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addition to exploring the positive aspects of "budi" and good manners, this literature review also delves
into the realm of social contentions within Malaysian society. Social contentions encompass a wide range
of issues and disputes that may arise due to differing perspectives, particularly in domains such as
religion, ethnicity, and politics, which are deeply ingrained in an individual's mindset. Understanding how
"budi" functions in managing and mitigating these conflicts is vital for fostering a more harmonious and
inclusive society.

"Budi" and Good Manners

Most people care about how they appear to others and how they're viewed in social situations.
The concerns about how others see us come together, it encourages us to talk about our social
preferences. Kind people like to let others know about their kindness, while unkind individuals want to
make their unkindness clear to others which mean that our desire for recognition or to show our feelings
can affect how we interact with others socially (Golman, 2016). In view Awang Sariyan (2007), politeness
entails employing language that is both refined and courteous, demonstrating a noble demeanor, and
exhibiting respect for one's conversational partner, indirectly, is what closest and most similar to be
attributed to 'budi'. "Budi" is also defined as gentle, pure morals, and high manners (Wan Mohd Ruzlan,
2011), furthermore, the concept of "budi" is also associated with other aspects such as "budi Bahasa"
and "budi pekerti." "Budi Bahasa" refers to Etiquette; politeness, while "budi pekerti" signifies good
behaviour, conduct, habits and perfect faith. This demonstrates that the root word or concept of "budi"
is a dominant element that encompasses the behaviour and character of Malay individuals. “Budi” also
an important element for the process of interaction, Wahidin (2018) in his study, tated that, especially in
the process of knowledge and in managing the components of understanding in both learning and daily
life.Most people care about how they appear to others and how they're viewed in social situations. The
concerns about how others see us come together, it encourages us to talk about our social preferences.
Kind people like to let others know about their kindness, while unkind individuals want to make their
unkindness clear to others which mean that our desire for recognition or to show our feelings can affect
how we interact with others socially (Golman, 2016). In view Awang Sariyan (2007), politeness entails
employing language that is both refined and courteous, demonstrating a noble demeanor, and exhibiting
respect for one's conversational partner, indirectly, is what closest and most similar to be attributed to
'budi'. "Budi" is also defined as gentle, pure morals, and high manners (Wan Mohd Ruzlan, 2011),
furthermore, the concept of "budi" is also associated with other aspects such as "budi Bahasa" and "budi
pekerti." "Budi Bahasa" refers to Etiquette; politeness, while "budi pekerti" signifies good behaviour,
conduct, habits and perfect faith. This demonstrates that the root word or concept of "budi" is a
dominant element that encompasses the behaviour and character of Malay individuals. “Budi” also an
important element for the process of interaction, Wahidin (2018) in his study, tated that, especially in the
process of knowledge and in managing the components of understanding in both learning and daily life.

In addition, we can examine the statement made by the late Profesor Diraja Ungku Abdul Aziz
Ungku Abdul Hamid, (2009), who translated the concept of "budi" into a broader concept that
encompasses Malay civilization. He emphasized that Malays have wisdom in manipulating every word
and lifestyle in poetry. This is because, based on research and statements by Wilkinson & Winstedt (1961)
to truly understand the definition of "budi" among Malays, one must examine Malay poetry (pantun),
which illustrates how Malay society highly values virtuous behaviour. In this context, it is also mentioned
that the Malay people are meticulous, thoughtful, and methodical in their approach to various matters.
Therefore, why is the concept of "budi" so important to explore? This is not just a terminology or

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