Book Reviews: Multiethnic in Malaysia: Past, Present and Future

Ethnicity, as many know, is potentially a highly potent issue. As Chua (2003) argues, the disparity between economic power of the small ethnic group and the disadvantaged position of a majority ethnic group is a source of great political instability. The crucial question regarding ethnicity is, as argued by Brubaker et al. (2006: 7) “where it is, when it matters, and how it works”. This is juxtaposed to Brubaker’s (2004) earlier claims in his collection of essays, that ethnicity, race, and nationhood are not “things in the world,” but “perspectives on the world”. Multiethnic in Malaysia: Past, Present and Future is indeed compelling and stimulating as the book describes and explains the socio-economic, cultural and ethnic identity differences between communities in Malaysia. It also provides factual information and an analysis of the key events and transitions that have occurred in forming the reality of ethnic inequalities within the Malaysian society.