English project:

Mr. VIDELO Marcel

By:

CHEMIST 1

ABD WAHAB Asmahanna

PERSIL Stephanie

● Where is Malaysia on the map of the world?

MALAYSIA is a country of Southeast Asia, composed of two non contiguous regions: Peninsular or WEST MALAYSIA and EAST MALAYSIA, which are separated by the South China Sea. Location of Malaysia in Asia :

WEST MALAYSIA is bordered on the north by Thailand, on the south by Singapore, on the west by the straits of Malacca and on the east by the South China Sea, whereas EAST MALAYSIA is bordered on the north by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea,and on the south by Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). It consists of the states of SARAWAK and SABAH. The small independent coastal sultanate of Brunei is surrounded on land by Sarawak.

Map of Malaysia :

Malaysia has 13 states and 3 federal territories. The capital city of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur and its administrative capital is Putrajaya.

● What is the climate?

Malaysia is located 7 degrees north of the equator and is a tropical paradise. The climate is generally warm and humid. Temperatures range from between 27 to 32 degrees Celsius during the day and around 22 degrees Celsius at night. Malaysia has two rainy seasons; southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon.

● What is the political system?

Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy and a federation of states governed by a constitutional monarchy. YANG DI PERTUAN AGONG or the king of Malaysia is the chief of the state and religion while the Prime Minister is the chief of Malaysia’s government.

● Who are Malaysians ? Malaysia is one of the most racially, ethnically and religiously diverse nations in the world. Malaysians are constituted of different ethnic groups. In particular, Malays, Chinese, Indians form the largest ethnic groups in Malaysia. More than 80 percent of people live in Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysia’s population is now about 22.8 million.

● What are the religions ?

Islam is the religion of almost all Malays, as well as some Malaysian Indians and is also the official religion of the state. The Chinese are mostly Buddhists, Taoists, Confucians and some Christians. Most of the Indians are Hindus and the Pakistanis are Muslims. In addition, Shamanism is practiced in East Malaysia.

● What languages are spoken ?

The official language of Malaysia is BAHASA MALAYSIA (language of MALAYSIA) although English is used in the legal system. Most Chinese use Mandarin, Cantonese, or Hokkien to communicate among themselves. Indians speak Tamil and regional ethnic languages and dialects are also widely spoken.

I- A SPECIAL HISTORY, CAUSE OF A MULTIFACETED COUNTRY AND DIFFERENT TYPES OF RELIGION 1) HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE DIVERSE ETHNIC GROUPS OF MALAYSIA 2) MALAYSIANS: A colourful mix 3) RELIGIONS: Reflections of the variety of races II- ETHNIC CELEBRATIONS, CONSEQUENCES OF VASTLY DIFFERENT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS… 1) CELEBRATIONS FOR MALAYS: ♦ Hari Raya Puasa

♦ Hari Raya Haji 2) CELEBRATIONS FOR CHINESE: ♦ The New Year ♦ Mooncake Festival 3) CELEBRATIONS FOR INDIANS: ♦ Thaipusam ♦ Deepavali 4) CELEBRATIONS FOR THE OTHER RACES: ♦ Pesta Keaamatan ♦ Dayak Gawai ♦ Christmas ♦ San Pedro III- … BUT A UNITY THROUGH NATIONAL FESTIVALS. 1) THE NATIONAL DAY 2) CITRAWARNA OR THE COLOURS OF MALAYSIA 3) FOOD AND FRUITS FIESTA MONTH CONCLUSION Video : Truly Malaysia To introduce the first part

IIII---- A SPECIAL A SPECIAL A SPECIAL A SPECIAL

HISTORY, CAUSE HISTORY, CAUSE HISTORY, CAUSE HISTORY, CAUSE OF A OF A OF A OF A

MULTIFACETED MULTIFACETED MULTIFACETED MULTIFACETED

COUNTRY AND COUNTRY AND COUNTRY AND COUNTRY AND DIFFERENT TYPES DIFFERENT TYPES DIFFERENT TYPES DIFFERENT TYPES

OF RELIGIONOF RELIGIONOF RELIGIONOF RELIGION

1) 1) 1) 1) HISTORYHISTORYHISTORYHISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF DIVERSE AND EVOLUTION OF DIVERSE AND EVOLUTION OF DIVERSE AND EVOLUTION OF DIVERSE

RACERACERACERACES OF MALAYSIAS OF MALAYSIAS OF MALAYSIAS OF MALAYSIA

Malay nationalism and desire for self-rule was felt around the 1930’s. A call for independence was made, but the Second World War stopped it. Later, the movement resumed and independence was declared on the 31st of august 1957. In 1963, Malaysia was formed, bringing together Malaya,

Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.

