Malaysian Studies Cultural
1.0 Introduction
Malaysia is a multiracial society that comprises many ethnic groups. In West Malaysia, the largest ethnic groups are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, the number of ethnic group is even bigger including the Kadazan , Bajau , Iban , Murut and Bidayuh. This difference in ethnicity that we have in Malaysia is paralleled by other things such as the way of life, languages, politics, economy, place of habitants and where they come from.
The earliest ethnic was originated by the Malays. They were the ones who developed the main cultures of the country in the region. Besides the Malays, the Sabah and Sarawak were the early inhabitants in the east region. Therefore , they are classified as the “Bumiputera” also known as the sons of the soil. The variety was further enhanced with the arrival of other people such as the Chinese from China and the Indians from India. The Chinese and Indians were classified as the “non-Bumiputera”. The variation and diversity forms the pattern of the country today. “As distinct as the culture of each race may be, the intermingling of the population also gives rise to a special blend of culture and hospitable warmth that the Malaysian people are so famous for.” ( Malaysia Travel Guide, 2010 )
The following findings will cover the different composition of the population that present in Malaysia. We research the different ethnics in terms of history, culture, beliefs, customs and etc. As a Malaysian, I feel it is important to learn and know about the other ethnics culture well in order to be claim as a Malaysian. Therefore, I use this opportunity given by the elective subject that we are compulsory to take that is the Malaysian Studies to explore and do an in depth research for the different races in Malaysia.
2.0 Objectives of the Study
* To have an in depth understanding of the different races in Malaysia
* To create an opportunity to clear our doubts on some areas of the different
Malaysia is a multiracial society that comprises many ethnic groups. In West Malaysia, the largest ethnic groups are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, the number of ethnic group is even bigger including the Kadazan , Bajau , Iban , Murut and Bidayuh. This difference in ethnicity that we have in Malaysia is paralleled by other things such as the way of life, languages, politics, economy, place of habitants and where they come from.
The earliest ethnic was originated by the Malays. They were the ones who developed the main cultures of the country in the region. Besides the Malays, the Sabah and Sarawak were the early inhabitants in the east region. Therefore , they are classified as the “Bumiputera” also known as the sons of the soil. The variety was further enhanced with the arrival of other people such as the Chinese from China and the Indians from India. The Chinese and Indians were classified as the “non-Bumiputera”. The variation and diversity forms the pattern of the country today. “As distinct as the culture of each race may be, the intermingling of the population also gives rise to a special blend of culture and hospitable warmth that the Malaysian people are so famous for.” ( Malaysia Travel Guide, 2010 )
The following findings will cover the different composition of the population that present in Malaysia. We research the different ethnics in terms of history, culture, beliefs, customs and etc. As a Malaysian, I feel it is important to learn and know about the other ethnics culture well in order to be claim as a Malaysian. Therefore, I use this opportunity given by the elective subject that we are compulsory to take that is the Malaysian Studies to explore and do an in depth research for the different races in Malaysia.
2.0 Objectives of the Study
* To have an in depth understanding of the different races in Malaysia
* To create an opportunity to clear our doubts on some areas of the different
References: * Jali , Redzuan, Samah & Ismail , 2010, Malaysian Studies Nationhood and Citizenship , Prentice Hall , Pearson Malaysia , CLP. * Kuppuswamy , C * Robert A., 1996 , India Unveiled, [ e-book] , Atman Press , Columbus Georgia . Available through : <http://books.google.com.my/books?id=Tmn91va2e4UC&printsec=frontcover&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false> , viewed at 8th June 2012 Annexes