Ethnicity is the main dividing line in Malaysia.
The polarization of society has deep historical roots.
Since independence, the dominant narrative regarding national identity has been that Malaysia is for the Malay people, the largest ethnic group in the country.
Other communities, namely ethnic Chinese and Indians, as well as smaller indigenous ethnic groups on the island of Kalimantan, are second-class citizens, unable to enjoy equal rights and status in many respects.
The Malay political elite's claim to be the protectors of the Malay community, implicitly gives them the right to control state resources as they see fit.
A feudal view of politics, which implied that people should show loyalty and obedience to their patrons.
In the end, the issue of polarization always thwarts efforts to reach political compromise, and hinders reform efforts that society so desperately needs.
Polarization is increasingly permeating society, threatening inter-ethnic harmony and eroding social cohesion.
In fact, the nation building process really depends on the presence or absence of the political and cultural will of all groups, to form a nation that can be a place to live and shelter for all groups.