MPU 1313

1.What Is Culture
 -Ethnics Group
- Malay
- Chinese
- Indian
- Ethnics Sabah & Sarawak.
2.Multi-ethnic,
Multicultural, Multilingual
Society
3. Religion and Beliefs
4. Malaysia Art and Culture
5. Dance
6. Festivals and Holidays
 "Culture" refers to a group or community
which shares common experiences that shape
the way its members understand the world.
Having had an interesting past and being a part
of the international spice route many hundreds of
years ago, Malaysia has turned into a mosaic of
cultures.

Everything from its people to its architecture

reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated
culture.

To understand Malaysian culture, you must first

get to know its people.
 Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other
ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia
for generations.

 All these cultures have influenced each other,

creating a truly Malaysian culture.

 In Sabah and Sarawak, there are a myriad of

indigenous ethnic groups with their own
unique culture and heritage such as Kadazan
Dusun, Bidayuh, Melanau, Murut.
Others

Indian
 Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group,
make up more than 50% of the population, although
this drops to less than 25% in East Malaysia.

 In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who

practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the
Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays.

 Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and

Theravada Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely
influenced by the decision of the royal court of
Melaka.

 The Malays are known for their gentle mannerisms

and rich arts heritage.
Diversity of Malay Traditional Attire

Keris: Malay Weapon

Tengkolok:
Malay Men
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form
about 25% of the population.

Mostly descendants of Chinese immigrants during the 19th

century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen
business sense.

The three sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the

Chinese language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on
the northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live
predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the
Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the
southern state of Johor.

In Sarawak this 25% is made up of a mix of dialect groups

including Foochow, Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese and
Puxian Min while in Sabah the population of Chinese drops to
around 10% who predominantly speak the Hakka language.
 The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the
Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the
population. Most are descendants of Tamil-
speaking South Indian immigrants who came
to the country during the British colonial rule.
Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the
Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to
build a better life.
 Predominantly Hindus, they brought with
them their colourful culture such as ornate
temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
Peninsula Malaysia
 The general term used for any of the indigenous
groups that are found in Peninsular Malaysia is
‘Orang Asli’ which literally translates as the
‘original people’.
 They are divided into three main tribal groups:
Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay.
 The Negrito usually live in the north, the Senoi in
the middle and the Proto-Malay in the south.
 Each group or sub-group has its own language
and culture. Some are fishermen, some farmers
and some are semi-nomadic.
1. Kensui
2. Kentaq
3. Jehai
4. Lanoh
5. Temiar
6. Menriq
7. Batek
8. Semai
9. Jah Hut
10. Che Wong
11. Temuan
12. Semaq Beri
13. Temoq
14. Semelai
15. Jakun
16. Orang Kanaq
17. Orang Kuala
18. Mah Meri

The largest indigenous ethnic groups of Sabah's population are the
Kadazan Dusun, the Bajau and the Murut.

1. Kadazan Dusun
 The largest ethnic group of Sabah, the Kadazan Dusuns form about 30%
of the state's population. Actually consisting of two tribes; the Kadazan
and the Dusun, they were grouped together as they both share the same
language and culture. However, the Kadazan are mainly inhabitants of
flat valley deltas, which are conducive to paddy field farming, while the
Dusun traditionally lived in the hilly and mountainous regions of interior
Sabah.

2. Bajau
 The second largest ethnic group in Sabah, the Bajaus make up about 15%
of the state's population. Historically a nomadic sea-faring people that
worshipped the Omboh Dilaut or God of the Sea, they are sometimes
referred to as the Sea Gypsies. Those who chose to leave their sea-faring
ways became farmers and cattle-breeders. These land Bajaus are
nicknamed 'Cowboys of the East' in tribute to their impressive equestrian
skills, which are publicly displayed in the annual Tamu Besar festival at
Kota Belud.
3. Murut
 The third largest ethnic group in Sabah the
Muruts make up about 3% of the state's
population. Traditionally inhabiting the
northern inland regions of Borneo, they were
the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce
headhunting. Now, they are mostly shifting
cultivators of hill paddy and tapioca,
supplementing their diet with blowpipe
hunting and fishing. Like most indigenous
tribes in Sabah, their traditional clothing is
decorated with distinctive beadwork.
Collectively known as Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu
are the major ethnic groups in the state of Sarawak. Typically, they live in
longhouses, traditional community homes that can house 20 to 100
families.
1. Iban
 The largest of Sarawak's ethnic groups, the Ibans form 30% of the
State's population of 2.5 million. Sometimes erroneously referred to
as the Sea Dayaks because of their skill with boats, they are actually
an upriver tribe from the heart of Kalimantan. In the past, they were a
fearsome warrior race renowned for headhunting and piracy.
Traditionally, they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority
of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war. Although now mostly
Christians, many traditional customs are still practised.

