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MALAYSIAGeography, Culture, Heritage,
Arts and LITERATURE
“Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu""Unity Is Strength"
Malaysian National Anthem:Negaraku
(My Country)
Capital: KUALA LUMPUR
Largest City: Putrajaya
50.4 % -Malays 23.7% - Chinese
7.1% – indians 11.0%- Indigenous 7.8% - Others
Federal Constitutional Monarchy
Total Land Area329,847 km2 (67th)
127,355 sq mi
Water (%)0.3
Currency: Ringgit
Malaysia came from word Melayu, thought to derive
from the Tamil words Malai and ur meaning "mountain" and "city, land",
respectively.The term was later used as the name of the Melayu
Kingdom, which existed between the 7th and 13th centuries on Sumatra.
Malaysia is a federal constitutional
elective monarchy. The system of government is
closely modelled on that of the Westminster
parliamentary system, a legacy of
British colonial rule.
Najib Razak, Prime Minister since 2009.
Malacca, Johor,Pahang,Sarawak,Sabah,Labuan
Kuala LumpurPutrajaya
West MalaysiaEast Malaysia
Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. These are divided between two regions, with 11 states and
two federal territories on Peninsular Malaysia and the other two states and one federal territory in
East Malaysia. Governance of the states is divided between the federal and the state governments, and the Federal government has direct administration of the federal
territories.
There are about 210 mammal species in the country.Over 620
species of birds have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysiawith many endemic to the mountains there. A
high number of endemic bird species are also found in Malaysian Borneo. 250 reptile species have been recorded in the country, with about 150 species of snakes and 80 species of lizards. There are about 150 species of frogs,and thousands
of insect species.
Nearly 4000 species of fungi, including lichen-forming species
have been recorded from
Malaysia.
About two thirds of Malaysia is covered in forest,with some forests believed to be 130 million years old.
Rafflesia genus, the largest flowers in the world,with a
maximum diameter of 1 metre (3 ft).
Malaysia is a relatively open state-oriented and newly
industrialized market economy. Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5 per cent
annually from 1957 to 2005. In 2011 the GDP (PPP) was about $450
billion, the 3rd largest economy in ASEAN and 29th largest in the world.
In the 1970s, the predominantly mining and agricultural-based economy began a transition towards a more multi-sector economy. Since the 1980s the industrial sector has led Malaysia's
growth
As of the 2010 census, the population of Malaysia was 28,334,135, making it the 42nd most populated country
Malaysian Literature
Malaysian literature is the collection of literary works produced in the Malay peninsula until 1963 and in Malaysia thereafter.
Malaysian literature is typically written in any of the country's four
main languages: Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil. It portrays various aspects of Malaysian life and
comprises an important part of the culture of
Malaysia.
The earliest works of Malaysian literature
were transmitted orally in the absence of writing scripts. Oral
literature encompasses a variety of genres of Malay folklore, such as myths, legends, folk
tales, romances, epics, poetry, proverbs, origin
stories and oral
histories.
Early Malay literature was influenced by Indian epics, such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which later included other traditions.
Different ethnic groups have
different versions of the same story, although there are several
recurring themes and elements in
every tale.
The oral traditions of Sabah
encompass folk tales and legends, such as creation myths, that have been preserved by the ethnic groups in the
state.
By the 19th century, oral
literature on the Malay peninsula was superseded
by written literature.
Traditional Malay poetry was used for entertainment
and the recording of history and
laws.
There are three forms of
traditional Malay poetry: the mantera, the pantun and the
syair.
Mantra is usually any repeated word or phrase, but it can also refer more specifically to a word
repeated in meditation. Mantracomes from a Sanskrit word meaning a
“sacred message or text”.
OMThe King of mantras of a single syllable is 'Om'. It is the sound of infinity
and immortality, containing within it all the scriptures of the world.
'Om' is often used at the beginning of meditation to focus the mind, or as a prefix to other mantras.
OM NAMOThese words are often said before invocation of a particular deity. 'Om' retains its significance as above. 'Namo', in Sanskrit, means to honor,
appreciate and be humble towards.Therefore, putting it before the deity's name means something like "praise
be to" or "all thanks to".
