General Studies Courses and Student Identity Formation in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

The formation of student identity plays a crucial role in achieving Malaysia’s national aspiration of producing citizens who are patriotic, competitive, and progressive. Within this context, the implementation of General Studies courses (Mata Pelajaran Umum, MPU) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) serves as an important initiative to cultivate values, ethics, and a strong sense of national identity among students. Despite these intentions, MPU courses are often perceived by students as less relevant or unnecessarily burdensome, primarily due to the heavy academic workload and the prioritization of discipline-specific subjects. This study aims to explore the contribution of MPU courses to student identity formation and to analyze their relevance within the broader framework of higher education in Malaysia. Employing a document analysis approach, the study examines the official MPU guidelines issued by the Ministry of Higher Education as well as existing scholarly literature on identity development in higher education. The findings suggest that MPU courses have the potential to produce holistic graduates who possess a strong identity rooted in their religion, cultural heritage, moral values, and Malaysian national identity. Furthermore, these courses play a significant role in supporting the National Education Philosophy, which aspires to nurture balanced individuals across physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions (JERI). By embedding both universal and local values, MPU courses offer students an opportunity to develop a more integrated worldview that aligns with national priorities and global competencies. Therefore, the continuation and enhancement of MPU courses remain essential in ensuring that HEIs not only produce technically skilled graduates but also individuals with strong character, civic responsibility, and a sense of national belonging.