Digital Inclusion: The Way Forward for Equality in a Multiethnic Society

Abstract

The present study explores how youth as citizens in a multiethnic and multireligious society in Malaysia use the Internet to accelerate their economic and political participation. Data for this study was collected through a set of questionnaires administered to 600 respondents, whose ages ranged from 18 to 40 years, all residing in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The findings indicate that about half of the respondents had the experience of using the Internet for more than four years. The ethnic Chinese who have high access to the Internet also used commercial and government online facilities more frequently than other ethnic groups. There was no significant difference with regard to using online educational and entertainment facilities or with regard to political participation. There were no significant differences among the ethnic groups. The findings indicate that the online facilities have contributed to the leveling of active participation among ethnic groups in political matters. However, gaps still exist with regard to commercial and public sector online activities among the ethnic groups.