2. Bidayuh
 Peace-loving and easy-going, the gentle Bidayuh are famous for their
hospitality and tuak or rice wine. Making their homes in Sarawak's
southern regions, they are mostly farmers and hunters. In their past
headhunting days their prized skulls were stored in a 'baruk‘, a
roundhouse that rises about 1.5 metres above the ground. Originally
animists, now most of the 200,000 strong population have converted
to Christianity.
 Melanau
 Some 130,000 or 6% of the population of Sarawak are Melanau, believed to be
among the original people to settle in Sarawak. Their language has different
origins to the other ethnic groups of the state and today they are found mainly
along the rivers and coastal plains of central Sarawak. Originally animists most
have converted to Islam although some of the inland communities are Christian.

 Orang Ulu
 27 of the inland tribal groups of Sarawak are collectively called Orang Ulu or
upriver people. A total estimated population of around 100,000 people belong to
tribes varied in size from 300 to 25,000 individuals.
Arguably Borneo's most artistic people, their large longhouses are ornately
decorated with murals and superb woodcarvings; their utensils are embellished
with intricate beadwork. Traditional tattoos are a very important part of their
culture; aristocratic Orang Ulu ladies also cover their arms and legs with finely
detailed tattoos.
The aboriginal Penan people are also included as Orang Ulu by government census
but the Penan are traditionally nomadic people living in small family groups
constantly moving from place to place within the rainforest. Today most of the
estimated 16,000 Penan people have settled in longhouse communities where
their children have the chance to go to school. Like the Iban and Bidayuh, most of
the Orang Ulu have converted from animism to Christianity or Islam.
 Can you imagine the kind of cultural community you
want to live or work in?
 Here are some questions that may help you think about
your community:
◦ Who lives in your community right now?
◦ What kinds of diversity already exists?
◦ What kinds of relationships are established between cultural
groups?
◦ Are the different cultural groups well organized?
◦ What kind of struggles between cultures exist?
◦ What kind of struggles within cultural groups exist?
◦ Are these struggles openly recognized and talked about?
◦ Are there efforts to build alliances and coalitions
between groups?
◦ What issues do different cultural groups have
in common?
 Language and Dialec

Malay -___________.
Chinese - _________, Mandarin,_______.
Tamil – ___________,_________,Telegu.
Languages spoken by Malaysians
• The National Language, Bahasa Malaysia
which translates as the "Malaysian language“
• English is the second language
• Tamil and Chinese are commonly used too
 Fun Time With Bahasa Malaysia

Bahasa Malaysia Mandarin Tamil

Selamat Sejahtera Wènhòu Vāḻttukkaḷai

Selamat tinggal 再见 குட்பாய்

Zàijiàn Kuṭpāy
Apa nama anda? 你叫什么名字？ உங் கள் பபயர்
Nǐ jiào shénme என்ன?
míngzì? Uṅkaḷ peyar eṉṉa?
Saya suka kamu 我爱你 நான் உன்னன
Wǒ ài nǐ காதலிக்கிறேன்
Nāṉ uṉṉai kātalikkiṟēṉ
Terima kasih 谢谢 நன்றி
Xièxiè Naṉṟi
 Basics

MALAY English Chinese Tamil

Saya I/ Me Wo Enakku
Kamu You Ni Ninkal
Makan Eat Chi Cappita
Minum Drink He Kutiyum
Suka Like Ai Katal
Cinta Love Ai Katal
Cantik Pretty Meili Alakana
 Names
MALAY ENGLISH Mandarin Tamil

Abang Elder Brother / Gege Mutta

Kakak Elder Sister jiejie Mutta

Adik Younger sister/brother Meimei Llaiya

/Didi
Bapa Father Fuqin Appa

Ibu Mother Muqin Am’ma

Cikgu Teacher laoshi Aciriyar

 Try this! (boys and girls)
• KAMU SANGAT CANTIK ( You are so Pretty!)
• TERIMA KASIH ( Thank You!)
• KAMU SANGAT TAMPAN (You are so Handsome!)
• TERIMA KASIH ( Thank You!)

