CHINESE MIGRANTS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF SABAH: LOCAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CULTURAL COOPERATION

Abstract

The clash of cultures that happened in Sabah since the 19^th century brought positive physical and spiritual development until today. In this survey, the term ‘clash of cultures’ refers to the culture of the native people and the Chinese community. During the colonial period, the Chinese were one of the immigrant communities induced to seek a better life in Sabah. The natives could accept the presence of Chinese, whereas the Chinese could adapt the ways of life of the natives. While mingling and living side-by-side, they continued to preserve and maintain their unique civilizations and individuality. The Chinese brought worldly knowledge while the native people providing an open-minded and accepting social structure. This importance of knowledge and attitudes as elements that contributed to the development of a positive relationship between the groups. The idea of cooperation between both is highlighted in order to re-develop Sabah from the heavy destruction wrought upon it by conflict between colonial powers. It is significant even to study in order to know the level of acceptance between these two groups and to understand the positive relationship between natives and the Chinese community in Sabah-- in the present and future as well as in the past.