Ethnicity, Urbanity and Political Tolerance in Malaysia

This article attempts to examine the political tolerance level among multi-ethnic in the parliament of Johor Bahru. Using survey approach as a research design, this article ascertains factors that define ethnic political tolerance attitude. It found that the Malays tend to be more ethnocentric attitude, while the Chinese do not believe in the multi-ethnic political party, while the Indian is more politically tolerant even though cooperation with another party will further harm their own party. It also found that the urban voters are more concerned with ‘larger issue’ rather than ethnicity and racial per se. This study may lead to a new possibility in understands ethnic and political tolerance and its significance in the study of voting behavior. It also positively provides the present form of tolerance and political knowledge. It is substantial where ethnic politics apparent as vital matter, and tolerance has fully-fledged into Malaysia national agenda in managing multi-ethnic society.