What_Makes_Me_a_Malaysian

What Makes Me a Malaysian 1. Malaysia’s Introductions Malaysia is a country which is well known for its diverse ethics and society within the country; whereby the society consists of Malay culture, Chinese culture, Indian culture, along with the cultures of the indigenous groups of the peninsula and north Borneo. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. The religions or beliefs that are being widely practiced in Malaysia are Islam, Buddhism, Hindusim, Daoism, Christianity and Sikhism; in addition Shamanism is also being practiced by the minorities in East Malaysia. Malaysia is physically divided into two parts; the west and the east. The two parts are 403 miles apart and are separated by the South China Sea.  Western Malaysia stretches from the Thai border to the island of Singapore and eastern of Malaysia includes the territories of Sabah and Sarawak. The history of Malaysia has been determined by its strategic position, its tropical climate, the surrounding environment and the regime of the north-east and south-west monsoons. Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Prime Minister read the Proclamation of Independence in Stadium Merdeka in front of a massive crowd whereby he declared Malaya's independence on the 31st of August, in 1957. In 1963, Malaysia was formed, bringing together the states of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. Singapore, however, left the federation in 1965. This paper will present a survey finding of six respondents on the highlighted subject matter “What Makes Me a Malaysian”. 2. Survey Method A series of face-to-face oral interviews with regards to the above subject matter has been conducted on various occasions namely on three male and three female Malaysians with age ranging from 25 to 35 years old making a total of six people altogether. Seven selected questions have been applied in the interview sessions. The list of questions that has been used during the interview sessions are as per listed below. 1) Do you get along well with other people of different races or cultures' What is your racial ethnic origin' 2) Do you like to participate in other festival or celebration celebrated by other ethnics / races in Malaysia' Why' How do you feel about it' 3) Do you like Malaysian food / cuisines' Why' 4) Do you like local fruits' Why' 5) Do you like the islands and beaches that we have here in Malaysia' Why' 6) Are you proud to be a Malaysian' Why' 7) Do you agree that Malaysia is a great country' What makes Malaysia a great country' 3. Survey Findings The survey findings has been compiled, summarized and illustrated in the tables below. 3.1 Ethnic Diversity and Relations Table 3.1.1: Profile and sample of survey: Do you get along well with other people of different races or cultures' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x |  |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 |x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 |x | | From the survey findings that has been carried out on four respondents with different races namely; Chinese, Malay, Kadazan-Dusun and Bajau origins, has produced a positive feedback despite the different backgrounds of the respective respondents. The above table shows that all the respondents can get along well in Malaysia’s diverse society with its multi-racial people in Malaysia. Most of the reasons given are because most Malaysian people strongly believe in respecting each other’s culture and religion. They were raised and thought to respect each other without discrimination, stereotyping and prejudice towards each other regardless their color, race and beliefs. Malaysia is also known for its friendly and warm people, this also contributes to the society being able to live together in harmony thus encouraging unity amongst the Malaysians. Language and communication plays a major role in the daily lives of most Malaysian. Although, Malay has become Malaysia’s sole national language since 1967, most people of diverse cultures or ethnics still prefer to communicate in their native dialects among each other. For example, many Chinese-Malaysian speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkein, Hakka, Hainan and Foochow; Indian-Malaysians speak Tamil, Malayalam and Punjabi; while several indigenous languages are spoken amongst the native groups in the peninsula, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, the largest of which are Iban and Kadazan. The Malaysian government acknowledges this multilingualism, projecting it through mass communication such as television news broadcasts in Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil. Most Malaysian is adept at learning languages, and knowing multiple languages is commonplace. English language is also widely used amongst the Malaysians as it has been solidified as the language of business due to the rapid industrialization in the country throughout the years. In school, universities and at work places, people of different ethnics are commonly communicating in either Malay language or English language. Language never has been a major issue or barrier to the multi-racial people in Malaysia. The survey findings have also shown that Malaysians are interested to learn and know more about the customs and traditions on other ethnic groups in Malaysia. Mix marriages which are common in Malaysia, especially in Sabah and Sarawak further prove that Malaysia is a well blend country. 