Hajj Management in Malaysia Since 1969

This chapter explores the relationship between Malay dominance as a guiding principle of nation-building efforts and changing approaches to Hajj management in Malaysia. Emphasizing how the 1969 Sino-Malay race riots prompted the government to take a much more active role in organizing the pilgrimage, Maslan draws attention to how debates on Hajj management have contributed to political turmoil in the post-colonial era, especially since the establishment of Lembaga Tabung Haji as a national body responsible for addressing the needs of Malaysian pilgrims. The author also highlights more subtle ways in which debates on Hajj policy are reflected in divisions between and within political parties, as well as between public and private Hajj operators.