CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES & NATIONAL YOUNG LAWYERS COMMITTEE MENJANA INTEGRASI NASIONAL DALAM ASPIRASI MASYARAKAT MUDA (MINDA MUDA) QUANTITATIVE STUDY, STAGE II OF MINDA MUDA FULL PROPOSAL MINDA MUDA Project 1
Table of Contents Content Page 1.0 BACKGROUND 3 2.0 INTRODUCTION 3 3.0 OBJECTIVES 4 4.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 5 5.0 POST-PROJECT DELIVERABLES 6 6.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 8 7.0 LOGISTICAL MATTERS 8 8.0 APPENDICES 8.1 Appendix A: Full Report 8.2 Detailed Research Methodology N/A MINDA MUDA Project 2
RESEARCH PROPOSAL MENJANA INTEGRASI NASIONAL DALAM ASPIRASI MASYARAKAT MUDA (MINDA MUDA) 1.0 BACKGROUND The Centre for Public Policy Studies recently conducted a qualitative survey focusing on young urban Malaysians in the Klang Valley, with the objectives of unearthing young Malaysians hopes and aspirations for the country, and understanding young Malaysians attitudes towards and aspirations for national unity in its various expressions of racial, religious and social integration. The findings of this study have been compiled in report format, which is attached with this proposal. One of the primary objectives within Malaysia s Vision 2020 is to achieve a society that is developed in terms of national unity and social cohesion in our multicultural society. In line with this objective, the CPPS believes that it is increasingly crucial that the views of young urban Malaysians on national unity are seriously considered. This is particularly the case when formulating activities and policies that are aimed at promoting national unity in the country. A proper framework that seeks to grasp the young Malaysian psyche is necessary to produce programmes that are contextually relevant and applicable to present-day needs. While Stage 1 of the Young Urban Malaysians Study focused upon qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, Stage 2 is a quantitative survey that will cover young Malaysian respondents in the whole country. The full report on Stage 1 of the Young Urban Malaysians Study, now renamed as MINDA MUDA, is attached as Appendix A. 2.0 INTRODUCTION The project will be jointly conducted by two organizations, details of which are listed below. 2.1 Organisations The Centre for Public Policy Studies The Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) is an independent, non-partisan and non-racial think-tank that engages in research and other policy-oriented activities focusing on national issues. The belief underpinning the establishment of the CPPS is that the challenge of building a cohesive, competitive and successful multi-racial Malaysian society can best be met by open discussion buttressed by rigorous analytical work, and a spirit of tolerance and respect for the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders in the country. Amongst its priority areas include the building up of civil society through its research and subsequent dissemination of key findings to MINDA MUDA Project 3
the public. Its current areas of interest are national unity, national competitiveness, education and human capital development, poverty and low-income communities and the environment and sustainable development. The National Young Lawyers Committee (NYLC) The National Young Lawyers Committee (NYLC) is one of the committees of the Bar Council of Malaysia. It is a committee comprising of members from all States in Peninsular Malaysia, and is set up to represent, protect and promote the interests of young Lawyers and pupils-inchambers. It seeks to enhance the continuing professional development and calibre of young Lawyers and pupils-in-chambers for the betterment of the Bar and society. It also provides a platform for interaction, and facilitate the exchange of perspectives and views on numerous issues concerning the Bar and country, professional practice, the administration of justice and law reform. Importantly, it works with various governmental agencies, NGOs and other organizations in rallying issues of concern affecting society in general. It has recently taken on a greater pro-active role in advocating and lobbying issues of public interest. 3.0 OBJECTIVES The quantitative survey involves the distribution and soliciting of responses to questionnaires in targeted urban and rural hotspots. The objectives of the survey are similar to that of Stage 1 of the project, to focus primarily on the following core objectives: a. To unearth young Malaysians life values, hopes and aspirations for the present and future b. Attitudes towards and aspirations for national unity in Malaysia, inclusive of racial, religious and social integration. c. Attitudes towards the education system in Malaysia, and how this contributes positively or negatively to national unity in Malaysia More detailed objectives that are sought in the study (in as much of which will be covered as possible, given the limited time constraints) are as follows:: 1. To understand the young Malaysian s needs & concerns (i.e. what constitutes their world view) in terms of: a) Attitudes & behaviour in terms of: - Self as individual - Self in relation to others - Activities engaged in - Peer profile in terms of racial mixed, interest group, language groups - Topics of conversation b) Their worldview specifically in terms of: - Spontaneous mentions of important issues MINDA MUDA Project 4
- Priority issues of interest and relevance to them c) Their life goals - Short and long-term goals - Possibilities of tangible achievements d) Perception of our education system and choices for the future e) Government policies 2. Attitudes and expectations of Malaysia: a) Positive and negative attitudes towards Malaysia b) Satisfaction v. Dissatisfaction with Malaysia c) Malaysia s future in terms of national unity 3. To determine the respondents demographic and socio-economic profiles in terms of pre-determined dimensions. 4.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 4.1 Methodology Please refer to Appendix B, which details the full methodology of the project. This includes the following: 1. Sample Size and Breakdown 2. Fieldwork and Sampling Methodology 3. Timing 4. Cost Breakdown 4.2 Division of Roles The Centre for Public Policy Studies and the National Young Lawyers Committee will engage the services of a professional research agency to carry out parts of the project. Details of the division of roles are in the table below. MINDA MUDA Project 5