Small Malayan kingdom existed in the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD. During this time, Peninsular Malaysia was under Indian’s influence for more than 1000 years. The region turned to Islam in the 1400’s when Parameswara (a Sumatran prince, the person who found Malacca and who opened

Malacca for traders from all over the world) accepted the Islamic teaching given by Arabs who came for trading in Malacca. As a Sultan (king), his

action has been followed by all his people (mostly Malay).

Locating in a strategic place for trading, Malacca attracted colonial powers who coveted the monopoly of spice trade. Europeans arrived, first the Portuguese (1511) and then the Dutch (1641). Some of them stayed and married with Malay people after they colonized Malaya. They brought together their culture and celebrations, which is one of the reasons of the

variety of cultures now in Malaysia.

British made its move in 1789 and expanded tin mining and agriculture (rubber plantations) in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to increase its revenues. To provide labor for these activities, the British imported

Chinese workers to Malaya for tin mines and Indian laborers for the rubber plantations. During this time, most Malays worked as a farmer or as a fisherman. British encouraged ethnic divisions to prevent these groups

from uniting against British.

The entrance of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia, which had ethnically diverse populations (more than 200 Dayak tribes; the most important is

Iban , Bidayuh and Kadazan ) would balance the large numbers of Chinese from Singapore. However, Singapore left the federation in 1965.

2)2)2)2) MALAYSIANS : A colourful mix MALAYSIANS : A colourful mix MALAYSIANS : A colourful mix MALAYSIANS : A colourful mix

The largest ethnic group, which is almost 58 % of the population in Malaysia, is Malay or indigenous descent.

Two other largest ethnic groups are Chinese (about 24% of the population) and Indians, Tamils and Pakistanis (about 8% of the population). The other races are made up of Orang Asli (Aborigines), non-Malay bumiputra and Eurasian. The Orang Asli lives in the interiors of the jungle in Malaysia and non-Malay bumiputra are found in Sabah and Sarawak.

The Malays are Malaysia’s largest ethnic group, accounting for over half the population and the national language. With the oldest indigenous people, they form a group called bumiputera, which translates as "sons" or "princes of the soil", which accords them special privileges.

Traditional Malay culture is around the kampung, or villages. However, today Malays live in the cities.

The Chinese traded with Malaysia for centuries, and then they settled in number during the 19th century. There is perhaps a stereotype: the Chinese are regarded as Malaysia’s businessmen, having succeeded in many industries. Indeed, when they first arrived, Chinese often worked the most gruelling jobs like tin mining and railway construction. Most Chinese retain strong ties to their ancestral homeland.

Indians had been visiting Malaysia for over 2,000 years, however they did not settle in number until the 19th century. Most came from South India, fleeing a poor economy. Arriving in Malaysia, many Indians worked as rubber tapers, while others built the infrastructure or worked as administrators and small businessmen. Their culture with its wonderful Hindu temples, cuisine, and colourful garments is visible throughout the land.

ORANG ASLI

The oldest inhabitants of Malaysia are its tribal people. They account for about 5 percent of the total population, and represent a majority in Sarawak and Sabah. Even if Malaysia's tribal people prefer to be considered by their individual tribes, peninsular Malaysia blankets them under the term Orang Asli or "Original People." The Orang Asli different distinctively from each other. The Orang Laut, Orang Seletar and Mah Meri, for example, live close to the coast and are mainly fishermen. Some Temuan, Jakun and Semai people have taken to permanent agriculture and now manage their own rubber, oil palm or cocoa farms.

Undeniably, the Orang Asli is the earliest inhabitants in the peninsula, who can retain their identity due to their isolation from the world outside.

THE DAYAK

In Sarawak, the dominant tribal groups are the Dayak, who typically live in longhouses and are either Iban (Sea Dayak) or Bidayuh (Land Dayak).

The Sarawakians speak a different dialect from the Malays of Peninsular Malaysia (called Bahasa Sarawak), and have a certain amount of cultural and historical affinities with the Brunei Malays (Sarawak was after all notionally part of the territory of the Sultan of Brunei before James Brooke came along).