The following are different mantras using these prefixes :OM NAMO GANESHAYAGanesha is the God of beginnings and success. Therefore, this mantra is formed at the beginning of new undertakings and to bring about success by removing obstacles.OM NAMO LAKSHMAILakshmi is the Hindu Goddess associated with prosperity in all aspects of life - financial, emotional and spiritual. Mantras to Her bring richness to life and a wealth of good fortune.OM NAMO SHIVAYAThis mantra represents the tranquil insight to the meditative experience. It helps destroy negative qualities.OM NAMO NARAYANANarayana is the name of Vishnu, the source of humanity. It is a mantra said in times of trouble to re-establish harmony and balance. Many powers come from saying this mantra. It also aids in attaining enlightenment.
Pantun is consists of a quatrain which employs an abab rhyme scheme. A
pantun is traditionally recited according to a fixed rhythm and as a rule of thumb, in order not to deviate from the rhythm, every line should
contain between eight and 12 syllables.
Example:Tanam selasih di tengah padang, Sudah bertangkai diurung semut,
Kita kasih orang tak sayang, Halai-balai tempurung hanyut.
I planted sweet-basil in mid-field Grown, it swarmed with ants,I loved but am not loved,
I am all confused and helpless.-Katharine Sim
SYAIR It is a form of
traditional Malay poetry that made up of four-line stanzas or quatrains. The syair can be a narrative poem, a didactic poem, or a poem used to
convey ideas on religion or philosophy, or even one to describe historical
event.
Other types of Malaysian PoetrySeloka - a poem, similar to pantunMadah - a kind of rhyming speech,
a discourse through poetryGurindam - poetry, set to music
Fables in MalaysiaAnimal fables are often used to explain certain natural phenomena. Other times, they are simple moral tales. In almost all instances, the animals in these stories possess the ability to speak, reason and think like humans, similar to Aesop's
Fables.
The kancil or mouse-deer serves as the main character in a number of the stories. The Malays regard this humble animal in the highest esteem due to its ability to overcome
obstacles and defeat adversaries despite of its rather small and benign appearance. The mouse-deer appears in the state herald of Melaka and even plays a part in the legend of
Malacca's founding.
Below are listed some of the common fables as well as their approximate title translations. (Note that the word sang, an Old Malay honorific meaning
"revered", appears in all instances preceding the name kancil to indicate respect)Kisah Sang Kancil dengan Buaya - The tale of the mouse-deer and the crocodileKisah Sang Kancil dengan Monyet - The tale of the mouse-deer and the monkeyKisah Sang Kancil dengan Harimau - The tale of the mouse-deer and the tigerKisah Sang Kancil dengan Sang Sempoh - The tale of the mouse-deer and the
bisonKisah Anjing dengan Bayang-bayang - The dog and the shadowKisah Burung Gagak dan Merak - The crow and the peacock
Kisah Burung Gagak yang Haus - The thirsty crowKisah Labah-labah Emas - The golden spider
Kisah Labah-labah dengan Burung Merpati - The spider and the pigeonKisah Kerengga dengan Pemburu - The fire-ant and the hunter
Kisah Burung Murai - The mockingbirdKisah Burung Kakak Tua - The cockatoo
Malay Ghost MythsThe Malay word for ghost is hantu. However, this word also covers all sorts of demons, goblins and
undead creatures and are thought to have real
physical bodies, instead of just apparitions or spectres. The most famous of these is the pontianak or matianak,
the ghost of a female stillborn child which lures men in the form of a beautiful woman.
Below are listed other popular supernatural beings and ghosts as well as their descriptions.
Bajang: the spirit of a stillborn child in the form of a civet cat (musang).
Hantu kopek: a female ghost with large bosoms who lures men who cheat on their wives
Hantu kum-kum: the ghost of an old woman who sucks the blood of virgin girls to regain her youth
Hantu tinggi: lit. "tall ghost", a type of giant that will flee at the sight of a naked body
Lang suir: the mother of a pontianak. Able to take the form of an owl with long talons, and attacks pregnant women out
of jealousyPenanggal: a flying head with its disembodied stomach sac
dangling below. Sucks the blood of infants
Epics (HIKAYAT)The hikayat or epics are collections of stories and legends of heroism that
often involve mythological and historical figures in a
setting usually engaging the role of protagonists and
antagonists.
Fairy tales (kisah dongeng) Kisah dongeng are a loose
collection of bedtime stories, fables and myths that involves
human or non-human characters, often with superhuman powers along with talking animals, and
an unearthly setting.
