Some aspects of ethnics perception in modernization: Penang at the beginning of the 20th century

Abstract

Malaysia, especially in the peninsular, has developed ethnic perception along the lines of often pointed out that such ethnic perception is one of the products in the modernization in Malaya or Malaysia. The very perceptions is now criticisized as a factor which hinders the emergfence of another form of Malaysia where people recognize themselves as Malaysia first. On the other hand, it can not be denied that there are many Malaysians who are proud of their ethnic identity and wish to maintain it. This paper focuses on the positive aspect of the ethnic perception based on the case in Penang at the beginning of the 20th century. I will also show the development of ethnic perception as a means to be involved in the decision making. It attemps of the establishment of ethnic organizations and the multi ethnic activities of Penang Association.