Page 844 - Proceedings Collega2023

Malaysia is renowned for its diverse and multicultural society, where people from various
backgrounds coexist. Many are drawn to the politeness and customs of the Malay people, which
contribute to the perception that Malaysia is a welcoming and suitable place for all. As a result, the
Malaysian population is a rich tapestry of ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. A luxury is not eternal,
in this modern Malaysia, there are some event that worried us as Malaysia. In June 2015 at Plaza Lowyat
in Kuala Lumpur, involving a dispute between a customer and a mobile phone vendor. The dispute
escalated, leading to a brawl and the intervention of police. The incident involved individuals from
different ethnic backgrounds, where quarrel escalated into a fight, and soon other Malays and Chinese
were drawn into the violence. The riot lasted for several hours and resulted in the injuries and several
vehicles were also damaged. The police eventually managed to disperse the crowd, but the incident left
a deep scar on the Malaysian psyche.

From this event, we can draw several lessons that highlight how something like this can happen
so easily, underscoring the need for tolerance and rationality among the Malaysian society today. It's
disheartening that a simple matter like this can lead to arguments, raising the question of whether we've
lost our desire to coexist harmoniously. Disagreements should not escalate into riots. Malaysian have
been through long history of competition and conflict; however, Malaysian manage to overcome it with
harmony based on moral value and ethics. From the literature related to unity and harmony in this
country it has two folds, first, we often observe the emphasis on undivided unity and harmony, political
and racial stability among the ethnic groups (Hamzah et al., 2020; Syarifahnursyazaaina et al., 2021; Wan
Mohd Ruzlan, 2011), secondly, and at the same time, there are also research studies that highlight
specific contention currently occurring within the Malaysian society (Aminnuddin, 2020; Rahman
Embong, 2002). In this study, I attempt to examine and delve into how a concept of 'budi' that once held
great value among the Malaysian has become somewhat diminished and is no longer exclusive to them.
The question at hand is whether this characteristic has successfully permeated across all ethnic groups or
if this concept has been lost from the soul of the Malays themselves?
The concept of 'budi' or virtuous is often invoked by many Malay intellectuals and statesmen in
their speeches and papers. This concept of 'budi' is closely tied to the ancestral customs and manners of
the Malays, encompassing the ethical norms and behaviors of the Malay people for a long time. In
general, Malaysia has managed social tensions relatively well, with notable exceptions like the 2015
incident at Low Yat, which was promptly addressed by authorities and prevented from escalating.
However, it is essential to explore the underlying causes of these tensions, particularly in relation to
ethnicity and religion, which are sensitive and critical aspects of Malaysian society. The connection of
social tensions and the traditional values of 'budi' is a compelling area of study. How do these tensions
occur, and how do they relate to the concept of 'budi'? Is 'budi' still relevant in today's social media-
driven society, or has it lost its influence? These questions are at the heart of this research.

Literature review
This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of "budi" and its
intrinsic connection to good manners, considering it from various multi-racial perspectives. The
examination of "budi" within the framework of Malaysia's diverse and multicultural society is crucial, as
it reflects the values and principles that promote social cohesion and unity among different communities.
Moreover, understanding how "budi" is perceived and practiced by individuals from various racial
backgrounds offers valuable insights into the shared values that transcend cultural differences. In

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