Building a Consensus and Social Cohesion Model in Governance: Insights from Malaysia’s Madani Approach

Malaysia’s "Madani" framework presents a unique governance model for addressing the complexities of a multiethnic and multicultural society. The Madani approach emphasizes inclusivity, mutual respect, and equity, aiming to achieve political consensus and social cohesion as critical pillars of governance. However, Malaysia faces significant challenges, including political polarization, socio-economic inequalities, and the fragmentation of ethnic-based political alignments, which hinder the formation of a unified governance structure. This study aims to develop a governance model that integrates consensus-building mechanisms and social cohesion principles, fostering national unity while ensuring equitable representation. The research employs a qualitative methodology, utilizing a content and thematic analysis to explore the role of governance structures, powersharing frameworks, and social policies in promoting inclusivity. Key findings highlight the effectiveness of the Madani framework in fostering collaboration across ethnic and political divides, though challenges remain in addressing socio-economic disparities and ensuring sustainable consensus amidst shifting political coalitions. The study identifies the necessity of balancing inclusivity with efficiency in decision-making and the importance of adapting governance structures to align with evolving societal needs. By proposing an adaptable governance model rooted in theories of consociationalism, governance, and social cohesion, the research provides practical insights for policymakers in Malaysia and other pluralistic nations. The findings underscore the Madani concept's potential as a replicable framework for promoting stability and unity in diverse societies, contributing to the broader discourse on inclusive governance and its role in managing diversity.

