This text contains an examination of processes of cultural citizenship in peninsular Malaysia. In particular, it focuses upon the diverse residents of the southwestern state of Melaka and their negotiations of belonging and incorporation in Malaysian society. Following political independence and the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1957 Malaysian citizenship was extended to most members of these diverse social identities. In this post-colonial context, Timothy P. Daniels examines how public celebrations and representations, religious festivals, and patterns of social relations are connected to processes of inclusion and exclusion.

Timothy P. Daniels is Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Hofstra University.

Part I 1. Nations, Citizens and Theorizing Belonging 2. Melaka Past and Present, Cultural Citizenship and Race-Making Part II 3. Cultural Categories, Hybridity and Identity Schemata 4. Discourse and Schemata of Malaysian Society PartIII 5. Public Celebrations and Institutionalized Representations of Malaysian Society 6. Religious Festivals in Sacred, Public and Private Places PartIV 7. Negotiation and Social Relations 8. Cognitive Resolution and Experience 9. Conclusions