What Make Me a Malaysian

INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is a multicultural society, with Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side. The Malays are the largest community, numbering 60% of the population, following the Muslim religion, speak Bahasa Melayu, and are largely responsible for the country's political destiny. About a quarter of the population is the Chinese which are mostly include Buddhists or Christian. They speak Hokkien, Cantonese, and Hakka and have been historically played an important role in trade and business. The Indians descent comprises about 7% of the population in Malaysia which are mainly Hindu Tamils. They speak Tamil, Malayalam and others and live in the peninsula. The country's official language in Malaysia is Malay, but English is widely spoken. Although people often said that Malaysia is a peaceful country, but communities are still largely separate, and things are not always so calm. During the Japanese occupation, Chinese and Malays were fought by each other and in 1969, Chinese were treated the most harshly and hundreds of Chinese were killed in riots. This violence grew out of Malays dissatisfy about Chinese superiority in doing business. So the government find a solution which was the new Economic Policy which underlines the unity of all people to solve this problem. The land of Malaysia has being influenced by many cultures, but there are only a few have had a lasting impression. These three cultures which are Malay, Chinese and Indians have maintained their individual identity and keeping their cultures in the land of Malaysia. They have learnt to create a merge of all three which lead to be peaceful existence of contemporary multicultural Malaysia. One of the classic examples of the amalgamation of cultures comes in the form of Chinese and Malay. Chinese are the earliest immigrant to the Straits, with adopting the Malaysian culture. They marry with the Malays and produced a new set of generation which called babas or nonyas. In addition, they also created their own set of etiquette, beliefs and arts, combining Malay and Chinese traditions in such a way to create a new culture. Another example of the pure mix of cultures is the Malaysia’s wedding ceremony. For example, Hindu and Malay cultures are similar to the south Indian wedding; the bride and the groom dress in heavily decorated apparels and both of them have to feed each other yellow rice with hands painted with henna. Muslims have adopted from the Chinese too. The Chinese have to give red colour packets with money ( ang pau ) on the important festivals while Muslims are given green colour packets with Arab writings over them.
The easiest way to understand the highly complex cultural of Malaysia is to look at the open door policy maintained during the religious festivals. Although those different cultural traditions are regularly maintenance of seemingly independent ethnic communities, all of Malaysia’s communities open their doors to members of other cultures during a religious festival. It is a positive celebration of a tradition of tolerance that has for millennia formed the basis of Malaysia's progress.

1.1 Do you love Malaysia?

From my research, all of them also love our country, Malaysia. This is because Malaysia is our homeland and we have ideals for our homeland, among which are justice, integrity, equality and a place we can truly belong.

Malaysia also has numerous beautiful islands with unpolluted coast. Although there are problems in the nations or in the societies, but it can all be resolved. Besides that, Malaysia has an ambitious government that is ever determined to bring Malaysia at par with modern countries. The government has put in enormous effort in industrialization to achieve that goal. Throughout the years, the government has succeeded in gaining attention of several big companies just like Sony.

Malaysia also has produce it own product such as television, computer processer chip, and others which with a little piece of note of “Made in Malaysia”. With all these progresses in the country, they feel great to be living in Malaysia. In their mind, the most beautiful thing in Malaysia is our culture, belief, colours of Malaysia and the amazing food. Although we have different colour of skin, race and religion but we are so close like sisters and that is the beautiful thing about Malaysia.

1.2 Do you proud to be Malaysian? Why?

All of them also have the same answer that they are proud to become a Malaysian. This is because they are thankful and appreciative of the peace and freedom that they enjoy it every day, it is also a sign of patriotism.

Malaysia has an equable climate. We are having bright sunshine throughout the year and plenty of rain. There are virgin evergreen forests. There some good rivers, hills and valleys which make Malaysia beautiful. Our people who live at Malaysia are hardworking and peace loving too. As they know their lands gives them plenty of grains and fruits, one need not be hungry. The forests also have natural wealth and the plantations are rich producing spinning rubber. Our mines produce valuable tin making our country rich. Malaysia is a developing country and a lot of good things will have to be done.

Moreover, we have a good government which is democratic in set up. We have had a succession of enlightened rulers who have taken measures for improvement. Our country also has very friendly relationship with the neighbouring countries. If everyone begins to love the country then our country will be safe and peaceful, as we can see Malaysia is one of the best country and most of them like to be Malaysian.

