Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn)
Vol 20, No 2: May 2026

Literature as a tool of national education: Rahman Shaari’s insights into Malaysian national identity

Jamin, Asyraff (Unknown)
Subet, Mary Fatimah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 May 2026

Abstract

Literature always played an important role in shaping societies, cultures, and nations. As a powerful tool for the transmission of ideas, values, and experiences, literature can serve as an educational medium, particularly for fostering national consciousness. Therefore, this study aims to identify, evaluate, and understands the role of literature as a tool of national education in raising national consciousness and shaping national identity. This qualitative study employs content analysis and library research methods based on Lukacs’ theory of realism, to examine Rahman Shaari’s perspectives on national identity in his novels Pernikahan di Lubuk Hantu, Semoga Molek, and Cengkaman Hasrat. The findings show that Rahman Shaari’s works truly emphasize efforts to educate society towards preserving and promoting Malaysian National Identity. His discourse on elevating Bahasa Melayu and preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage underscores his commitment to national identity. The study concludes that Rahman Shaari’s portrayal of national identity is aligns with the realities of Malaysian society and Lukacs’ aesthetic principles, positively impacting and demonstrating the role of literature as an effective tool for national education. Subsequently, this study could serve as a resource for future studies specifically on how literature worldwide influences national identity across diverse societies.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

EduLearn

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Library & Information Science Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn) ISSN: 2089-9823, e-ISSN 2302-9277 is a multi-disciplinary, peer-refereed open-access international journal which has been established for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of education, teaching, development, instruction, ...