Malaysian Writers and Poets
Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir 1796MalaccaDied 1854 (aged 57–58)Jeddah, Ottoman EmpireOccupation Author, translator and teacherPeriod19th centuryGenres Non-fictionSubjects Early Malay history
His most important works are the Hikayat Abdullah (an
autobiography), Kisah Pelayaran Abdullah ke Kelantan (an account of his trip for the government to Kelantan), and Kisah Pelayaran
Abdullah ke Mekah (a narrative of his pilgrimage to Mecca 1854). His work was an inspiration to future generations of writers and marks an early stage in the transition
from the classical Malay literature to modern Malay literature.
Ee Tiang Hong (1933–1990) was a Malayan poet of Chinese
ancestry.[1]
Born at Malacca during the British colonial period, Ee wrote poetry in English. His first book of poetry appeared in 1960.
He was extremely disturbed by political developments in the newly-independent Malaysia and, in particular, the May 13 Incident had a profound
impact on him as is demonstrated in his poetry. He subsequently emigrated to Australia in 1975.
He died of cancer on 27 April 1990 in Perth, Western Australia
Usman Awang (12 July 1929, Kuala Sedili, Johore - 29
November 2001, Kuala Lumpur) was a Malaysian poet, playwright and novelist.
Much of his poems are simple, clear, oftentimes romantic, and just beautiful. He is a master at weaving words into striking phrases, sentences and verses that are of exceptional classical beauty and sometimes appear to be nostalgic and even escapist.
Huzir Sulaiman Malaysian actor, director
and writer. One of Malaysia's leading
dramatists, acclaimedfor his vibrant, inventive use of language and incisive insight into human behavior in
general and the Asian psyche in particular.
He is best known for his works "Atomic Jaya", "The Smell of Language", "Hip-Hopera" the Musical, "Notes on Life and Love and Painting", "Election Day", "Those Four Sisters
Fernandez", "Occupation" and "Whatever That Is" which have been published in his collection of "Eight Plays" by Silverfish Books. He also contributes articles to the The Star
(Malaysia).
“The Gift of Rain”
by: Tan Twang Eng
The Gift of Rain is the first novel by Tan Twan
Eng published in 2007 by Myrmidon Books in the UK and the following year by Weinstein Books in the U.S. It was long listed for
the Man Booker Prize that year.
It is set in Penang in the years leading up to and during the Japanese occupation of
Malaya in World War II. It concerns Philip Hutton, of mixed Chinese-English heritage, and
his relationship with Endo-San, a Japanese diplomat who teaches him aikido. As war
looms and the Japanese invade, both Endo-San and Philip find themselves torn between their loyalty to each other and to their country and family respectively. Philip decides to assist the Japanese and Endo-San in administering the country in an attempt to keep his family safe, but wherever possible passes intelligence to
the guerilla fighters of Force 136, which include his best friend Kon.
Characters-Philip Hutton - the son of Noel Hutton and his second wife-Khoo Yu Lian, who became a student of Hayato Endo-Hayato Endo - Phillip's teacher, a Japanese diplomat with a dark secret, and whose father was condemned as traitor after he criticised the emperor-Michiko Murakami - an old widow and Hayato's love interest-Noel Hutton - the father of William, Edward, Isabel and Philip. His wives were lost during childbirth-William Hutton - Philip's half-brother who worked with Prince of Wales and who later dies when Japanese planes hit British navy-Isabel Hutton - Philip's half-sister who become close to Philip's mother
The Gift of Rain is a tale about the bonds of friendship and family, set amidst Penang
Island in the turbulent years leading up to and after the Second World War. The story
is told from the point of view of the protagonist, Philip Khoo-Hutton, a man in
his twilight years who seeks to understand the events of his youth and his role in
bringing them about. As he reminisces to a friend, the story unfolds.
Let’s Read the Summary of the
story...
Philip’s prominent family, the Huttons, are the 3rd generation descendants of English settlers who have achieved fame and success in the running of their business concern, Hutton & Sons which was founded by Philip’s great-grandfather, Graham Hutton and now under the control of Philip’s father, Noel Hutton. Noel Hutton has 3 other children (William, Edward and Isabel) from a previous marriage to an Englishwoman. Upon her death, he had remarried a local Chinese lady, Khoo Yu Lian (Philip’s mother) from a well to do family. As a child of mixed-parentage, the young Philip feels torn between two worlds – his father’s and his mother’s. He is called a “half-breed” by the locals and “slant-eyed” by the European community.
This feeling of non-belonging leads Philip to stay behind one holiday as the Huttons take one of their regular sojourns home to Mother England. In the solitude of their palatial sea-side mansion called Istana (which means “palace” in the local Malay language), Philip comes to befriend his father’s “tenant”, a man who has rented the Hutton’s small island just a short distance out to sea from Istana. His name is Hayato Endo or Endo-san, as Philip calls him.
