Abstract

Malaysia is a country that strives to instill noble or good morals and values among the young generation who will lead the country’s development. The importance of values has been clearly stated under the principle of ‘decency and morality, the fifth principle in Malaysian National Principles. Adhering to this principle requires constant effort and has its challenges. This study discusses the practices of moral behavior in the daily lives of Malay students. This study uses the case study design (one case, one place) and a qualitative approach to understand this phenomenon. Purposive sampling techniques and specific criteria were used in selecting the participants of this study. The ATLAS.ti 7 software was used to manage the data obtained through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The thematic analysis technique was then utilized to analyze data obtained in this study. These findings show that personal noble values and institutional values are the core of moral behavioral values. Malay students understand the practice of moral behavioral values as a combination of personal values and the institutional values that work in balance to be manifested and practiced consistently in their daily lives. In conclusion, together, the Ministry of Education, schools, family institutions and the community play an important role in inculcating values related to the practice of moral behavior among students. It is suggested that future studies conduct a comparison of values related to moral behavior among various ethnicities as well as categories of students (disciplined and undisciplined groups).

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