'Ideological Manipulation'

This expression refers to the whole spectrum of ideas and beliefs of imperialism and colonialism which were used by dominant groups in the colonial situation towards the objectives of political and economic domination. In this sense, the expression is used to show that ideological objectives as such as no basis in fact in class interests. The indigenous Malay Society was ideologically manipulated to believe themselves inferior to the British in terms of being unable to run a 'good' government and incapable of exploiting the rich natural resources of the country for economic development. Indeed this sense of inferiority was gradually extended to serve as yardstick of comparison with the hardworking immigrants and eventually to the classic notion of the 'lazy native'. More specifically, the expression also refers to the use of specific methods and tactics by the British colonial government and European capitalist interest to enforce social control among the labor force in the tin mines and rubber plantations and thereby to preserve and enhance their respective social class interests.

(The Roots of Race Relations in Malaysia - Collin E.R Abraham)