THE KADAZAN

In Sabah, most tribes fall under the term Kadazan. All of Malaysia's tribal people generally share a strong spiritual bind to the rain forest. Kadazandusun group is the largest indigenous group in Sabah. They are actually a collectivity of ethnic groups speaking similar languages and dialects as well as having similarities in culture and traditional beliefs. Within this group there exist at least 10 distinct languages with possibly 30 or more dialects.

3) 3) 3) 3) RELIGIONS:RELIGIONS:RELIGIONS:RELIGIONS: Reflections of the variety of races Reflections of the variety of races Reflections of the variety of races Reflections of the variety of races

Most of the world's major religions are represented in Malaysia and the different types of religion in Malaysia reflect the variety of races living here. Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and other religions are practiced freely. Indeed freedom of worship is assured by the Malaysian Constitution.

Islam is the religion of the Malays, the largest community in Malaysia, and is the official religion of Malaysia. Moreover the government has a mandate to infuse Islamic values into the administration of the country. The Malaysian government imposes Sharia or Islamic religious law on Muslims in some matters, but it does not extend beyond the Muslim population. The adherence to Islam is considered essential to Malay ethnic identity and religious laws bind ethnic Malays.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi promotes what he calls Islam Hadari, which can be translated to "Islamic civilization."

Most Chinese in Malaysia practise Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. It is traditionally believed that the Taoist elements of this trust provide a harmony with the cosmos, Confucianism guides the political and moral aspects of life and Buddhism supplies a framework for the afterlife.

Hinduism came to the Malay Peninsular with the arrival of Indians. The caste system of the Indian Hindu faith, in which a person's social status is inherited at birth and can’t be changed during their lifetime, is not practiced distinctively in Malaysia. Indeed most of the Indian settlers were of the lowest caste.

Sikhism arrived in Malaysia with the British, who took Indian Sikhs for police and paramilitary units. The Sikhs believe and respect a formless

god. The Sikhs' place of worship is known as a Gurdwara, which is open to all irrespective of race, religion, colour or sex.

Finally, Christian churches were established on the Malay Peninsula with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1511, the Dutch in 1641 and the British in 1786. Christianity never really took off in Peninsular Malaysia. However it has had an impact in East Malaysia among indigenous tribes. Christian missionaries have also been helpful in establishing schools and hospitals across the country.

IIIIIIII---- ETHNIC ETHNIC ETHNIC ETHNIC

CELEBRATIONS, CELEBRATIONS, CELEBRATIONS, CELEBRATIONS, CONSEQUENCES CONSEQUENCES CONSEQUENCES CONSEQUENCES

OF VASTLY OF VASTLY OF VASTLY OF VASTLY

DIFFERENT DIFFERENT DIFFERENT DIFFERENT CULTURAL CULTURAL CULTURAL CULTURAL

BACKGROUNDS…BACKGROUNDS…BACKGROUNDS…BACKGROUNDS…

1) 1) 1) 1) CELEBRATIONS FOR CELEBRATIONS FOR CELEBRATIONS FOR CELEBRATIONS FOR MALAYS :MALAYS :MALAYS :MALAYS :

♦ Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The most significant celebration in Malaysia is Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It is celebrated by all Muslims. Aidilfitri commemorates the end of the month of Ramadan (one-month fasting period for Muslims). The month which comes after Ramadan in Islamic calendar is Syawal. When the new moon is sighted on the evening of the last day of Ramadan, the following day is declared as the first day of Syawal, the day of HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI.

In fact, the happiness and the joy of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri begin before the first day of Syawal. House is readied with new decorations. Many government and commercial buildings are also decorated with beautiful items like fake Ketupat (a dish served uniquely during Hari Raya season, rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves) hanged on the wall or at the entrance of the buildings. The symbol of Ketupat is used invariably on Hari Raya greeting cards, and hanging items as a promotional image for the celebration in Malaysia.

KETUPAT

Youngsters who live separately from their parents will go back to their hometown, usually to their Kampong (village) to celebrate Hari Raya together. This is called ‘BALIK KAMPONG’ trend. Thus, cities like

Kuala Lumpur get relatively quiet during the festive season of Aidilfitri.

BALIK KAMPONG

In the morning of 1st Syawal , Muslims wear their best clothes ,new if possible and attend a special Aidilfitri prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques. Men usually wear Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung is preferred for women. It is advisable to eat some before going out to go to the mosque. Before the prayer, the congregation recites the TAKBIR (words spoken in special way to praise Allah). Muslims who do not yet pay Zakat al-fitri (an alms paid for local Muslims who in need usually poor Muslims and orphans) have to do so before the prayer begins as it is the fourth tenets of Islam after fasting on the whole month of Ramadan.

