence from British colonization. One of the initiatives was the concept of "Negara-Cita Melayu" with the slogan Melayu-Raya which involved the collaboration of nationalists in Malaysia and Indonesia. The bond has become stronger as they share many common cultural elements such as religion, language, traditions, political system and economic background. However, it was a complex mission to fulfill the aspiration due to the differences in the social background and ideologies of the Malay community (Abdul Rahman, 2000: 44-45). The main goal of a colonized nation is to achieve independence, which was no different for Malaysia. To achieve the goal, priority was given to political, economic and social aspects in order to achieve unity among the three main ethnic groups: the native Malays, who formed the majority; and the Chinese and Indian immigrants who formed the second and third largest communities in the country. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Accordingly, the differences between them have been minimized to achieve the goal. To achieve political unity, the British proposed a merger of ethnically based political parties: United Malays National Organization (UMNO) representing the Malays, Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) representing the Chinese and Malaysian Indian Congress (MCA) representing the Indians. The alliance of multi-ethnic political parties succeeded in stabilizing politics and the nation (Ratnam, 1965: vii, 1-3 and 4-19). The Malay radicals' struggle for independence involved parties such as Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM), Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API) and Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), who allied themselves under the slogan Indonesia Raya. Indeed, the will to fight against British colonization had resulted in a strong partnership between the left-wing factions, Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA) and the Pan-Malay Joint Action Council (PMCJA) from March to July 1947 (Mohamed Noordin , 2005: 41. Subsequently, from August to October 1947, a coalition was created between PMCJAPUTERA-ACCC (All Chinese Chambers of Commerce) which received the support of the Chinese Communist Party (PKM) (Purcell, 1965: 110) ., the government's effort to unite the nation's multi-ethnic residents in the economic sector has been evident, especially after the social unrest of May 13, through the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP). Chinese dominance in the mining and industrial sectors and the dependence of the Malays on the self-sustaining economic areas was to achieve a balance in the nation's economy, which could lead to better unity among the nation's multiethnic society (Faaland, 1991). : xvi-xvii). Despite the various tools introduced by previous Prime Ministers, unity in the multi-ethnic society is still fragile. Cultural elements that show some sign of ethnic feelings are still contested in some quarters. Among the issues are the status of Bahasa Melayu as a national language, thevernacular schools, Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera, and the special privileges of the Malays. The dominance of ethnic influence has caused someResearchers see it as an element or agenda that could be politicized by some political parties with vested interests to gain voter support. In fact, it is even believed that a political party could gain voter support if it raised racial issues among the public. So, to strengthen national unity, the current Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, had introduced the 1Malaysia concept. It is a policy that aspires to integrate society as a functioning unit without taking into consideration their background of different cultures and traditions. In fact, it is a new agenda that feeds on shared elements or solidarity between the different ethnic groups of the nation (Najib Tun Abdul Razak, 2008: 2-4). The question is: to what extent this goal can be achieved, and the Malays, Chinese and Indians perceive themselves together as 1 – Malays. This is because the concept of the Malaysian race was proposed by Tun during his tenure, but the issue is still debated to this day. The concept of 1Malaysia is therefore rhetorical, as already proposed by the previous leader, because in reality it is considered an impossible mission to accomplish. The issue is highlighted because even though Malaysia gained independence 54 years ago, a national identity that should form the backbone of unity is still vague for citizens. To determine what impact the concept has had, the article aims to analyze the stages involved in nation building. To support the discussion, some nation-building strategies employed by foreign countries will be presented. The Concept of Nation Building The term nation building comes from the English language which was popularized by Western society as they were the ones who conceptualized the notion. It is a two-word term in which the word "building" is translated as pembinaan in Malay (Kamus Inggeris Melayu Dewan, 1999: 202), while the word "nation" has a broader meaning, as it could refer to both race and to the country. (Abdul Rahman, 2000: 12). However, the article will use both meanings as they are very related as a "nation" is made up of people from various groups, while the "nation" will cease to function without a country. Before a nation can be founded, there are five elements that must be met. One of the aspects is that the country must have achieved independence. Next, the society should be supportive, which could motivate its citizens to govern the country. Third, there should be an organized political system, which provides space for the government to fulfill its responsibilities. The fourth element is that the country must have autonomy, where the government has the authority to approve, grant consent, demand loyalty and support to make the administration of the country more systematic. Fifth: the current government must have a popular mandate. The people must be loyal and support the government, at least to work towards achieving political unity or become members of the country where the pact will continue even when the government faces a crisis (Friedrich, 1963: 27). it is determined that Malaysia has met the requirements. The issue and the resulting predicament focus more on creating a nation that shares an identical national identity. The main objective of nation building, whether in a monoracial or multiracial nation, is to form a unity that can be channeled towards the development of a country. Therefore, every citizen must be prepared to embrace the concept of one nation that entailsrestructuring the sociopolitics, socio-economics and socio-culture of the current society, to adapt it to the newly founded nation and the needs of the country. government to improve the unity and