Factors shaping interracial harmony in Sabah, Malaysia: A structuralist analysis

Prioritizing ethnic relations is necessary to maintain smooth development. A government's failure to enforce unity among ethnic groups will result in issues and conflicts that lead to its downfall. The absence of any documented instances of bloody clashes between the state's ethnic groups and religions indicates that Sabah's citizens have a high level of tolerance. This study aims to explain how tolerance is formed and sustained among Sabah’s diverse ethnic and religious communities by employing a structuralist approach. It examines how micro-level social interactions and practices are shaped by broader historical, political, and institutional structures that support intergroup coexistence. On the basis of the findings of earlier studies, macro-level observations were conducted by systematically analyzing the social fabric of the community and connecting social interactions at the micro level. Secondary materials, such as books, papers, research report papers, and records that detail ethnic interactions in Sabah, were qualitatively analyzed. The findings indicate that Sabah's communities of many races and religions are highly tolerant. This can be better understood by examining the development of Sabah's societies. The great degree of cultural blending causes cultural fragmentation, which instates openness. This is a norm in Sabah; in fact, it has existed since before colonialism. The community's high level of tolerance is reflected in a variety of social interactions, including mixed marriages and family ties. It is suggested that future studies examine how changes in youth identity, the influence of digital media, and processes of urbanization may potentially reshape the level of interethnic tolerance in Sabah over time.