BAJU MELAYU BAJU KURUNG

After the prayer, they go back home and have the breakfast together with family and relatives. Hari Raya is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels. Young members of a family approach their elders like parents or grandparents to seek forgiveness, to salam (handshake) and kiss their hands as a sign of respect. It is followed by a visit to the cemetery where deceased loved ones are remembered.

The joy of Hari Raya continues by visiting relatives and friends. Many Muslims hold ‘open house’ where traditional Hari Raya dishes are

served for guests like Ketupat, beef Rendang(beef cooked with spices and coconut milk) and satay(grilled meat). Neighbours and friends from other races are invited to celebrate Hari Raya together.

Children and old folks are given ‘Duit Raya’ (gifts of money) in small envelope normally green in color by adults, a practice adapted from Chinese tradition: putting money in ang paw’s red envelope.

This Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration will be last for one month but only the first two days are public holidays.

♦ Hari Raya HajiHari Raya HajiHari Raya HajiHari Raya Haji

Hari Raya Haji exactly means the “festival of pilgrimage”. It is the festival, which mark the day of pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth tenet of Islam. Hari Raya Haji is known to many as Hari Raya Aidil Adha. This festival is celebrated by Muslims to honour pilgrims who have completed their Haj to Mecca. Hari Raya Haji falls on the 10th day of the month of Dzulhijjah, the last month of the Muslim calendar. The 10th of Dzulhijjah marks one of the most important events in Islamic history. Indeed this event dates back to beginning of mankind. Just outside the holy city of Mecca at Arafah, Adam and Eve, the father and mother of mankind, were sent down to this world by Allah (God). After their expulsion from Heaven, Allah sent them to separate places. Adam was placed in India and Eve in Jeddah but eventually met on a wide open field and were reunited. Thus, the blissful reunion of the father and mother of mankind symbolises the reunion of the whole of mankind. Hari Raya Haji is also known as Hari Raya Korban, the festival of sacrifice. Indeed the sacrifice of animals such as lambs, goats, cows, bulls and camels, as food offerings to the poor, is performed. The animals are slain in accordance with the correct religious rites. Next the meat is spread. This is not a compulsory religious duty for everyone, but it’s considered an obligation for those who can afford it.

The rest of the day is either spent visiting friends and relatives, or entertaining guests at home. Indeed it is usual in this multicultural country !

2) CELEBRATIONS FOR CHINESE :CELEBRATIONS FOR CHINESE :CELEBRATIONS FOR CHINESE :CELEBRATIONS FOR CHINESE : ♦ Chinese New Year

To the Chinese, the most important festival is Chinese New Year which falls in either January or February. It also marks the beginning of spring in China. The festival begins on the first day of lunar calendar year, the first day of full moon, and ends on the 15th day, known as Chap Goh Mei, the last day of the full moon. In Malaysia, the first two days are gazetted as public holidays.

Houses are normally cleaned and well-decorated before New Year because no one is allowed to sweep the floor on the first day of the New Year as it is considered unlucky that one would accidentally sweep away one’s good luck and fortune from the house. They also have to settle all debts as to prevent them from having financial problem in the next year.

On the Eve of the New Year, all family members, including those who stay apart, away from home, are expected to gather for the annual reunion dinner. This special family dinner is usually made up of seafood and dumplings; delicacies include waxed dusk, prawns, oysters, and vegetables.

Dinner

On the first day of the celebration, Chinese will usually visiting close family and members. Elders and married couple will give ‘Ang Paw’: little red envelope containing money to children and to unmarried, as a gesture to mean that the recipient will enjoy a fruitful and wealthy life.

ANG PAW

The Chinese in Malaysia often hold ‘OPEN HOUSE’ where other races attend and offer greetings like ‘GONG XI FA CAI’. Another greeting that is usually heard, is ‘NIAN NIAN YOU YU’ which means ‘MAY EVERY YEAR BE FILLED WITH EXTRAS’

In Malaysia, troupes of lion dancers travel in trucks during the 15-day period to perform at individual homes and businesses, even at shopping complexes. One of the dancers, who is in the lion head, will take the ‘Ang Paw’ given by the owner of the house while moving to the beat of the drums. It is one of the most spectacular sights during this period.