Endo-san is the Deputy Consul at the Japanese Consulate on Penang Island and is an avid photographer of the local scenery. As Philip begins to spend more time with Endo-san, each day rowing his boat to the island, Endo-san agrees to impart his skill in aikijutsu to Philip in return for Philip’s giving him a tour of Georgetown, Penang and later, the surrounding Malayan states. (From this point onwards, the book is littered with various aikijutsu jargon and its underlying philosophy of violence as an act of last resort)
The world is at war and there are references to the advances made by the Axis in Europe and the slaughter of innocent civilians in China by the invading Japanese military. Life in Malaya is relatively tranquil with both the colonials and locals in agreement that Japan would never invade or successfully mount such an attempt against the might of the British Empire. Malaya was protected by Fortress Singapore with its heavy guns all trained at the sea as military tacticians anticipate a Japanese assault to start from the South China Sea.
The Huttons return from England. Philip’s eldest half-brother William, wastes no time in joining the war effort and is assigned to HMS Prince of Wales to form the main British bulwark at sea near Singapore awaiting the Japanese landing. (Later, the HMS Prince of Wales would go down at sea together with the HMS Repulse, both sunk by Japanese aircraft)
Much to his father’s chagrin, Philip spends more and more time with Endo-san, showing him around Penang and its surroundings and travelling with him to Kuala Lumpur; sharing his knowledge of Malaya and its
peoples. This would also later prove to have disastrous results as bits and pieces of information from Philip are gathered and passed back to the Japanese Government, enabling its war planners to alter the plans for the assault on Malaya by having Japanese invading troops enter from the South of Thailand and down towards Singapore from its unguarded rear. To overcome the difficult terrain, the
troops transport themselves on bicycles – just like Philip did when exploring with Endo-san earlier.
The relationship between the Sensei (or Master) and student is further forged when the Japanese Imperial Army takes over and occupies Malaya. The ‘liberation’ of Malaya by the Japanese is anything but and soon violence, summary executions, rape and pillage are exacted on the local populace to ensure total submission. (The author asks the simple question of how a race that prides itself with so much cultural refinement and finesse such as the Japanese can resort to such brutal and barbaric behaviour during war. It is something that I myself find hard to understand about the Japanese psyche.
Endo-san works within the confines of his duties to protect Philip and on a few occasions cover up his actions against the Japanese. Throughout the book, there are instances of Endo-san’s
inner struggle between what he perceives to be his duty to his country, that is, to obey and carry out the orders of his superiors, and to walk away from all the aggression and pursue that which his heart truly yearns for – his love for a woman
he left behind in Japan and to practice the discipline and philosophy of peaceful co-
existence advocated by aikijutsu
To survive, Philip offers his service to the Japanese Occupying Forces and through Endo-san is recruited as a translator at the Consulate. Using his position, he passes information to his Chinese friends who are in the local resistance groups to be used in their acts of subterfuge and sabotage against the Japanese. In the capacity of translator, he is also brought along by the Japanese on raids of villages to flush out members of the Resistance.
He witnesses (and is helpless to do anything) the capture and massacre of people he knew. Some locals regard him as a Japanese collaborator and some, a saviour. His own father is unable to accept his decision to work for the Japanese. His work with the Japanese also tears apart his family with ruinous results. His close friend, Kon, joins Force 136 – a paramilitary group formed and trained by the retreating British Forces to stay behind and continue the fight against the Japanese.
Ultimately, the tide turns against the Axis Forces. The bombs are dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan concedes defeat shortly thereafter. The British return to Malaya and though cleared of the
charges of being a Japanese collaborator, Philip remains a person
both loved and despised by the locals.
His decision to work for the Japanese is something he comes to terms with and accepts in the later part of the book as inevitable, destined ... fated. A childhood prophecy once revealed to his father by a temple fortune-teller – that he
(Philip) would bring destruction to his family and those around him; the Gift of Rain – fulfilled. In the end, Philip arrives at the
conclusion that:“While I now accept that the course of our lives has been set down long before our births, I feel that the inscriptions that dictate the directions of our lives merely write out what is
already in our hearts; they can do nothing more. ... we being beings capable mainly of love and memory. These capabilities are the greatest gifts given to us, and we can do nothing else
but live out the remembered desires and memories of our hearts”.
Thank you. ^_^God bless..