A variety of religions and cultures

found in Malaysia is a direct

reflection of the diversity of many
ethnic groups and races in
Malaysia.

Religion
Islam is the national religion, but
freedom of religion is guaranteed.
Malays are usually Muslims. The
Chinese are predominately Taoists
and Buddhists, though some are
Christians. The majority of
Malaysia's Indian population are
mainly Hindu and originate from
southern India, though a sizable
percentage are also Muslims and
Christians. They are also Sikhs,

mainly in peninsular Malaysia.

Many indigenous people of east
Malaysia have converted to
Christianity although others still
follow their animist traditions.

The Language
Malaysia's official language is
Bahasa Malaysia, or Bahasa
Melayu (Malay). You can also get
along quite happily with English
throughout Malaysia. English is,
along with the Bahasa Melayu, the
linking language between the
various ethnic groups. Other
everyday languages include
Chinese dialects such as
Cantonese, Hakka, or Hokkien. The
Indians also speak Tamil,

Malayalam, Hindi, or other Indian

languages. It is reasonable to say
that the Malays control the
government while the Chinese have
their fingers on the economic
sector of Malaysia and the Indians
mainly in the service sectors.
Music & Dance
Malaysian music is heavily
influenced by Chinese and Islamic
forms. Music is based largely
around the Gendang (drum), but
includes percussion instruments
some of which are made of shells,
flutes, trumpets and gongs.
Malaysia has a strong tradition of
dance and drama, with Thai, Indian
and Portuguese influences. Other
artistic forms include Wayang Kulit

also called shadow-puppets, Silat

which is a stylized martial art, and
crafts such as batik, weaving,
silversmithing and brassware.

Cultures
The convergence of people and
cultures within Malaysia is rooted
in the golden era of the Malacca
sultanate which attracted
merchants from far regions of the
world such as: China, India, the
Middle East and Europe.
Intermarriage of Malays with
Chinese and others sprang the
Baba-Nonya and Chetty
communities as well as the
Portuguese Eurasian community.
The British, in their bid to exploit

the rubber and tin industry in

Malaysia brought in workers from
India and China. They all brought
with them the cultures of their
motherlands. Mutual tolerance,
acceptance and celebration of each
other's cultures embodies the
essence of Malaysia.

Guidelines on the Do's & Don'ts

Please take off your shoes when
entering a place of worship or a
Malaysian home.When in the
presence of a dignitary, officials or
elders, it is impolite to cross your
legs with the sole of your shoes
facing the person. If you are
hosting a meal and your guests
include Muslims, avoid liquor and

dishes which contain pork. If your

guest is an Indian Hindu, avoid
serving him beef.
Shaking hands is acceptable, but
kissing of the hand or cheek
should be avoided. Many Muslim
women, especially those who cover
their heads, prefer not to shake
hands with members of the
opposite sex. In such a situation, a
simple nod and smile is sufficient.
Malaysians generally respect their
elders and will not confront,
antagonise or openly disagree with
them. Visitors are expected to be
modestly dressed especially in the
conservative rural areas (especially
the Northern half of the East Coast
areas of Peninsula Malaysia of the

country). It is considered impolite

for guests to wear shorts to a place
of worship or a function, except to
a beach party.
But then, as with most things,
times are changing, some for the
better and some for the worst. Its
best to use one's judgment
according to the situation
and place and listen to the locals