CPPS and NYLC ROLE Supply questionnaire in English - Mostly close-ended - At most 4 open-ended Monitor and observe fieldwork implementation Monitor and observe some actual interviews Discuss independent variables/data table format Conduct analysis and publish report RESEARCH AGENCY ROLE 1. Fine tune questionnaire 2. Accurate translation of questionnaire 3. Format according to data scanning/entryrequirements 4. Pilot testing 5. Entire fieldwork implementation and control including adherence to proper sampling methods 6. Informing CPPS/NYLC of the fieldwork implementation details 7. Regular updates to CPPS/NYLC on fieldwork progress 8. Verification/validation 9. Accurate data checking and processing 10. Output: a) Data tables b) Cross tabulations 11. Post-project follow-through 5.0 POST-PROJECT DELIVERABLES 5.1 Post-Project Objectives 1. In-depth understanding of young Malaysians perspectives on national unity in the country. Dissemination of the study will provide an objective, comprehensive and in-depth analysis of young Malaysians perspectives on national unity to as wide a public audience as possible. Results: Results will be determined by the audience, number of organizations and departments the Report is disseminated to, as well as any feedback. 2. Government to be provided with key recommendations that can facilitate the incorporation of young Malaysians viewpoints into the policy formulation process. This will strengthen capacity-building of young Malaysians as their opinions continue to shape and mould policies, which in turn contribute to shaping the young generation. MINDA MUDA Project 6
Results: Results will be determined by the response received by the Government, and whether recommendations proposed by the Report will be included and implemented as policies especially within the National Unity Department. 3. Enhance public awareness on issues facing young Malaysians today. The dissemination of the Report in the form of publications and subsequent Roundtable structured discussions will ensure an enhanced level of public awareness on issues facing young Malaysians today. Issues highlighted will include views on ethno-religious politics, national unity policies, education policies, and economic policies, all of which directly relate with views on transparency in Government, strengthening civil society, conflict resolution (political, racial and religious), and basic human rights/fundamental liberties. Results: Results will be determined by the attendance, level of discourse and consequent feedback by participants at the launch/series of structured discussions based on the Report. 5.2 Post-Project Activities The project will be based on these broad activities: a) Publication of MINDA MUDA Report The MINDA MUDA Report is planned to be published in a book format, which will then be distributed to relevant ministries in Government, political parties, think-tanks, youth, non-governmental, research and civil society organizations. The main objective is to ensure that findings from the study can be efficiently fed into the policy formulation process by Government, useful for work amongst young Malaysians in all other organizations, and a platform for wide public discussion on issues related to national unity and development in the country. b) Launch of MINDA MUDA Report, and Roundtable Discussion to discuss MINDA MUDA Study s Findings The MINDA MUDA Report will be officially launched, which will include a panel discussion to discuss the report s findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Government. Invited participants will include representatives from various stakeholder groups, focusing particularly on Government, policy-makers, think-tanks, youth and non-governmental organizations. The launch is planned to take place in three (3) main cities across Peninsular Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru. MINDA MUDA Project 7
6.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 6.1 Project Benefits The project will be timely, as there is an urgent need for policy-makers and civil society in Malaysia to take serious cognizance of the perspectives of young Malaysians pertaining to national unity in the country. The project will bring the following benefits: 1. Increase the level of awareness amongst civil society as to the issues and problems faced by young Malaysians across the country. 2. Provide useful suggestions and recommendations to key policy-makers from young Malaysians, in relation to improving inter-racial and inter-religious harmony in the country. 3. Bring together key stakeholders in productive discussions on strategic issues relating to national unity and aim at discussing the practical solutions based upon the Report s findings. 4. Ensure that constructive discussion is incorporated into the policy formulation process of the Government, as a feedback mechanism. 6.2 Target groups The following organizations will be targeted for post-project communication and dissemination of project findings. 1. Youth organizations 2. Non-governmental and civil society organizations 3. Parliamentary Select Committee on National Unity 4. National Unity & Integration Department 5. Policy-makers at Government level 6. Think-tanks and research organizations 7.0 LOGISTICAL MATTERS 7.1 Financial Reporting The Finance Department of Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) will provide all financial reporting services, including keeping all accounts and preparing the financial report. A detailed description of all expenses made during the period will be made available. 7.2 Other Sources of Support Both the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) and the National Young Lawyers Committee (NYLC), Bar Council Malaysia, will provide in-house support in the form of the following three areas: MINDA MUDA Project 8
1. Administrative staff 2. Research staff 3. Logistical support 7.3 Contact Persons The following are the contact persons for the respective organizations: Tricia Yeoh Research Co-ordinator and Senior Research Analyst Centre for Public Policy Studies Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute Tel: 03-20932820 or 03-20935393 ext. 202 Fax: 03-20933078 E-mail address: tricia_yeoh@cpps.org.my Edmund Bon Chairperson National Young Lawyers Committee Bar Council Malaysia Tel: 03-20313003 Fax: 03-20342825 E-mail address: edmundbon@gmail.com MINDA MUDA Project 9