Taming Fear and Anxiety: Coverage of Intercultural Relations in the Harakah for the year 1998 through 2001

Abstract

This study examines the 1998-2001 coverage of intercultural relations in HARAKAH, the newspaper for Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS). Results of the content analysis of 178 articles revealed that messages of pluralism featured prominently in the coverage. While there were messages of reconciliation, such messages were not many. A total of twelve main themes emerged from the analysis. Although most of the main themes were positive towards PAS, the HARAKAH has yet to adequately clarify the notion of the Islamic state it envisioned. It appears that the HARAKAH adopted less educational approach but rely more on a public relations approach in its intercultural relations coverage. The coverage also used more self-report approach in reporting PAS relations with non-Muslims. The findings suggest that, while PAS accepts multiculturalism, not much integration has been achieved with the non-Muslim opposition party. Nevertheless, HARAKAH seems to be quite liberal in journalistic approach in terms of the issues and approach of the intercultural relations coverage.