(Greeting Your Teacher)

Selamat Pagi, Cikgu. ( Good Morning, Teacher)
Selamat Pagi, Semua ( Good Morning Everyone)
Let’s Sing! RASA SAYANG(M’sian Folk Song)

• RASA SAYANG EH
• RASA SAYANG SAYANG EH
• HEI LIHAT NyONyA JAUH
• RASA SAYANG SAYANG EH
3. BELIEFS AND
TOUGHTS
1. - Islam
2. - Chinese Religions
3. - Hinduism
4. - Sikhism
5. - Christianity
 In the early 15th century, the Malacca Sultanate –
considered the first independent state on the
peninsula – was founded and led by a Muslim
prince, the influence of Malacca led to the spread
of Islam throughout the Malay population.
 Islam is generally practiced liberally, although in
the last 20 years strict adherence to Islamic
practice has increased. The Malaysian
government promotes a moderate version of
Islam which is meant to encourage a balanced
approach to life and encourages inclusivity,
tolerance and looking outwards. The qualities it
values are knowledge, hard work, honesty, good
administration and efficiency.
 Many Malaysian Chinese practice a mixture of
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism and for
many Chinese people, religion is an essential part
of their cultural life. Around 19 per cent of the
current population classify themselves as
Buddhist and most Malaysian Chinese follow
the Mahayana branch, whereas Thai and
Sinhalese minorities in Malaysia follow
the Therevada branch. A Malaysian Buddhist
Council has been created to promote the study
and practice of Buddhism and promote solidarity
among Malaysian Buddhists.
 The majority of the Tamil population of
Malaysia practice Hinduism. Current
adherents are mostly descended from
migrant communities from Tamil Nadu who
came to Malaya to work on British rubber
plantations. A small community of migrants
from North India also exists. Urban temples
are often dedicated to a single deity, while
rural temples are often home to multiple
deities.
 The Sikh community in Malaysia owes its
beginnings in the country to the British
connection and in particular with the recruitment
of Sikhs for the paramilitary and police units
which formed the nucleus from which the
modern police and military forces of the nation
derived. The first of these units was the Perak
Sikhs. The Sikhs believe and worship the one and
only God who is formless. Hence, idol worship is
denounced by the Sikh scriptures. The Sikhs’
place of worship is known as a Gurdwara which is
open to all irrespective of race, religion, colour or
sex.
 Early international trade played a key role in
bringing Christianity to Malaysia. Some Persian
traders were Nestorian Christians. Later, in the
era of the middle ages, Catholic diplomats,
travellers and priests travelled through the Straits
enroute to China. Among the traders residing in
Melaka during the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th
century were Nestorians and also Armenian
Christians from what is today Eastern Turkey.
Churches were established in the area with the
coming of the Portuguese in 1511, the Dutch in
1641 and the British in 1786.
 Music, dance and drama
Malaysia's multi-cultural and multi-
racial heritage is most prominently
exhibited in its diverse music and dance
forms. The dances of the indigenous
Malay, Orang Asli and different ethnic
peoples of Sabah and Sarawak are truly
exotic and enchanting. As the Chinese,
Indians and Portuguese settled in
Malaysia, the traditional dances of their
homelands became a part of Malaysia's
culture and heritage.
 Gendang,

Serunai Rebab
 Sompoton

Canan
g

 The Mak Yong is a dance drama, a
comprehensive theatre performance combining
dance, opera, drama and comedy.
 The theatre is believed to have originated from
Kelantan several centuries ago as a popular court
entertainment. It is a unique theater form that
perhaps can be likened to the modern musical
theatre genre found in western theatre.

Kuda Kepang is a traditional dance brought to
the state of Johor by Javanese immigrants.
Dramatising the tales of victorious Islamic
holy wars, dancers sit astride mock horses
moving to the hypnotic beats of a percussion
ensemble usually consisting of drums, gongs
and angklungs
It is believed that Muslim missionaries of the Middle East
namely Persia and Arabia introduced the dance to Malaya
during the fifteenth century.

The dance was originally performed by males only however

it is also performed by female dancers these days.

The simple version of the Zapin is performed to the rhythm

&1234 and the foot is extended out to the side on the last
count. It can be done on the spot, traveling forwards and
backwards or diagonally in the basic form.

The carriage of the dancers is quite erect and dignified.