2. Customs and Religious Ceremonial Occasions Table 3.2.1: Profile and sample of survey: Do you like to participate in other festivals or celebrations celebrated by other ethnics / races in Malaysia' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x | |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 | x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 | x | | All of the respondents enjoy celebrating other celebrations marking important ethnic and religious holidays of other ethnic groups in Malaysia. They claim that they are able to experience the different tradition and customs of different races as in the ways they celebrate their festivals. During these festive seasons, Malaysian families are well known to host friends and neighbours to visit and eat holiday delicacies at their respective homes. Normally during this holiday season that friends and relatives who rarely see one another will take this opportunity to visit each other to strengthen the bond of their relationship. This is when they will mingle with each other and wish each other well. The visits of people from other ethnic groups and religions on these occasions are taken as evidence of Malaysian national amity and signify Malaysia’s unity. Malaysia’s figureheads, especially the Prime Minister are also being role models by promoting the 1Malaysia concept which reflects that Malaysian people live in peace and harmony with a minimum amount of dispute amongst the various ethnic groups in Malaysia as Malaysians accept each other regardless of their skin color, language and beliefs. Every year many open houses are being held for the public to encourage and provide the opportunity for them to come together and enjoy the presence of each other and other races whilst enjoying the celebration at the same time. The main celebration celebrated by the majority ethnics in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha amongst the Malay community whereby Ketupat, Rendang and malay cookies are the main highlight during these celebrations; Chinese New Year, for the Chinese-Malaysians are well known for their Mandarin Oranges, red packets or “Ang-Pau” and Lion Dances and last but not least Deepavali or Light Festival and Thaipusam celebrated by the Indian-Malaysian society. However, not forgetting the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak whereby they celebrate Gawai Festival, Harvest Festival and Good Friday among others. 3.3 Malaysian Food / Cuisines Table 3.3.1: Profile and sample of survey: Do you like Malaysian food / cuisines' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x | |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 | x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 | x | | The table above shows that a majority of the respondents likes local foods. Most of them commented that local foods are exquisite and delicious and has a wide range of variety. Malaysia’s diversity has blessed the country with one of the most exquisite cuisines in the world. Elements of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cooking are both distinct and blended together. Rice and noodles are common to all cuisine; spicy dishes are also favourites amongst the Malaysians especially the Malays and Indians. The ingredients used to produce these local cuisines are mainly local products thus enhancing the freshness and uniqueness of Malaysian foods. To name a few favourites and dishes well known locally amongst the Malaysians are the Chicken Curry, Roti Canai, Chicken Rendang, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kerabu and a wide variety of noodle dishes; Watan-Ho, Fried Kueh-Tiau, Ngau-Chap and many others. The vast variety of food selections shows that Malaysians loves food and its easy access to it; for example, small hawker stalls offer prepared food or locally referred to as ‘Nasi Campur’ twenty-four hours a day especially in urban areas furthermore encourages Malaysians to enjoy their meals out of their homes more frequently and not forgetting to mention that local foods in Malaysia comes with an affordable price. It is a very common sight seeing people of different ethnicity trying out foods prepared by other ethnics or spotting various people from different races sitting down together in hawker stalls or eatery stations enjoying the local foods. Some can even cook the different types of recipes of other ethnics; the adventurous ones will even try blending with their traditional recipes producing new blended recipes. 3.4 Malaysia’s Local fruits Table 3.4.1: Profile and sample of survey: Do you like local fruits' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x | |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 | x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 | x | | The summary of the survey findings shown above indicates that all of the respondents like to eat local fruits. Most of the reasons given are its freshness and its rich and delicious taste. These local fruits are also packed with minerals and vitamins. Some local fruits are rare and can only be obtained locally here in Malaysia. These local fruits are also easy to get as it is being sold everywhere. It can be purchased at markets, supermarkets sometimes you can even see it being sold along the road side especially in city and rural areas. The local favourite is the Durian, often called the "King of Fruits" by those who love it; known by its spiked skin and fermented flesh whose strong aroma and taste often separates locals from foreigners. As a result of tropical fruits growing in abundance, they are being commercialized widely in the country thus further boosting the country’s economy for those that are being commercialized internationally to other countries. Some of the examples that are very common among the locals are the famous ‘Pisang Goreng’ which means Fried Banana, Durian cakes, Guava consumed in juice, marmalade, and jam, Coconuts known for its widespread use as flavoring in candy, ice cream, and sauces; coconut milk is also present in a variety of culinary treats. Examples of other local fruits are the Rambutans, Mangosteens, Starfruits, Jackfruit, Ciku and many more. 3.5 Malaysia’s Preserved Nature Table 3.5.1: Profile and sample of survey: Do you like the islands and beaches in Malaysia' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x |  |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 | x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 | x | | The table above shows that all the respondents like the islands and beaches in Malaysia. Malaysia is blessed to have all these beautiful and preserved islands surrounding it. Its beautiful white sandy beaches and blue waters are the main highlight of Malaysia’s well preserved islands. Other added attractions to these beautiful islands are the sea corals and reefs and also the unique marine life found in the waters of our tropical islands. Most islands in Malaysia are great destinations for snorkeling, scuba-diving, sailing and deep-sea fishing. It becomes more and more known to tourists as a true tropical paradise in Malaysia with its excellent dive spots and reefs. For nature lovers there is much unspoiled jungle with waterfalls to be explored in some islands such as Tioman Island. Malaysia has a biodiverse range of flora and fauna, and is considered one of the 17 megadiverse countries. Some come a far just to look at the Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting. Every year during the summer months, usually May through August, the turtles come ashore and lay their eggs. Rantau Abang is the noted tourist spot for these activities in Malaysia. Islands trips are not only for nature lovers or tourists; some Malaysians often visit these islands during their leisure times to spend time with their family or to wind down or just relax in one of the resorts after a hectic week of working in the city. There are resorts built in most of the islands in Malaysia for those who wants a perfect place to getaway to find peace and serenity while enjoying the nature at the same time. Some of the famous islands here in Malaysia are Langkawi Island, Pangkor Island, Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Tioman Island, Mabul Island and Sipadan Island. 3.6 Patriotism Table 3.6.1: Profile and sample of survey: Are you proud to be a Malaysian' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x | |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 | x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 | x | | The survey shows that all of the respondents are proud to be Malaysians. The most reason were given is Malaysia is a peaceful country with its diverse ethnic groups of people being able to live together in peace and harmony. This shows that Malaysia represents a tolerant society which respects the right of its people to practise any of the religions or beliefs found in the country, i.e. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. In this respect, Malaysia has been successful in bringing together people from diverse cultures, countries and background to create a unified society. The Malaysian people are renowned for being warm and welcoming to visitors, which allows tourists to get the full experience of Malaysia. The Malaysian government also plays a major role to further encourage and plant the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of the Malaysian people. For example it is a norm for primary and secondary public schools in Malaysia to recite the “Rukun Negara” or National Princliples weekly during a compulsory assembly. Pledge reading follows immediately after the singing of the Malaysian national anthem, “Negaraku”.  The official symbol of Malaysia is the Malaysian flag or “Jalur Gemilang”. The stripes represent the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states. The colours red and white symbolise courage and purity respectively and the canton symbolises the unity of the people of Malaysia. The crescent is the symbol of Islam, the official religion of Malaysia; and the 14 points of the star signify the unity of the 13 states of the federation with the Federal Government last but not least the colour yellow signifies the royal colour of the Rulers. The Malaysian flag was officially named “Jalur Gemilang” by Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the 40th anniversary of the country's independence, August 31, 1997 at midnight in conjunction with the National Day celebrations. The phenomenal growth of Malaysia under the leadership of its fourth Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad has brought about a patriotic sense of achievement amongst its people. The Government has led the way to show that Malaysians can excel in whatever they put their minds to. Embodying this spirit is the slogan "Malaysia Boleh!" which means "Malaysia Can Do It!”. At the early stages this slogan was only used at sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and Thomas Cup Finals, then later everywhere else as it was embraced wholeheartedly by the people as a means to push themselves to endure and accept challenge, to set targets and to excel. The "Malaysia Boleh!" spirit has since produced many achievers and achievements, and has been a foundation of the success story that is the new Malaysia. All of these are clearly honest efforts to unite the Malaysian people, portraying respect, compassion, freedom, amity and unity that go coherently with the Malaysia’s National Principles; Belief in God, Loyalty to the King and Country, The Supremacy of the Constitution, The rule of Law and Courtesy and Morality. Which brings the meaning; to achieve a greater unity of all her peoples; to maintain a democratic way of life; to create a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared; to ensure a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions; and to build a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology. 