Orientation Guide to Malaysia and the Malay Culture

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, consisting of two separate land masses, Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Peninsular Malaysia is a narrow projection of land that extends from Thailand, down to the southernmost tip of the Republic of Singapore. East Malaysia consists of two states, Sabah and Sarawak. These two states are located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. Overall, Malaysia is a relatively small southeast Asian country that is slightly larger than New Mexico, half the size of Burma, two-thirds the size of Thailand, and one-sixth the size of Indonesia.
Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia were both colonized by the British. Prior to colonial rule, the peninsula was sparsely populated. Colonial era immigration from China and India transformed it into a multicultural society, with different groups working in different economic areas. Immigrant groups engaged in limited social interaction, reinforcing each group’s unique ethnic heritage, language, and religion. This separation posed a challenge during the post-colonial period, when Sarawak, Sabah, and briefly Singapore were incorporated into Malaysia.
The Malaysians of today are comprised of many different ethnic groups. Article 153 of the constitution states it “shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the paramount ruler: Sultan to safeguard the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak…” Although the political system is currently stable, Malay social diversity continues to pose a significant challenge for the nation.
This book, produced by Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), provides comprehensive information about Malaysia and the Malay Culture. Chapter topics include religion, traditions, family life and differences in the lifestyles of urban and rural populations as well as detailed discussion of geography, history and their economy, form of government, society and security and much more.
124 pages; dozens of photos, illustrations and charts, many in full color.
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