1.3 You prefer stay at Malaysia or oversea? Why?

According to my research, I found that half of the people want to live in Malaysia, while half of the people want to live in a foreign country. This is because Malaysia paid less compare to other countries; other country people salary will be times whatever the currency. Besides that, we will live longer and younger if we stay at overseas which with a low stress level, natural diet and an active lifestyle.
In addition, overseas education offers many good foreign universities to international students. These universities often have advanced teaching facilities and other resources. The teachers also have higher professional standards they fully understand the latest developments in their academic fields. Students also are able to improve their foreign language when they accept the overseas education.
In another views, they said that Malaysia is still a developing country so there still will be a lot of opportunity. For example, UK is a developed country, which means that we have to be the one that is outstanding then we will only get the higher chance to get a better career.
Moreover, the cost of living in other countries is quite expensive, so we need to spend more money on it. Living away from overseas may make it also difficult to see our friends and family. Visits back home can involve costly flights, boat trips or train trips. We may have to take vacation time just to see parents or grandparents each year. Besides that, Malaysia is also a secure and peaceful country which has a warm weather all year round and lots of sunshine. The people at here are nice and friendly and it is a stable and democratic country too.
1.4 Is Malaysia a peaceful country?

Malaysia is among the most friendly, pleasant and peaceful places in the world to work and live in. we can enjoy a safe and comfortable lifestyles with good healthcare and medical facilities, excellent educational institutions and world-class leisure and sports facilities.
Compared to the rest of the world, Malaysia is one of the top ranking best countries to live in. The people pay attention to live in a peaceful country with each other. As Malaysia is a relatively glory country with a low unemployment rate there is little need for civil war or upheaval. There are also severe government controls to ensure this.
Malaysia is also very proud of its multiracial and multicultural population and that forms the core society here. Though there are many ethnic groups in Malaysia, most of the population is classified into 3 major ethnic grouping which are Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Most Malaysians are Muslim, Chinese believe in Buddhist or Christian, and the Indians are normally Hindus. The national language of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu. English, Chinese and Tamil are also generally spoken. All 3 main races live together happily and peacefully. They are also enjoying a variety of cultural and religious festivals around the year.
As compare to neighboring country, Malaysia have achieved a stable economic and have turned from agricultural country into an industrialized nation especially on manufacturing of electrical and electronics product. It hopes can achieve the vision of 2020 which Malaysia can be a united nation with strong moral and ethical values, living in a society that is tolerant and caring, and in full possession of an economy which is competitive and dynamic.

1.5 Do you like to live in Malaysia?

Malaysia has one of the highest per capital incomes in South East Asia, which affords a comfortable lifestyle. This is because it has affordable costs of living and prices of goods and services. Besides that, its rich diversity of cultures, a heritage derived from its racial mix of some of the world's oldest civilisations which are Malay, Chinese and Indian. It has enabled Malaysians to speak two, and even three languages; for example Malay, our national language, English, and others.

Food from all over the world also can be found in Malaysia at very reasonable cost. The Eastern and western most delicious food can also be found in major cities. There is a wide selection of affordable housing in Malaysia.

In addition, Malaysia has a very advanced health care system. Medical services of private doctors, clinics and hospitals to international standards are very easy to obtain at a reasonable cost. It is also easy to communicate as English is widely used for health care workers and staff. Malaysia has the most developed public and private education systems too. There are well-known international schools in all major towns with English as the teaching language. There are also private colleges and universities offering twinning programs with other famous universities and colleges throughout the world.

There are a variety of family entertainment facilities in Malaysia too such as jungle trails, sports, water sports, and so on. Those household appliances and personal items that normally bought by tourists are free of tax to them. The quality goods from everywhere are imported into Malaysia and are sold at reasonable prices. Shopping in Malaysia always gives a variety, value, and convenience to customers. There is a bewildering range of shopping establishments catering for every taste and budget, which included duty-free shops, night-markets, air-conditioned shopping malls, and others.

CONCLUSION

All the Malaysians should show patriotism and loyalty to their country. When people say about patriotism, they likely think of war and of deeds on the battlefield. But even in peacetime, patriotism can actually be found in every part of life. More than just an idea, patriotism is an action. Here are the some ways Malaysians can show their love to Malaysia.
An easy way to show our patriotism is by buying the products which are made from Malaysia, helping the elderly, returning home after studying abroad, register to vote, recycling our waste, and many other small dedications. If we have done this little act of patriotism, it will have a better Malaysia.
Besides that, we should stand up respectfully when the National Anthem is played. On the National Day, we should also fly our Jalur Gemilang proudly to show our patriotism. We can stick the national flag on our vehicles while the buildings or houses can don the national flag as a symbolic way of showing our patriotism.
Citizens are a very important resource in a country. Their influence is very great. Therefore, Malaysians should always patriotic, often contribute to the Malaysia, so that our country will be more progress.