LION DANCE DRUM

♦ Mooncake Festival The Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival falls on the 15th day of the Chinese eighth month (August/September) and is celebrated to signify the end of the harvest season.

It is also called the Lantern Festival, because it is coupled with paper lanterns and the festival is celebrated with colourful lantern processions on the night of the festival.

The other specialty of the festival is the Mooncake itself. These cakes are rich, round pastries filled with a mixture of sweet red bean paste, lotus nut paste, or salted egg yolk.

In Malaysia, the Chinese celebrate the festival with the family, prayers, moon cakes and lantern parades made by the children. Chinese families present gifts of moon cakes to friends and senior relatives in the weeks before the festival in order to encourage better ties with them.

On the 15th night when the moon is shining its brightest, offerings of moon cakes, deep fried chicken, roasted pork, yam, water melon seeds and Chinese tea are prepared to deities and ancestors on the praying altar. Lighted lanterns are also hung clearly in front of homes. Children,

carrying lighted lanterns around the neighbourhood, are sometimes joined by their non-Chinese friends in celebrating with lanterns.

In Kuala Lumpur, the Thean Hou Temple in Robson Heights usually organises a lantern procession.

There is a history behind the Mooncake Festival. Back during the Soong dynasty when the Chinese were oppressed by the Mongols, their rebel leaders sought to overthrow the Mongol overlords. It was impossible to make plans as meetings were forbidden. Liu Fu Tong of the Anhui Province came up with a plan by requesting permission to distribute cakes to his friends to exalt the longevity of the Mongol emperor. He made thousands of cakes formed like the moon. However inside each cake was placed a piece of paper with the message: “Rise against the Tartars on the 15th day of the 8th Moon”. Reading the message, the people rose against the Mongols on a local scale. This rebellion enabled Chu Hung Wu, another rebel leader to eventually overthrow the Mongols. In 1368, he established the Ming dynasty and ruled under the name of Emperor Tai Tsu. The Mid Autmn Festival was celebrated with mooncakes on a national level from this day forward in memory of the secret messages of revolt carried inside these cakes led to the revolt, which deposed the Mongol Dynasty.

3) CELEBRATIONS FOR INDIANS : ♦ Thaipusam

Thaipusam, a celebration for Hindus in the month of ‘Thai’, tenth month in the Tamil calendar which falls between January 15 to February 15. ‘Pusam’ refers to a star which brightest during the period of this festival. In Malaysia, the manifestation of ‘Thaipusam’ is best witnessed at Batu Caves,Selangor and Penang.

For certain Hindus, Thaipusam is the day of commemoration of Goddess Parvati, who gives her son,Muruga the ‘vel’ or lance to vanquish the evil demon, Soorapadam. Some Hindus say that Thaipusam is

celebrated to remember the birthday of Lord Muruga, the younger son of Lord Shiva.

‘Thaipusam’ is also a day of atonement for sins. They cleanse themselves by undergoing a month long fast. They just have a single vegetarian meal per day and abstain from sex. During the celebration, we can see many amazing actions done by the devotees. Several hundred devotees spear their cheeks with long, shiny steel rods and pierce their chests and backs with small, hook-like needles. It is hard to believe but there appears to be no physical pain through these processions.

A kavadi bearer at batu Caves

On the eve of Thaipusam, Lord Muruga’s image is decorated with diamonds, rubies and other jewels. The idols together with his two consorts, Valli and Deivayani is placed on a five-tone chariot , pulled by two bulls and hundred of devotees on its. It followed by a procession of several thousand people leaves the Sri Mahamariaman temple in downtown Kuala Lumpur, on a 15-kilometre trek to Batu Caves.

This celebration began in 1892, started by early Tamils who migrated to colonial Malaya. Reportedly, two of them made the difficult trek up the ancient limestone hill and planted the `vel' in the cave.

Devotees climbing the 272 steps to the Batu caves Temple

♦ Deepavali Deepavali is also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights. Light is significant in Hinduism, because it signifies goodness. So, during the Festival of Lights, oil lamps, are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil. Diwali is celebrated on the last day of the last month of lunar calendar.

It is a day of festive joy and Malaysians visit their friends of Hindu faith in order to make bigger good wishes and to share in the feasting and fun.

