摘要
马来西亚多元文化社会向来关注族群关系的问题。大马国民团结及交流问题，尤其是大多数的华、巫族因为缺乏互相交流所引起的不良沟通关系，更是各界所关注的课题。本文旨在回顾英国殖民地政府施行“分而治之”政策造成华巫族关系处于被动关系。1969年513事件的发生，加剧了华巫族之间的不满与反感。这一种族暴动事件也奠定了“国家资本主义”的基础，并深刻影响马来西亚以日后在政、经、文、教展现的单元政策的单元主义。在这之后，政府也致力于促进各族融洽相处。华巫族的未来成长与和平相处，必须建立在人际传播、政府单元政策的多元化、互相尊重及跨文化交流活动。
並列摘要
Ethnic relations in a multi-cultural society such as Malaysia have always been a contentious issue. Ethnic relations between the Malaysian Chinese and the Malay majority have always been a matter of concern. This paper provides a chronological analysis of the events and reasons for this uneasy relationship. This can be attributed to the British administration's 'divide and rule' policy during Malaysia's pre-independence era. Apart from political reasons, a range of economic and social issues have also contributed to the problem, in particular when Malaysia witnessed its worst ever racial riots in May 1969 leading to the Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman leaving office. Since then, many efforts have been taken by the government to improve ethnic relations among all Malaysians. Differences in culture and values of the different ethnic groups have always been an issue. Hence, communication plays a crucial and integral role in bridging this cultural chasm among the different ethnic groups. For Malaysia to move ahead and progress further, it is exigent that everyone forgets the past, exercise tolerance, mutual respect and avoids racial politics.