Malaysia: Ethnic Issues and National Security
Khairul Anuar Shamsuddin, Jessica Ong Hai Liaw, Ahmad Azan Ridzuan

Abstract
Malaysia society consists of multi ethnic citizens. Solidarity, harmony and unity between ethnic is a vital agenda for the country's stability. The ethnic relationship in Malaysia had been shaped by the British and Japanese during their occupations and the impact can be seen until today. The 13 May 1969 riot is the proved of the ethnic issue in Malaysia. After the incident, government had come out with a few public policies to overcome the ethnic issue but it was found that the policies are not comprehensive enough to overcome the ethnic issues. The Non- Bumiputra had perceived the public policies are lack in diversity and inclusiveness which are more favour to Bumiputra. The ethnic issues or tension can affect the country by causing an economic down turn, threaten national security and country's image. This study fills this void by reviewing literature from research that ethnic issues seem important and give the impact to national security government policies. National security is everyone's responsibility whether as a leader, security forces or ordinary citizens. Every citizen must understand the important of solidarity, harmony and unity concepts or policies formulated by the government. National security is the determinant of economic growth and it will ensure the safety of the country as the allocation to the assets for national security can be further enhanced to maintain the security and sovereignty of the country. Harmonious ethnic relation is the key to the progress for the country stability. Malaysian citizens need to really appreciate and understand the eight values of 1 Malaysia which is a culture of excellence, perseverance, humility, acceptance, loyalty, meritocracy, education and integrity. Thus, our country urgently needs all communities to unite, irrespective of religion, ethnic and race. Any distrust, suspicion and dissatisfaction between the communities or ethnic will only create insecurity and conflict.

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