FROM KERAJAAN (KINGDOM) TO KERAJAAN (GOVERNMENT)
Abstract: Although research
has been done on Malaysia’s history textbooks, much of it focuses on the
Malay/non-Malay dichotomy and the imbalances between the two. And while there
is much in agreement of a Malay hegemony in the history narrative, little is
said about the Malay thought present within the textbooks as a standalone. This
paper aims to cover a portion of this Malay thought, specifically that of the
kerajaan narrative through a discourse analysis of the secondary school History
textbooks. The analysis shows a largely superficial veneration of the sultans
in contrast to the reverence afforded to them within the boundaries of
Malayness. Instead, a modern Malay nation-state is emphasised with the kerajaan
serving as; 1) a means to validate an already present pre-colonial Malay
civilisation; 2) to frame and redefine certain concepts within the confines of
the nation-state; and 3) efforts to downplay Western influences within
Malaysia, despite the textbooks inability to fully detach from the former. This
discourse analysis provides a further nuance to the understanding of our
History education and Malay identity, beyond mere dominance of one ethnic
narrative over others. By exploring the discourse of the kerajaan present
within the textbooks, this paper aims to contribute towards the body of
research that explores the continual engagement between Malayness and an ever
changing world today.
Author: Koh Chien Aun, Sivachandralingam
Sundara Raja
Journal Code: jpsejarah&umumgg140005
