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

 I- A SPECIAL
HISTORY, CAUSE
OF A
MULTIFACETED
COUNTRY AND
DIFFERENT TYPES
OF RELIGION
1) HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF DIVERSE
RACES
RACES OF MALAYSIA

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.

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.

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) 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) RELIGIONS: 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.
 II-
II- ETHNIC
CELEBRATIONS,
CONSEQUENCES
OF VASTLY
DIFFERENT
CULTURAL
BACKGROUNDS…
1) CELEBRATIONS FOR 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 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 :

♦ 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
!
♦ Christmas

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

All except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & 01 Jan 01 > 02 Jan
New Year's Day
Terengganu (Sat) (Sun & Mon)
16 / 17 Jan 22 Jan
Birthday of the Sultan of Kedah Kedah
(Sun / Mon) (Sun)
Johor, Ng Sembilan,
25 Jan 11 Feb
Thaipusam* Perak, Penang &
(Tue) (Tue)
Selangor
01 Feb 01 Feb
Federal Territory Day Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur & Labuan
(Tue) (Wed)
09 Feb 29 Jan
Chinese New Year National
(Wed) (Sun)
Chinese New Year All except Kelantan 10 Feb 30 Jan
2nd Day & Terengganu (Thu) (Mon)
21 Jan 10 Jan
Hari Raya Haji* (Qurban) National
(Fri) (Tue)
2nd Day 22 > 23 Jan 11 Jan
Kedah & Perlis
Hari Raya Haji (Qurban) (Sat) (Wed)
Anniversary of Installation of 04 - 06 Mac 04 Mac
Terengganu
the Sultan of Terengganu (Fri - Sun) (Sat)
Awal Muharram*
10 Feb 31 Jan
(Islamic New Year) National
(Thu) (Tue)
Ma'al Hijrah
Birthday of 30 - 31 Mac 30 - 31 Mac
Kelantan
The Sultan of Kelantan (Wed & Thur) (Thu & Fri)
14 Apr
Good Friday Sabah & Sarawak 25 Mac (Fri)
(Fri)
Birthday of 08 Apr 08 Apr
Johor
The Sultan of Johor (Fri) (Sat)
Declaration of Melaka as 15 Apr 15 Apr
Melaka
Historical City (Fri) (Sat)
Birthday of 19 Apr 19 Apr
Perak
The Sultan of Perak (Tue) (Wed)
01 & 02 May
Labour Day National 01 May
(Sun & Mon)
07 May 07 > 08 May
Hari Hol Negeri Pahang Pahang
(Sat) (Sun > Mon)
Birthday of 17 May 17 May
Perlis
The Raja of Perlis (Tue) (Wed)
21 Apr 11 Apr
Prophet Muhammad's Birthday National
(Thu) (Tue)
22 > 23 May 12 May
Wesak National
(Sun & Mon) (Fri)
 30 - 31 May 30 - 31 May
Kaamatan Harvest Festival Federal Territory of Labuan & Sabah
(Mon & Tue) (Tue & Wed)
01 - 02 June 01 - 02 June
Gawai Dayak Festival Sarawak
(Wed & Thu)) (Thu & Fri)
Birthday of Seri Paduka Baginda (1st Saturday in June)
Yang di-Pertuan Agong - H M National
the King 04 June 03 June

Birthday of Yang (2nd Saturday in July)

DiPertua Negeri Penang
09 July 08 July
of Penang
Birthday of 20 July 20 July
Terengganu
The Sultan of Terengganu (Wed) (Thu)
National Day/ Independence or 31 Aug 31 Aug
National
Merdeka Day (Tue) (Thu)
Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan of 11 Aug 31 Jul
Johor
Johor (Thu) (Mon)
Birthday of Yang di-Pertua of (2nd Saturday in Sept)
Sarawak
Sarawak 10 Sept 09 Sept
Malaysia Day & Birthday of 16 Sept 16 Sept
Sabah
Yang di-Pertua of Sabah (Fri) (Sat)
Kedah, Negeri Sembilan 01Sept 21 Aug
Israk & Mikraj
& Perlis (Thu) (Mon)
Birthday of Yang di-Pertua of (2nd Sat of Oct)
Melaka
Melaka 08 Oct 14 Oct
Birthday of 24 Oct 24 Oct
Pahang
The Sultan of Pahang (Mon) (Tue)
All except Sarawak
01 Nov 21 Oct
Deepavali & Federal Territory
(Tue) (Sun)
of Labuan
Awal Ramadan* (Start of 05 Oct 24 Sep
Johor & Melaka
Ramadan or the fast month) (Wed) (Sun)
Kelantan, Pahang,
21 Oct 10 Oct
Nuzul al Qur'an Perak, Perlis, Penang, Selangor
(Fri) (Tue)
& Terengganu
03 & 04 Nov 24 & 25 Oct
Hari Raya Puasa* National
(Thu & Fri) (Tue & Wed)
Birthday of 11 Dec 11 Dec
Selangor
The Sultan of Selangor (Sat) (Mon)
25 > 26 Dec 25 Dec
Christmas Day National
(Sun & Sun) (Mon)
31 Dec
Hari Raya Haji** (Qurban) National
(Tue)