An Unforgettable Multi-Cultural Immersion
Nothing quite says it like “Malaysia…Truly Asia”
Take a look at Malaysia’s location on the world map. And if you reflect carefully, you will discover why Malaysia has been a melting pot of various cultures from the very inception of its history.
The Making of Modern Malaysia
Since time immemorial, traders from both East and West found the Golden Chersonese a convenient stopover port, from which they could ply their wares to and from East Asia to as far as the Middle East and beyond. `Golden Chersonese’ is the ancient name given to the Malay Peninsula by the Greek-speaking astrologer, astronomer and geographer, Claudius Ptolemy (circa 90-168 AD). Indeed, as early as fifteen hundred years ago the Malay kingdom in Bujang Valley served as the confluence for traders from China, India and the Middle East.
As trade – particularly in spices, gold and silk - flourished, Buddhism and Hinduism were also introduced to Malaysia. Islam followed suit a thousand years later, propagated by Arab traders who arrived in the historical state of Melaka. When the Portuguese arrived in Malaysia, they were greeted by a vast, thriving empire that impressed them so much, they wrote to their Viceroy in Goa, India, to colonise Melaka.
As diverse as Malaysia’s cultural variety may be, several in particular have left their mark upon the country.
The most prominent among these is the traditional Malay culture, which has somehow along the course of history, integrated itself with certain aspects of the cultures of two of the nation’s major trading partners, the Chinese and Indians.
What you might find particularly interesting, is how the earliest Chinese settlers of the Straits primarily in and around Melaka gradually adopted elements of Malay culture, and intermarried with the Malay community. Known as “Babas” and “Nyonyas”, they eventually developed a set of practices, beliefs, and arts that combines Malay and Chinese traditions so uniquely, so much as to create a virtually new culture by itself. Furthermore, the predominantly Muslim-Malay community have also adapted the Chinese custom of giving little red packets containing money (ang pau) at festivals; the only difference being packets given on Muslim holidays are green, with Arab writing on them.
Malaysia’s extraordinary cultural assimilation can also be seen in the Malay wedding ceremony, which incorporates elements of the Hindu traditions of southern India. The bride and groom dress in elegant traditional costumes, sit in state, and feed each other yellow rice with henna painted hands.
Although each of these cultures has remained true to their origins and community structures, they have also blended together to create contemporary Malaysia’s uniquely diverse heritage. The three major groups are joined by local indigenous tribes, many of which still choose to continue living on their ancestral lands, in the magnificent rainforests and coastal areas of Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo).
To derive a personal insight into the highly complex cultural interaction in Malaysia, look at the open-door policy practiced during religious festivals. Although Malaysia’s different cultural traditions are maintained by the country’s self-contained ethnic communities, all communities open their doors freely to members of other cultures - including neighbours and tourists – during religious festivities.
Such a custom is, indeed, more than just a way to surmount cultural barriers and promote awareness - it is the positive celebration of a tradition of tolerance that has been the basis of Malaysia’s ongoing progress.
Ethnicities
The Malays are Malaysia’s largest ethnic group, accounting for more than 60% of the population. Together with the oldest indigenous people, they form a group called ‘bumiputera’ which translates as “princes of the soil.” Malays are predominantly Muslims, although since the religion’s introduction to the country by the Arab traders some 500 years ago, many an Islamic practice has interspersed itself with traditional Malay customs.
Having traded with Malaysia for centuries, the Chinese gradually settled in numbers during the 19th century. Their diligent nature and sharp business acumen have deservingly earned them the recognition of being `Malaysia’s businessmen’ – with many ethnic Chinese Malaysians having succeeded across the industries. When they first arrived, though, the Chinese usually toiled at the most gruelling jobs, like tin mining and railway construction. The typical Chinese Malaysian is Taoist, Buddhist or Christian, although there is a sizeable Chinese Muslim community here as well. Retaining strong cultural ties to their ancestral homeland, Chinese Malaysians form approximately 30% of the population.
With cultural and economic ties with Malaysia predating over 2,000 years, most Indian Malaysians are offspring of ancestors who settled en masse here in the 19th century. Most came from South India, fleeing a then impoverished nation, with many working as rubber tappers, back then. Others opted to become labourers, or worked as administrators and businessmen. Indian Malaysians today account for 10% of the population of Malaysia.
The oldest inhabitants of Malaysia are its native tribesmen, who account for about 5 % of the total population, although they represent a majority in the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. While these tribal aborigines prefer to be categorised according to their individual tribes, Malaysian policy usually identifies them as “Orang Asli” (lit. “Original People”).
In Sabah, the predominant tribal group is the Kadazan. In Sarawak, the dominant tribal groups are “Dayak” who typically live in longhouses, as well as Iban (Sea Dayak) and Bidayuh (Land Dayak). Most of Malaysia’s tribal people generally share a strong spiritual affiliation to the rainforests and nature – having been born and raised there.
Languages
Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) is the mother tongue of the ethnic Malays. By virtue of its recognition as the national language, Bahasa Malaysia is also used by Malaysians of other races - especially those who have attended government schools where it is the medium of instruction. Bahasa Malaysia is also a lingua franca of sorts, being the official language of Brunei and Singapore as well.
The British colonisation of Malaya - Malaysia’s colonial name - from 1786 to 1957 brought the English language to Malaysian shores. English is widely used as the medium of communication in the commercial and professional sectors, and also courts of law. Other languages or dialects that are widely spoken here include Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Tamil and Hindi.
Unsurprisingly, all these – and more – come together to make Malaysia a melting pot of cultures. Welcome to “Malaysia…Truly Asia!”
Excerpt:
“Although Malaysia’s different cultural traditions are maintained by the country’s self-contained ethnic communities, all communities open their doors freely to members of other cultures - including neighbours and tourists – during religious festivities.” |