This article analyzes the historical, socio-cultural, and political factors influencing the formation and development of national and religious identity in Malaysia. It examines the distinctive features of national identity formation within a multiethnic society composed of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic groups, the role of Islam in shaping Malay ethnic identity, and the influence of interreligious relations on social stability. The article also considers the impact of the colonial period, post-independence nation-building, language and education policies, modernization, and globalization on the transformation of national and religious identity. Drawing on the Malaysian experience, the study explores the interrelationship between ethnic, religious, and civic identities and highlights the distinctive features of constructing a shared national identity in a multicultural society.

Malaysia, national identity, religious identity, identity, Islam, Malays, ethnic relations, multiethnicity, multiculturalism, interreligious relations, national integration, globalization.

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