There are various supposed origins attributed to this festival. In Malaysia, it is celebrated as the day the evil Narakasura was slain by Lord Krishna. It represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The mood starts a month ahead of time with the preparation of the various selections of Indian cookies such as murukku, ommapadi, chippi, atharasum, nei orundei. There is naturally the inevitable shopping and work to be done that requires everything to be new and clean, from curtains to clothes for family members. Offerings and prayers are made to ancestors and deceased family members. After this ceremony, the women are busy in the kitchen while the rest of the family decorates the house by hanging new curtains, placing new settee covers and the like to welcome Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity. Getting up early before sunrise, oil is applied on heads and a bath is taken. This ritual oil bath is known as "ganga-snanam" and is done to clean one of the impurities of the past year. Then the guests come by and food cooked is prepared "halal" or kosher so as to be served to Malay Muslims. The concept of open house is seen and friends of different races come by to greet a Happy Deepavali. It is also an opportunity to dig in on some delicious Indian curry and cookies !

4) CELEBRATIONS FOR THE OTHER RACES : ♦ Pesta Keaamatan

Sabahans celebrate PESTA KEAAMATAN or Kadazan Harvest Festival in May. This festival is known locally as ‘TADAU KEAAMATAN’. Most native Sabahans consider that there is a certain sacredness attached to rice.

They believe that the spirit of padi(rice) ; Kinoingan commonly known as Bambaazon (God and Creator, an omnipotent source of life and existence) give them food by scarifying his only daughter –Huminodun. From her body parts, rice grew. To thank him, they organise a thanksgiving ceremony named Magavau to invite Bambaazon to the Pesta, conducted only by the Bobohizan, high priestess.

During Pesta Keamaatan, Sabah natives wear their traditional costumes and enjoy the celebration from daybreak till dawn.

‘Tapai’ or rice wine is prepared and served to guests during the festival. There is also ‘Tapai’, served to spirits.

Tapai

Rice is very important for them as many said:

‘WITHOUT RICE, THERE IS NO LIFE’

♦ Dayak Gawai The Ibans and Bidayuhs of Sarawak celebrate the end of harvesting season with much merry-making, dancing and the drinking of tuak, a strong rice wine. A fascinating Gawai dance is the Ngajat Lesong. This harvest festival gives thanks to the gods and spirits for the bounty of the land. With centuries of tradition behind it, this native ritual involves communication with the spirit world, ancestral worship and feasting with friends and family of the whole community.

It is celebrated on the 1st and the 2nd June, however unofficially the festivities begin during the last week of May and continue through mid-June. Usually, the people of many longhouses collect their rice fields well before the big day and have their own small scale Gawai feast at the end of their harvests.

Celebrated by the Dayak, who generally refers to the Iban, who are Bidayuh and the Orang Ulu communities in Sarawak. The leaders carry out traditional rites, everyone dresses in their traditional costumes and there is food and drink. Tuak, rice wine, and an array of traditional food are generously served in every longhouse. Actually Gawai is an occasion for parties, fun and games, processions and open houses. Celebrations start a week before with colourful street parades and cultural activities. Obviously, Gawai Dayak is the best and the most interesting time to visit Sarawak as you can see and sample the lifestyle and its festivities. All visitors are warmly received and accepted as new friends even if they happen to be strangers. In conclusion, it is a happy time for all concerned !

♦ ChristmasChristmasChristmasChristmas

Annually, Christmas is celebrated by Christians on the 25th of December. It is a one-day public holiday but for scholars, they are already in school break as it is at the end of the year. In Malaysia, Christmas is still considered as a religion affair.

As other festivals, shopping malls put up their decorations and we can see Christmas trees built in the centre of shopping complexes or in hotel’s lobbies.

ONE UTAMA Shopping complex KLCC Petronas

The Christian communities here observe Advent, the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, with prayers, Bible-reading and for some, fasting. Choir groups and church communities will organize visits to orphanages, old folks or hospital wards. Unlucky people are not forgotten for this celebration.

On the Christmas Eve, families and relatives gather and enjoy their Christmas meal. They dressed up in new clothes and go to church for midnight mass. Before the mass begin, they normally have sketches or plays by the children and Christmas carolling.

Christmas Carol

As it become a trend in Malaysia to organize ‘rumah terbuka’ or ‘Open House’ on celebration day, Christian families invite friends and neighbours to celebrate and to enjoy dishes like roast turkey, apple pies and fruit cakes. We can also find local delicacies like curry and beef Rendang.

For many, Christmas celebrations do not end until New Year’s Day.

♦ San Pedro Fiesta San Pedro is a week long celebration full of colour, gaiety and fun for the Portuguese-Eurasian community of Malacca.