3.7 Malaysia as a Great Country Table 3.7.1: Profile and sample of survey: Do you agree that Malaysia is a great country' What makes Malaysia a great country' |Answers / Gender |Yes |No |Answers / Gender |Yes |No | |Male 1 |x |  |Female 1 |x |  | |Male 2 |x |  |Female 2 | x | | |Male 3 |x |  |Female 3 | x | | The table shows that all of the respondents agree that Malaysia is a great country. Malaysians live in peace and harmony without having to be worrying about racial disputes or unstable political issues which seldom happen in Malaysia. Multi racial people with different background, religion or beliefs and statuses, have a mutual understanding towards living together in a harmonious and healthy environment whereby they respect one another without prejudice and discrimination. People come together during joyful and important times especially during various festivals or celebration to mingle with one another and to rejoice the fact that Malaysian are a well diverse country living in amity and unison. Lying close to the equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate whereby the temperatures are usually between 20 to 30°C; hot and humid weather is usually 90 per cent of the weather condition in Malaysia providing a convenient climate for any activities to be carried all year round; agriculture, tourism, and commerce among others. The annual monsoonal season blowing southwest in April to October and northeast in October to February provides a fair amount of rain to the warm climate. Normally when it comes, it generally interrupts the sunshine only briefly; most of it falls in short, strong bursts. Malaysia are also free from some majors natural hazards such as volcano’s eruption, major earthquakes and hurricanes. The natural hazards experienced in the country are the occasional landslides, flash floods and floods during the monsoonal seasons. Due to the climate that Malaysia is experiencing, there are thousands of species of flowering plants in Peninsular or West Malaysia alone, including various tree species, plants and different types of orchids. Wildlife includes elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards, tapirs, sun bears, orangutans and birds species. In East Malaysia on the island of Borneo even more species of animals, birds, plants, trees and flowers are found. The largest flower on the planet, the Rafflesia is native here in the world's oldest rainforest. Its elusive appearance is what botanists live for to glimpse at least once in their lifetime. Malaysia also have the highest mountain whereby the highest point is Mt. Kinabalu standing at 4,101 metre located in Sabah, is one of the highest peaks in South-East Asia. The longest of the country's many rivers are the 350 miles Rajang River in Sarawak, the 350 miles Kinabatangan River in Sabah, and the 200 miles Pahang River in West Malaysia. Malaysia also have a wide range of beautiful islands well known for its long stretches of white sandy beach and its coral reefs. Architecture in the country is diverse; there are different kinds of architecture ranging from modern high-rises to colonial buildings. The architecture of the country bears testimony to the Malaysia’s colonial experience. There are countless old buildings in the country, which clearly reflect the features of British Architecture. Malaysia is also one of the fastest developing nations in the world and this is also reflected in the Architecture of Malaysia. Most of the cities in the country boast of buildings that are upscale, magnificent and lavish and have become landmark in the country. PETRONAS Twin Towers is one such building. It is situated in Kuala Lumpur and has become synonymous with the existence of the city. The 88 storey building in fact is the most recognizable icon of the country. Overall, architecture of Malaysia is varied and diverse and like other aspects of culture of the country reflects Malaysia’s multiculturalism.  4. Conclusion The overall findings based on the survey carried out on six respondents indicate that Malaysians are friendly multiracial people who can blend in and get along well together despite their different background and beliefs. This is proven and can be seen especially during festive or religious holidays and other national celebration whereby different people from various ethnic groups gather around and visit one another to celebrate these special occasions. The concept of 1Malaysia furthermore supports this healthy social lifestyle practised widely by the Malaysian people. Due to its diversity of the ethnic groups of Malaysian people, this has indirectly contributed to the diversity of great cuisine in the country. Malaysia is a paradise for gourmet foods. Malaysian people are proud of their unique and scrumptious mouth-watering cuisine whereby most ingredients used are locally produced in Malaysia. Local fruits are also abundance in Malaysia, due to its tropical climate and soils that are rich with minerals and has the suitable PH furthermore contributes to the flourishing agriculture industry. Malaysia with its preserved nature is well known in the tourism industry around the world especially for its beautiful islands, mountains, flora and faunas and its rich cultural and heritage that attracts both foreigners and locals attention. All of these are just some of the many highlights, being the reason for Malaysians being lucky and happy people living in such a great country with such abundance resources that covers a wide aspect of their lives. What makes us a Malaysian is having the strength, dedication and commitment to maintain and preserve the independence and sovereignty of the nation by having and practising the values of love, affection and loyalty to the homeland thus strengthening the bond of the Malaysian people. References Thomas Williamson (n.d.). Countries and their Cultures: Cultures of Malaysia. [Online]. Available: http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Malaysia.html. [2010, June 13]. History of Malaysia. (1999-2010). [Online]. Available: http://merdeka.virtualmalaysia.com/fastfact/history_of_malaysia.cfm/sec/1/mnu/1. [2010, July 3]. Malaysia's Introduction and Geography. (2010). [Online] Available: http://www.undp.org.my/resources/malaysia-facts-and-figures/introduction-and-geography. 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