The Value of Budi-Islam as the Foundation in Enhancing Ethnic Tolerance in Malaysia: A Case Study among Malay Students at the Public Higher Learning Institution

Abstract

Budi-Islam is a core value that dominates the actions and mind-set of a Malay. It is revealed whenever a Malay starts to interact either with fellow ethnic members or individuals from different ethnic groups. The emergence of budi in the mind of a Malay is natural, and its presence is strengthened by their customs and surroundings, which are very much influenced by observing the traits of water and paddy. As a result of those interactions, another set of values such as tolerance, respecting others, cooperation, patience, modesty and forgiveness were developed. In order to identify the influence of these values in the Malay society, this study was carried out based on textual analysis among the Malay students at Public Higher Learning Institution. The findings show that the Malay students possess a relatively high level of tolerance based on their activities involving members of society from different religions, ethnicities and cultures.

Received: 2 November 2022 / Accepted: 26 December 2022 / Published: 5 January 2023