San Pedro is a delightful cultural event to celebrate the birthday of the patron saint of fishermen, San Pedro. The fishing boats, which are colourfully decorated for the festival, are blessed and prayers are offered for a better season.

The visitors and foreign tourists come to join the 3000 residents in songs, dances, the decorated boat festival and the solemn procession of the statue of St. Peter. The annual fiesta, from June 24 to 29, held since the settlement’s founding in the l930s, is the only carnival celebrated by the local Portuguese-Eurasian community. The fiesta observes the feast of St. Peter the patron saint of fishermen. Its special position in the community dates back to the days when fishing was the main livelihood of the settlement’s residents and those living at Praya Lane and Kampong Bandar Hilir. Three-quarter of the settlement’s adult population were concerned in the fishing industry back in the l930s and l940s. The highlight of the fiesta is the religious sides. The main spotlight is following the Eucharistic celebration, the blessing of the decorated boats, where candles are lighted. For the fishermen, the lit candles signify the Light of Christ who guides them through the storms of life whether at sea or land in their journey home. The blessing of the boats and procession where the statue of St. Peter is carried around the settlement demonstrates the request for God’s grace for a bigger and better catch for fishermen, who depend on the sea for their livelihood.

III- …BUT A UNITY

THROUGH

NATIONAL FESTIVALS.

1) National Day The National day is celebrated every year on 31st August. The centre for National Day celebrations rotates around the states of Malaysia. This day for all Malaysians begins with a spectacular parade in the morning along the streets of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, graced by the presence of His Majesty, the King of Malaysia, and government leaders. Participants in the parade, members from the public and private sectors, the armed forces, non-governmental organisations, school children and representatives from a wide segment of different races of Malaysia. Colourful and energetic performances celebrating Malaysia's achievements are held at the Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square. The Jalur Gemilang, the national flag, is flown throughout the country at office buildings, private homes and on vehicles to mark the occasion. During the month of August, sporting events, competitions, exhibitions and cultural performances are held in the various states.

On this special occasion, the many races of Malaysia proudly put on their traditional costumes and gather at various venues around the country in celebration of freedom, self-determination and unity.

2) Citrawarna or The Colours of Malaysia

. One of the world's most colourful events takes place in Kuala Lumpur near the end of May each year. Citrawarna or the Colours of Malaysia is the ceremony for a month-long celebration of the cultural diversity of the people who live in the 13 states and 3 territories that make up that multifaceted country.

This event is one of the celebrations marking the official birthday of the new King of Malaysia, His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. In a kaleidoscope of colourful ethnic costumes, a procession of nearly six thousand Malaysians enters Merdeka Square. They escort the float containing their King, the Queen and an assortment of dignitaries to the Royal dais. Then they present a spectacular show, with a continuous presentation of music and dance significant to their different states or cultures.

For three and a half hours tourists sit while being entertained by the exotic rhythm and movement of this magnificent mosaic of people. The people of Malaysia show visitors from throughout the world that people of vastly different cultural and ethnic backgrounds can live harmoniously and happily in one country.

3) Food and Fruits Fiesta Month

Food and Fruits Fiesta Month allow Malaysians and tourists to savour a wide variety of delicious cuisine of Malaysia’s multi-cultural society, as well as a diverse choice of local fruits which is held from July 4 to July 26.

It is a delightful mix of flavours and sensations, reflecting the influences of the many races and ethnic groups in the country.

During this fiesta, there is plenty of opportunity to try out the fabulous range of Asian and international cuisine, as well as sample a variety of fruits, from tropical to temperate.

Various exciting activities and fun-filled competitions that are related to food and fruits are arranged during this event.

Locals and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and fruits.

People can get some cooking tips from hotel chefs, who will demonstrate their cooking skills during this festival.

In conclusion, Food and fruits festival offer famous food of various races in the country and also local fruits.

CONCLUSION

The multi-cultural society stems from Malaysia’s rich history. The people of Malaysia treat one another with equal concern and respect despite their different cultural practices, resulting in them living together peacefully and harmoniously for centuries.

In addition, the blue colour of the national flag represents the unity of the different ethnic races in Malaysia. Actually it symbolizes that Malaysian people can go along with each other, even though, they have different religions, languages and cultures.

As we have already mentioned, most Malaysians host open houses to welcome friends of other religious faiths and to share religious celebrations. It shows us that unity can emerge from diversity !

_ Events mentioned in the expose.

