Malaysian Culture Essay

2.0 Malaysian Culture

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic society. The main ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays as well as large populations of Chinese, and Indians. In addition to, the Sabah and Sarawak located at the north Borneo has a lot of indigenous ethnic groups for example like Kadazan, Iban, Bidayuh and etc. All of these ethnic groups contributed a multi-ethnic society in Malaysia. Besides that, the mixed of Malaysian society have a different culture there is a Malay culture, a Chinese culture, an Indian culture, along with the indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and heritage in the peninsula and north Borneo. Under such an environment, Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia

Under this legislation defines three principles as guidelines for Malaysian culture: that it is based on the cultures of indigenous people; that if elements from other cultures are judged suitable and reasonable they may be considered Malaysian culture; and that Islam will be an important part of national culture. Besides that, the Federal Constitution has been stated that all of the Malaysian guarantees have the freedom to practice his or her religion in peace and harmony. While religious freedom is officially guaranteed under the Malaysian constitution, therefore the tolerance of the religious in Malaysia made this country become a multi-religious and multi-racial society. Furthermore, the Malay language or Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, while English is the second most popular. Other languages include Chinese, Tamil, and etc. Most of the Malaysians are proficient in speaking, reading and writing in Malay even they are Chinese, Indians or any others, indigenous ethnic

This is a hot, dry spiced dish of tenderly simmered meat offers the typical Malaysian taste of coconut, balanced with robust, tangy spices. Rendang is a must-have on special occasions such as weddings, ideally served with nasi kunyit (turmeric rice). During Ramadan & Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Malay New Year, Rendang is sure to take centre stage on bountiful tables of the feast in homes everywhere. During this festive season, a special rice cake called Lemang is made to eat with Rendang. Lemang is made from glutinous rice and santan (coconut milk), carefully packed into bamboo poles lined with banana leaves and cooked in the traditionally way over low open