Page 26 - (SSF1033) INTRODUCTION TO MALAYSIAN SOCIAL HISTORY

NATIONALISM &

NATION BUILDING

CONCEPT

Nationalism, ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion

to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests

Nation-building is constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of
the state

The formation of the country aims to unite the people in this state so that it remains

politically stable and can be implemented in the long run.

During the 1920s and 1930s, many residents of Malaya had started to

receive education, either from the Middle East or local education.

As a result, this educated group had appeared to fight in the name of
nationalism. They used media such as newspapers and magazines to

spread their ideology.

There were also among them who had formed Associations such as the
Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) and Kesatuan Melayu Singapura

(KMS) which were aimed at driving away the invaders and formed

their own Government.