Malaysian Holidays

Holiday Applies to 2005 2006

New Year's Day All except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu

01 Jan (Sat)

01 > 02 Jan (Sun & Mon)

Birthday of the Sultan of Kedah Kedah 16 / 17 Jan (Sun / Mon)

22 Jan (Sun)

Thaipusam* Johor, Ng Sembilan,

Perak, Penang & Selangor

25 Jan (Tue)

11 Feb (Tue)

Federal Territory Day Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur & Labuan 01 Feb (Tue)

01 Feb (Wed)

Chinese New Year National 09 Feb (Wed)

29 Jan (Sun)

Chinese New Year

2nd Day All except Kelantan

& Terengganu 10 Feb (Thu)

30 Jan (Mon)

Hari Raya Haji* (Qurban) National 21 Jan (Fri)

10 Jan (Tue)

2nd Day Hari Raya Haji (Qurban) Kedah & Perlis 22 > 23 Jan

(Sat) 11 Jan (Wed)

Anniversary of Installation of the Sultan of Terengganu Terengganu 04 - 06 Mac

(Fri - Sun) 04 Mac

(Sat) Awal Muharram* (Islamic New Year)

Ma'al Hijrah National 10 Feb

(Thu) 31 Jan (Tue)

Birthday of The Sultan of Kelantan Kelantan 30 - 31 Mac

(Wed & Thur) 30 - 31 Mac (Thu & Fri)

Good Friday Sabah & Sarawak 25 Mac (Fri) 14 Apr (Fri)

Birthday of The Sultan of Johor Johor 08 Apr

(Fri) 08 Apr (Sat)

Declaration of Melaka as Historical City Melaka 15 Apr

(Fri) 15 Apr (Sat)

Birthday of The Sultan of Perak Perak 19 Apr

(Tue) 19 Apr (Wed)

Labour Day National 01 & 02 May (Sun & Mon) 01 May

Hari Hol Negeri Pahang Pahang 07 May (Sat)

07 > 08 May (Sun > Mon)

Birthday of The Raja of Perlis Perlis 17 May

(Tue) 17 May (Wed)

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday National 21 Apr (Thu)

11 Apr (Tue)

Wesak National 22 > 23 May (Sun & Mon)

12 May (Fri)

Kaamatan Harvest Festival Federal Territory of Labuan & Sabah 30 - 31 May (Mon & Tue)

30 - 31 May (Tue & Wed)

Gawai Dayak Festival Sarawak 01 - 02 June (Wed & Thu))

01 - 02 June (Thu & Fri)

(1st Saturday in June) Birthday of Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong - H M

the King National

04 June 03 June (2nd Saturday in July) Birthday of Yang

DiPertua Negeri of Penang

Penang 09 July 08 July

Birthday of The Sultan of Terengganu Terengganu 20 July

(Wed) 20 July (Thu)

National Day/ Independence or Merdeka Day National 31 Aug

(Tue) 31 Aug (Thu)

Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan of

Johor Johor 11 Aug (Thu)

31 Jul (Mon)

(2nd Saturday in Sept) Birthday of Yang di-Pertua of Sarawak Sarawak

10 Sept 09 Sept Malaysia Day & Birthday of Yang di-Pertua of Sabah Sabah 16 Sept

(Fri) 16 Sept

(Sat) Israk & Mikraj Kedah, Negeri Sembilan

& Perlis 01Sept (Thu)

21 Aug (Mon)

(2nd Sat of Oct) Birthday of Yang di-Pertua of

Melaka Melaka 08 Oct 14 Oct

Birthday of The Sultan of Pahang Pahang 24 Oct

(Mon) 24 Oct (Tue)

Deepavali All except Sarawak & Federal Territory

of Labuan 01 Nov (Tue)

21 Oct (Sun)

Awal Ramadan* (Start of Ramadan or the fast month) Johor & Melaka 05 Oct

(Wed) 24 Sep (Sun)

Nuzul al Qur'an Kelantan, Pahang,

Perak, Perlis, Penang, Selangor & Terengganu

21 Oct (Fri)

10 Oct (Tue)

Hari Raya Puasa* National 03 & 04 Nov (Thu & Fri)

24 & 25 Oct (Tue & Wed)

Birthday of The Sultan of Selangor Selangor 11 Dec

(Sat) 11 Dec (Mon)

Christmas Day National 25 > 26 Dec (Sun & Sun)

25 Dec (Mon)

Hari Raya Haji** (Qurban) National 31 Dec (Tue)