development of the country (Ribeiro, 1971: 40-41). Nation building not only aims to establish solidarity among its people but also labels citizens with a new identity. By instilling unity, the spirit of integration could be cultivated, which could lead to a loyalty to one's country of residence that surpasses devotion to one's ethnicity. Goal National unity will be the ultimate goal of the NDP as a united community is important to strengthen social and political stability and maintain sustainable economic development THE NDP HAS TAKEN A STEP TOWARDS Malaysia to achieve developed nation status in all aspects in terms of social, values, ethics and morals, political stability, quality of life, government efficiency and economic excellence. Implementation Strategy Maintaining the basic strategy of the NEP is the elimination of poverty and the restructuring of social and economic imbalances between races and this helps to strengthen national unity. Ensure balanced development of the main economic sectors (mining, services, agriculture and livestock) Build a society that has social value and appreciates positive aspects, feelings of pride and patriotism, reduce and eliminate social inequality and promote the sharing of national economic benefits in a more just and equitableReduce inequalities in economic development between urban and rural areasFocus on the development of a commercial and industrial Bumiputera communityEnsure that adequate attention is paid to the environment, protection and ecology so that in the long term we can continue to ensure sustainable development of the countryMake science and technology an integral part of socio-economic planning and developmentNew approachCompetition in international markets# NDP took into consideration the country's ability to compete in the international market. Vision 2020#encourages society to use national resources wisely to build a good eco. And reach the level of a developing country. Poverty reduction#Training provided to young people in rural areas will enable them to obtain skilled jobs and higher incomes.Society restructuring#Eliminating the identification of race with economic function and property restructuring will continue to be a key agenda under this strategy.Imact Of National Development Policy The Malaysian economy grew at an average rate of 6.2% per annum during the period 1991-2005. This strong growth rate was achieved despite the challenges faced by events such as the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998. Growth was achieved with averagely low inflation. 2.9% per annumLow unemployment averaging 3.1% per annumQuality of life for Malaysians has increased since 1991. (Education, working life, communication, health)Achievement of NDPWomen's participation in the workforce increases to 53, 6%Central road coverage increases to 51,262kmRural electricity coverage increases to 98%Central water supply increases to 94%5,737 villages connected through wireless villages programRM175 billion invested in five regional economic corridors, creating 427,100 jobsThe expectation lifespan in Malaysia increases to 74.8 years 102,200 affordable homes completed unemployment rate drops to 2.9% 1.8 million new job opportunities created 90.7% pre-school enrollments 36.5% academic staff with doctoral qualifications in public universities15% household waste recycling rateforest cover increases to 61% 23,264 hectares of forest declared Permanent Reserve 93,100 km of new roads built 46% increase in passenger rate at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) opening of KLIA2 and commissioning of third runway at KLIA increase in urban commuters by train by 32%70% of households with broadband penetration14 areas nationwide with access to digital terrestrial television95% of the population receives clean and treated water services sector contributes RM2,550 billion to GDP the manufacturing sector contributes RM1,111 billion to GDP agriculture sector contributes RM455 billion to GDP construction sector contributes RM194 billion to GDP small and medium enterprises contribute RM1,606 billion to GDP Malaysia ranked 18 Ranked 3rd out of 189 economies in 2015 World Bank Business Report Malaysia ranked 33rd in the Global Innovation Index out of 143 countries Malaysia has enjoyed one of the best economic growth records in Asia despite a multitude of economic challenges and shocks . The 11MP report states that the country's growth has achieved a stable real gross domestic product (GDP) of 6.2% annually since 1970, successfully transforming the nation from a predominantly agriculture-based economy in the 1970s, to manufacturing industry in the mid-1980s and modern services in the 1990s. National income per capita has increased by more than 25%. times, from $402 in 1970 to $10,796 last year, and is on track to surpass the $15,000 threshold of a high-income economy by 2020. All these gains are made possible by Malaysia's development philosophy that places the prosperity and well-being of the rakyat at the center of economic growth. This commitment can be seen in every subsequent development policy starting with the New Economic Policy 1971-1990, the National Development Policy 1991-2000, the National Vision Policy 2001-2010 and the National Transformation Policy 2011 -2020.—BERNAMA .ConclusionNation building has transformed into a political agenda to inculcate unity and reduce conflicts between ethnic groups. Unity is achieved through the development of a national ideology or policy to form an identity that can be shared and used to enhance one's loyalty to the country rather than to one's ethnicity. However, given the strong affinity with their ethnicity, it is a rather impossible dream to realize. Based on the nation-building experience in other countries such as France, Russia, America, Nigeria and Indonesia, although there was a standard national identity based on the culture of the majority natives, but there were still problems as there were communities who found it difficult to accept the ideology. The implication is that integration would struggle if the government's agenda appeared to marginalize ethnic minorities. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay If this feeling of prejudice is still allowed to prevail in society, the 1 Malaysia concept will never be realized. However, if the aspiration is to develop an integrated society founded on the concepts of one language, one educational system and one culture; the government must outline the fundamental principles that will be channeled towards the creation of a “single society”. The verification must be based on the history of Malaysia, implementing the native cultures of Malays as the backbone of the national culture, without any ethnic bias. As regards the minority community, national principles should be accepted in full and with tolerance in order to achieve the objectives of.