Madani Governance; Political Consensus

1. Anwar Ibrahim. (2023). Membangun Negara Madani: Visi dan Kerangka Dasar Reformasi. Selangor: IDE Research Centre Sdn. Bhd. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Anwar Ibrahim. (2025). Teks Ucapan YAB Perdana Menteri: Rancangan Malaysia Ketiga Belas 2026–2030. Pejabat Perdana Menteri, 31 Julai 2025. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Bernama. (2023). Rombakan kabinet penuhi aspirasi Malaysia Madani – penganalisis. Berita Harian Online, 12 Disember 2023. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/12/1188347/rombakan-kabinet-penuhi-aspirasi-malaysia-madani-penganalisis [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Bernama. (2023). Madani concept inclusive to all races, religions – PM. Pejabat Perdana Menteri, 11 December 2023. https://www.pmo.gov.my/en/news-en/madani-concept-inclusive-to-all-races-religions-pm-anwar/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Berg, B. L. (2007). Qualitative Research Methods for Social Science. London: Pearson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Bogdan, R., & Biklen, S. (2007). Qualitative Research for Education: An Introduction to Theories and Methods. California: Pearson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Cheah, B. K. (2002). Malaysia: The Making of a Nation. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Cheah, B. K. (2007). Envisioning the nation at the time of independence. In A. R. Embong (Ed.), Rethinking Ethnicity and Nation-Building: Malaysia, Sri Lanka & Fiji in Comparative Perspective. Kuala Lumpur: Persatuan Sains Sosial Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Conrad, S., & Stange, M. (2011). Governance and colonial rule. In T. Risse (Ed.), Governance Without a State? Policies and Politics in Areas of Limited Statehood. New York: Columbia University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Emalisa Othman. (2025). RMK13: Program MADANI Rakyat diteruskan, fokus projek berorientasikan rakyat. Astro Awani Online, 31 July 2025. https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/rmk13-program-madani-rakyat-diteruskan-fokus-projek-berorientasi-rakyat-532026 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Gangwu, W. (1986). Reflection on Malaysian elite. Review of Indonesian and Malaysian Affairs, 20(1), 100–128. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Gangwu, W. (2017). The Great Powers in Southeast Asia and the Fall and Rise of China. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hEjNX5BUE0&t=6496s [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Hobson, J., Lawson, G., & Rosenberg, J. (2010). Historical sociology. The London School of Economics and Political Science Research Online. http://eprints.lse.ac.uk [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Loh, F. K. W. (2020). Ethnic diversity and the nation-state in Southeast Asia: From centralisation in the age of nationalism to decentralization amidst globalization. In S. Y. Xin & N. G. Peng (Eds.), Revisiting Malaya: Uncovering Historical and Political Thoughts in Nusantara. Petaling Jaya: SIRD. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Khoo, G. S., & Yusof, A. (2025). National identity should embody Malaysia’s multicultural spirit, says ministry. The Star Online, 30 October 2025. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/30/national-identity-should-embody-malaysias-multicultural-spirit-says-ministry [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Kementerian Pembangunan Kerajaan Tempatan. (2023). Pelan Strategik KPKT 2021–2025. Putrajaya: Bahagian Perancangan Strategik dan Antarabangsa (BSA). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Kementerian Perpaduan Negara. (2024). Membangun Malaysia Madani melalui Konsep Perpaduan dalam Kepelbagaian. Putrajaya: JPNIN. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Kementerian Perpaduan Negara. (2023). Koleksi Soalan dan Jawapan Dewan Rakyat & Dewan Negara, Sesi Penggal Kedua Parlimen Kelima Belas 2023. Putrajaya: JPNIN. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Larsen, C. A. (2014). Social Cohesion: Definition, Measurement and Developments. Aalborg: Institut for Statskundskab, Aalborg Universitet. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Levi-Faur, D. (2012). From big government to big governance? In D. Levi-Faur (Ed.), Governance. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Lijphart, A. (1977). Democracy in Plural Societies. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Lijphart, A. (1999). Patterns of Democracy: Government Forms and Performance in Thirty-Six Countries. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Mansor Mohd Nor. (2021). Changing Ethnic Boundary, Social Differentiation and the Malaysian Nation: Roots of Malaysian Stability. Bangi: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Mohd Sabree Nasri, & Abd Aziz A’zmi. (2025). Confronting 3R (race, religion, royalty) sentiments in the Malaysia Madani era: Revitalising the Rukun Negara for national harmony. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 15(7), 1743–1758. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Muhammad Nadzri Mohamed Noor, & Nidzam Sulaiman. (2020). Mitos dan realiti hubungan sosial dalam Malaysia Baharu. In Tapak Integrasi dan Wahana Penyatupaduan Bangsa. Selangor: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Nurshuhada Mohamed. (2018). Governance: The Role of Communities Liaison Committee (CLC) 1948 in the Consensus and Formation of National Unity (PhD thesis). Selangor: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Nurshuhada Mohamed, Mansor Mohd Noor, & Nor Azlili Hassan. (2021). Formation of the integration platform through the historical trajectory of governance in Malaysia. Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(11), 550–560. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Risse, T. (Ed.). (2011). Governance in areas of limited statehood: Introduction and overview. In Governance Without a State? Policies and Politics in Areas of Limited Statehood. New York: Columbia University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Rajulton, F., Ravanera, Z. R., & Beaujot, R. (2007). Measuring social cohesion: An experiment using the Canadian National Survey of Giving, Volunteering, and Participating. Social Indicators Research, 80(3), 461–492. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Saldaña, J. (2013). The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers (2nd ed.). California: SAGE Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Saravanamuttu, J. (2016). Power Sharing in a Divided Nation: Mediated Communalism and New Politics in Six Decades of Malaysia’s Elections. Singapore: ISEAS. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Schneckener, U. (2002). Making power-sharing work: Lessons from successes and failures in ethnic conflict regulation. Journal of Peace Research, 39(2), 203–228. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Segawa, N. (2013). Ethnic politics in Malaysia: Prospects for national integration. Nationalism and Ethnic Politics, 19, 210–232. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Shamsul A. B. (2011). Kesepaduan dalam Kepelbagaian: Perpaduan di Malaysia sebagai Work-in-Progress. Bangi: UKM. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Suzalina Halid. (2025). Pelajar IPT wajib ambil dua kursus baharu tahun depan. Berita Harian Online, 22 November 2025. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2025/11/1474847/pelajar-ipt-wajib-ambil-dua-kursus-baharu-tahun-depan [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Utusan Malaysia. (2023). Rombakan kabinet dapat redakan ketegangan politik. Utusan Malaysia Online, 16 Disember 2023. https://www.utusan.com.my/rencana/forum/2023/12/rombakan-kabinet-dapat-redakan-ketegangan-politik/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Dynamic of Religious Pluralism and Cultural Identity in Rongmei Naga (Kabui) Society
• Effects of Social-Economic Empowerment of Teenage Mothers and Nurture Care. A Case of Kimbilio Hope Centre, Machakos, Kenya
• Gendering Caste and Casteing Gender: A Study of Social Sickness in Uma Chakravarti’s Gendering Caste: Through a Feminist Lens
• Counselling as Social Work for Women Empowerment in Akwa Ibom State: A Case Study of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. Implications for Counsellors
• Motherhood: Inclusion and Containment, A Case Study