The Malay
are Malaysia's largest ethnic group, accounting for over half the
population and the national language. With the oldest indigenous
peoples they form a group called bumiputera, which
translates as "sons" or "princes of the soil." Almost
all Malays are Muslims, though Islam here is less extreme than in
the Middle East. Traditional Malay culture centers around the kampung,
or village, though today one is just as likely to find Malays in
the cities.
The Chinese
traded with Malaysia for centuries, then settled in number during
the 19th century when word of riches in the Nanyang,
or "South Seas," spread across China. Though perhaps a
stereotype, the Chinese are regarded as Malaysia's businessmen, having
succeeded in many industries. When they first arrived, however, Chinese
often worked the most grueling jobs like tin mining and railway construction.
Most Chinese are Tao Buddhist and retain strong ties to their ancestral
homeland. They form about 35 percent of the population.
Indians
had been visiting Malaysia for over 2,000 years, but did not settle
en masse until the 19th century. Most came from South India, fleeing
a poor economy. Arriving in Malaysia, many worked as rubber tappers,
while others built the infrastructure or worked as administrators
and small businessmen. Today ten percent of Malaysia is Indian.
Their culture -- with it's exquisite Hindu temples, cuisine, and
colorful garments -- is visible throughout the land.
The
oldest inhabitants of Malaysia are its tribal peoples. They account
for about 5 percent of the total population, and represent a majority
in Sarawak and Sabah. Though Malaysia's tribal people prefer to
be categorized by their individual tribes, peninsular Malaysia
blankets them under the term Orang Asli, or "Original
People." In Sarawak, the dominant tribal groups are the Dayak,
who typically live in longhouses and
are either Iban (Sea Dayak) or Bidayuh (land
Dayak). In Sabah, most tribes fall under the term Kadazan.
All of Malaysia's tribal people generally share a strong spiritual
tie to the rain forest.
Sources: http://www.geographia.com/malaysia/cultures.html
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