Culture
What language has the Malaysian government promoted above others?
Malaysia
Malaysia Democratic Action Party 2013 Lahad Datu standoff Malaysian English Malaysian Indian Congress
Malaysia-Culture Democratic_Action_Party-Allegations_of_racism_and_chauvinism 2013_Lahad_Datu_standoff-Allegations_of_Police_Brutality Malaysian_English-Role_of_Malaysian_English_in_Independent_Malaysia Malaysian_Indian_Congress-Ninth_Malaysia_Plan
Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. The original culture of the area stemmed from indigenous tribes that inhabited it, along with the Malays who later moved there. Substantial influence exists from Chinese and Indian culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Other cultural influences include the Persian, Arabic, and British cultures. Due to the structure of the government, coupled with the social contract theory, there has been minimal cultural assimilation of ethnic minorities. In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it. It also promoted the Malay language above others. This government intervention into culture has caused resentment among non-Malays who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an undemocratic culture policy. Some cultural disputes exist between Malaysia and neighbouring countries, notably Indonesia. The two countries have a similar cultural heritage, sharing many traditions and items. However, disputes have arisen over things ranging from culinary dishes to Malaysia's national anthem. Strong feelings exist in Indonesia about protecting their national heritage. The Malaysian government and the Indonesian government have met to defuse some of the tensions resulting from the overlaps in culture. Feelings are not as strong in Malaysia, where most recognise that many cultural values are shared.
Despite constant denials by party leaders, DAP has been depicted by political opponents as a party that favors the Malaysian Chinese minority above others. This allegation of racial chauvinism culminated in a two-piece television program broadcast on government-controlled TV channel RTM entitled “Bahaya Cauvinisme”. The program forced then party leader Lim Kit Siang to issue a formal media statement to counter the allegations. The Human Rights Party Malaysia also alleged that DAP is "racist" for singling out Hindraf lawyer M. Manoharam for suspension after he made derogatory remarks about the national flag. On November 15, 2011, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the Malaysian Minister for Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, accused DAP's publicity chief, Tony Pua, of racism for making repeated attacks against the Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia, a government initiative to supply cheap retail products to Malaysian consumers. Tony Pua was criticised for singling out Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia, whose suppliers to the store generally come from the Malaysian Bumiputra community, and for not investigating the quality of products supplied by Malaysian-Chinese suppliers or making similar accusations against independent Malaysian-Chinese stores. Chinese-Malaysian Joceline Tan, columnist for "The Star"'s online news portal, wrote an analysis proclaiming that DAP has had difficulty in getting rid of its chauvinist image, especially since DAP continued to attack Malay dominated institutions like the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and the civil service. Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamed and Malaysian Chinese Association president Chua Soi Lek have also alleged that DAP members and policies are "racist". Allegations of racism have forced DAP party leader Lim Guan Eng to issue a formal denial in the Penang High Court. 
On March 10, 2013, there have been reports of police brutality committed by Malaysian police officials as part of a crackdown on suspected Kiram supporters, causing mass migration of Malaysian-born Filipinos from Sabah to Sulu. According to a refugee, Malaysian police officials have shot and killed a large number of Filipino civilians regardless of having MyKad and detained many others. Also, it was alleged that those detained were not given proper treatment The DFA has yet to receive a formal statement from the Malaysian government. A Royal Malaysian Police official denied the allegations. There are also no pictures or videos proving such act was done by the Malaysian security agencies. The supposed victims and witness are still to issue sworn statements. 
Even though Malaysian English is no longer the official language of Malaysia, it is still used among Malaysians and is recognised as the language of business. About 80% of urban businesses in Malaysia conduct their transactions in English (both Malaysian English and Manglish). However, American English has quite a strong foothold in international businesses in Malaysia. There are several English newspapers in Malaysia namely The Star, The Sun, New Straits Times and Malay Mail. There are also many English radio stations such as Hitz.fm, Mix FM, LiteFM, Fly fm, Traxx FM and Red FM. However, Malaysia does not have any television station which broadcasts purely in English. The Government National Language policy requires local TV stations to air at least 25% Malaysian-made programmes (either Malay or English). Some privately owned TV stations (such as TV3, NTV7, 8TV and Astro Hitz.TV) do air some English Malaysian-made programmes. A few Malaysian-made TV programmes in Malay carry English subtitles and vice-versa. 
MIC as the main party representing Malaysian Indians, has succeeded in getting the government to make a statement that the government would help Indians to achieve 3% equity by the year 2020 in the business sector as a measure of equitable equity distribution, although the expectation was that the target ought to be achieved in the year 2010. No mechanism be had been identified so far on the achievement of the above object in the above plan. 