Full Description
This book considers the impact of the Rancangan Integrasi Murid Untuk Parpaduan (RIMUP: Student Integration Plan for Unity), the program developed as a driver towards Malaysian national integration and intended to promote an ideal of 'unity in diversity' through enhancing ethnic interaction in primary schools. Based on interview research with government departments, NGOs, and stakeholders at primary schools, this book highlights three main structural challenges to success of the RIMUP: the government's weak management; the short duration and low frequency of an activity; and low student participation rate. The book also provides concrete suggestions to develop the RIMUP, to improve ethnic relations and to shape the future direction of education policies for the development of national integration, making a significant contribution to Malaysian studies as well as education policy in multi-ethnic countries.
Contents
Introduction.- Education Structure in Malaysia.- Inter-group Contact Theory and the Government's Perspectives.- Overview of RIMUP.- Government's Weak Quality Management: Incorporation of Allport's Optimal Conditions.- Short Duration and Low Frequency: Fluctuations in Prejudice Levels.- Low Student Participation Rate: Dependence on Extended Contact.- Conclusion.
