Adjustments in Malaysia’s National Cultural Policy from 1971 to 2021

Abstract

Over the fifty-year period from 1971 to 2021, the National Cultural Policy (NCP) has played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural landscape and has been the focus of ongoing debate and re-evaluation. From the perspective of history and national culture, the policy has come under increasing pressure to adapt to evolving conceptions of multiculturalism, inclusivity, and identity. Through an analysis of key policy documents, public discourses, and cultural initiatives over time, this article highlights the changes in the content of Malaysia’s cultural policy and assesses the achievements, challenges and prospects of policy implementation in the process of building a pluralistic society in the 21st century.