Malay Culture in Chinese Muslim Newly Convert (Muallaf) Perspective: Selangor Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to identify the different understanding of Chinese converts groups on Malays culture in the Selangor state. Their understanding of Malay culture affects their Islamic practices. This study analyzes the understanding differences of 408 Chinese converts in the Selangor state based on age, gender, marital status, academic qualifications and employment. The study found that the group of Chinese converts in the age less than 20 years have higher understanding than the age of 21-30 years, 31-40 years, and older than 40 years. From the aspect of gender, there were no significant differences in understanding between men and women. In terms of marital status, the study found that Chinese converts single status have a higher understanding than the marriage, widows and widowers. While in terms of academic qualifications, those who graduated with a degree have higher understanding of cultural community of Malay as compared with those graduated having the approval of UPSR, PMR, SPM and Diploma. From the aspects of work, those who work at the government have a better understanding than self-employed, private and unemployment. The implication is, these contributing factors can give enlightenment to the Muslim Malay community to know that Chinese convert groups have better understanding on Malay cultural community to maintain the cultural integration between Chinese and Malays in Malaysia.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p325