 Malaysia's most popular traditional dance, is
a lively dance with an upbeat tempo.
Performed by couples who combine fast,
graceful movements with playful humour, the
Joget has its origins in Portuguese folk dance,
which was introduced to Melaka during the
era of the spice trade.
 Also known as Candle Dance, it is performed
by women who do a delicate dance while
balancing candles in small dishes.
 Usually performed during the Chinese New
Year festival, Lion Dance is energetic and
entertaining. According to the legend, in
ancient times, the lion was the only animal
that could ward off a mythological creature
known as Nian that terrorised China and
devoured people on the eve of the New Year.
Usually requiring perfect co-ordination,
elegance and nerves of steel, the dance is
almost always performed to the beat of the
tagu, the Chinese drum, and the clanging of
cymbals.
 This classical Indian dance is poetry in
motion. Based on ancient Indian epics, this
highly intense and dramatic dance form uses
over 100 dance steps and gestures. As
mastery requires many years of practice,
some children begin learning the dance form
at the age of five.
 Bhangra is a lively folk music and dance form of the
Sikh community. Originally a harvest dance, it is now
part of many social celebrations such as weddings
and New Year festivities. Typically centred around
romantic themes with singing and dancing driven by
heavy beats of the dhol, a double-barreled drum, the
bhangra is engagingly entertaining.
 The Warrior Dance is a
traditional dance of Sarawak's
Iban people. This dance is
usually performed during Gawai
Kenyalang or 'Hornbill Festival'.
 Reputedly the most fearsome of
Sarawak's headhunters, the
tribe's victorious warriors were
traditionally celebrated in this
elaborate festival. Wearing an
elaborate headdress and holding
an ornate long shield, the male
warrior dancer performs
dramatic jumps throughout this
spellbinding dance.
 The Hornbill Dance is a traditional dance of
Sarawak's Kenyah women. Created by a Kenyah
prince called Nyik Selong to symbolise happiness
and gratitude, it was once performed during
communal celebrations that greeted warriors
returning from headhunting raids or during the
annual celebrations that marked the end of each
rice harvest season. Performed by a solo woman
dancer to the sounds of the sape, beautiful fans
made out of hornbill feathers are used to
represent the wings of the sacred bird.
 Sumazau is a traditional dance of Sabah's Kadazan
people. Usually performed at religious ceremonies
and social events, it is traditionally used to honour
spirits for bountiful paddy harvests, ward off evil
spirits and cure illnesses. Male and female dancers
perform this steady hypnotic dance with soft and
slow movements imitating birds in flight.
 Another highly popular and entertaining traditional
dance is Bamboo Dance. Two long bamboo poles are
held horizontally above the ground at ankle-height.
They are clapped together to a high-tempo
drumbeat. Requiring great agility, dancers are
required to jump over or between the poles without
getting their feet caught.
 Favoured mainly by the older Portuguese
generation, compared to the Farapeira the Branyo
is a more staid dance. Male dancers dressed in
cowboy-like costumes and female dancers
dressed in traditional baju kebayas with batik
sarongs sway to the steady rhythm of drums and
violins.
A multiracial concerted effort finally helped
Malaysia achieve its independence.
A. True
B. False

A Muslim can shake hand with different

gender
A. True
B. False

The Songket is traditional cloth of Chinese

A. True
B. False
Before entering into temple, shoes must be taken off

A. True
B. False

One of the taboo in Malay society is not to wear shoes in house.

A. True
B. False

Eating ladoo its not Indian tradition.

A. True
B. False

Wearing Hijab (Scarf) is mandatory for all Muslim’s women.

A. True
B. False
Orchestra
 Malaysia has two traditional orchestras: the gamelan and the nobat.
Originally from Indonesia, the gamelan is a traditional orchestra that
plays ethereal lilting melodies using an ensemble of gongpercussion
and stringed instruments. The nobat is a royal orchestra that plays
more solemn music for the courts using serunai and nafiriwind
instruments.

Rebana Ubi
 In the days of the ancient Malay kingdoms, the resounding rhythmic
beats of the giant rebana ubi drums conveyed various messages
from warnings of danger to wedding announcements. Later, they
were used as musical instruments in an assortment of social
performances.
Kompang
 Arguably the most popular Malay traditional instrument, the kompangis widely
used in a variety of social occasions such as the National Day parades, official
functions and weddings. Similar to the tambourine but without the jingling metal
discs, this hand drum is most commonly played in large ensembles, where various
rhythmic composite patterns are produced by overlapping multiple layers of
different rhythms.

Gambus
 Brought to Malaysia by Persian and Middle Eastern traders, thegambus or Arabian
oud is played in a variety of styles in Malay folk music, primarily as the lead
instrument in Ghazal music. Carefully crafted with combinations of different
woods, this instrument produces a gentle tone that is similar to that of the
harpsichord.
Sape
 The sape is the traditional flute of the Orang Ulu community or upriver people of
Sarawak. A woodcarving masterpiece with colourful motifs, the sape is made by
hollowing a length of wood. Once played solely during healing ceremonies within
longhouses, it gradually became a social instrument of entertainment. Typically,
its thematic music is used to accompany dances such as the Ngajat and Datun
Julud.
 -Hari Raya Puasa/Haji
 -Chinese New Year
 -Hungry Ghost Festival
 -Mid-Autumn Festival
 -Dumpling Festival
 -Thaipusam
 -Deepavali
 -Vesak Day
 -Gawai Dayak
 -Tadau Kaamata
 -Christmas Day