Malaysia: The Land of Multiplicities

Malaysia boasts of a rich cultural heritage and takes pride in its fascinating blend of gentle and hospitable people. What is really distinctive about the culture of Malaysia's multifaceted population is that it has three main cultures and if seeks on a little deeper, several more subcultures. There are three main cultures - the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures all have their own costumes, dances, festivals, architecture, arts and crafts and other traditions. For example, this is seen in the way the people dress. Although Western culture dominates, the people are very proud of their individual cultural dresses. Hence, they usually dress in western clothes for the office but they turn out in splendor of their ethnic costumes at festivals and functions. This gives us a beautiful blend. However, that was before. In the recent days, people of all races are not with a heavy-heart to dress up in all kinds of "baju kurung" which is a traditional Malay dress to go to work or for an outing. It has become a typical trademark of a Malaysian.

When it comes to food, an inexpensive selection and extremely varied choices are available here from the Malays, Chinese and Indians. The best Malay dishes are spicy and fragrant - curries, rendangs, nasi lemak, and sate can be tried out by any Malaysian. These mouth-watering delights can be consumed anywhere; be at food stall, coffee shops, or restaurants. The same goes for the Chinese and Indian food. The Chinese are famous for various styles of cooking, such as Hokkien or Szechuan, whereas the typical Indian food like "Roti Canai" and "Capati" are all very familiar to fellow Malaysians and foreigners alike. This wide selection of culinary delights is often served at functions and festivals.

Undeniably, Malaysia is truly a land of a thousand dollars in festival, which are celebrated on a large scale basis throughout the year. Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated by the Muslim community, the Chinese New Year by the Chinese, Deepavali by the Hindus, and Christmas by the Christians. Although Islam is the official religion of the country, the people of Malaysia enjoy religious freedom. Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism are widely practiced here. The festivals are colorful and they seem to be having one going on at any time of the year. This is again a result of a multi-cultural character. Their uniqueness is their diversity of culture and this is continuously growing closer as each of the cultures plays a great influence on the other.

The hospitality of Malaysians is often seen during a festive season, especially when there is an open-house party. For instance, an open-house party during Chinese New Year, people from all walks of life although some of them are not that well acquainted with the host, are still welcomed with open arms and are entertained with a friendly and generous reception. The guests will be served a variety of delicious mouth-watering cookies and other dishes selected for their auspicious names, like "fatt choy" as it sounds like growing prosperity. The hosts will then give out red packets which are called "let si" or good luck gifts in China to the guests. The "ang pows" are traditionally given by married couples to the young and unmarried. As a token of appreciation, in return of the host's hospitality, it is also a tradition for visitors to bring Mandarin oranges or "kum" when visiting on the festive day. The same thing goes during the Hari Raya Puasa festival. Open houses are visited by not only the Malays but also the Chinese and Indians. There will be flocks of people of all races during the open house made by the Muslim prime ministers and other cabinet members. It has become a country's tradition for the leaders. Authentic dishes such as sate, rendangs of all types, ketupat and lemang are among those that are served.

It is also astounding that even in this materialistic society, where everybody seems obsessed with making money and succeeding at the expense of everything else, the people of Malaysia are still supportive of each other where a deep sense of warmth and togetherness prevail. Although they are different, the ability to understand and accept each other has brought them to where they are today. Because of this, we enjoy a wide array of world class plays in English - such as Phantom of the Opera, traditional Indian dances, Malay programs and Chinese opera. What could once only be seen in four different countries is available in a single city itself.

Although different societies evolved differently, the people are fully aware of each other's customs and traditions. For instance, when a Chinese is invited to a Malay home for dinner, he or she will follow their customs such as eating with hands or sitting down on the floor. The same applies with the Malays or Indians when they visit a Chinese home. If the host uses chopsticks to eat, the guest will follow suit without any reserves. Thus, they are not only gradually becoming closer and closer to each other's cultures but they are also learning to appreciate the beauty in each other. In Malaysia, you may well see a Chinese legend interpreted into an Indian dance, and Indian legend interpreted in Chinese or even the "wayang kulit", a Malay traditional entertainment performed by the Chinese using traditional instruments like "erhu", "yang qin"(guitar) or "gu-zheng"(harp).

Among the audience, too, you will find a mixture of cultures. Many of them may not understand the language of the performance but they are appreciative nevertheless. Even the VIPs invited to grace the occasions are reflective of the unique Malaysian culture who can be of any race. Yet again, Malaysians enjoy a close rapport with each other and are always a delight to the tourists.

What is distinguishing about Malaysia is that so many diverse cultures can co-exist in peace and harmony. Even though there are attempts to arise sensitive values among the people, it seems that those attempts never actually experience any success. The people still seem to appreciate the unity and thrive not to jeopardize it. Mixed marriages are a normal thing in Malaysia, and it is nothing unusual to find your neighbors made up from all kinds of races. Therefore, the Malaysian home is truly a veritable melting pot. They are proud of this and this is what makes them distinctive, and special.