Intelektual Awam di Malaysia: Pemikiran dan Sumbangan Rustam A. Sani (1944-2008)

Public Intellectuals in Malaysia: Thoughts and Contributions of Rustam A. Sani (1944-2008)

Abstract

Intellectuals play an important role in building a healthy political environment. Rustam A. Sani (1944-2008) was one of the influential public intellectuals in Malaysia. He was an active writer who discussed the problems and challenges of socio-politics and the position of local education. His works have been published in print media and electronic media. Rustam A. Sani had worked as a lecturer at the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and University of Malaya (UM). He had been a senior fellow at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS). He had also involved in the Malaysian People's Party (Part Rakyat Malaysia) and The People's Justice Party (Parti Keadilan National). His works published in books, magazines, documents, newspaper clips and journals have been gathered and studied to comprehend his thoughts focused on the formation of Malaysian race concept in line with Vision 2020. His numerous writings critically discussed the advent of the Malaysian race concept as a continuance of Vision 2020. His criticisms on nationalism and Malay socio-cultural systems had attracted public debate. As a public intellectual figure, he has a unique place in the Malaysian society.