6/12/2014

Asean Travel Guide: A Potrait of Malaysia

A Potrait of Malaysia
With its magnificent natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, Malaysia is a
fascinating Southeast Asian destination. A relatively young country that
celebrated 57 years of independence in 2014, it has progressed remarkably and
has emerged as one of the most successful economies in Asia.
Situated at the crossroads of ancient maritime trade routes, Malaysia has long been a cultural melting pot.
The bulk of the population lives on Peninsular Malaysia. While about half the countrys 27 million people
are of Malay origin, there are significant Chinese and Indian minorities as well as many
indigenous communities. The countrys diversity is apparent in its social customs and festivals, and its
many cuisines and languages.

Malaysian National Palace Main Gate

SOCIETY AND POLITICS

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy, based on the political system of its former colonial ruler, Britain. In
practice, however, there is more power vested in the executive branch of government than the judiciary. The
country is headed nominally by a supreme ruler, a rotating g position that is held for a five-year term by
sultans of nine hereditary Malay sultanates, while the govnment is led by an elected Prime minister,
currently Najib Tun Razak, who is assisted by a cabinet of ministers. The governments two-tier parliament
consists of a lower house with 219 elected representatives and an upper house with 70 senators.
Elections are held every five years. Since independence, the country has been ruled by a multiracial coalition
named Barisan Nasional (National Front), of which the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) is the
largest political party.
ECONOMY
From the early 1970s through the late 1990s, Malaysia transformed itself from an economy based on mining
and agriculture to one dominated by manufacturing and exports, particularly of electronic components. Palm
oil also continues to be one of the most important exports. Other prominent contributors to the economy are
oil and gas production, timber, and tourism. The country has maintained steady economic growth over the
past couple of decades, fueling rapid development in the major cities. Its main trading partners are the USA,
China, and Japan, all of which are significant sources of foreign investment.

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6/12/2014

Asean Travel Guide: A Potrait of Malaysia

Car Manuf acturing in Proton Shah Alam Plant

ENVIRONMENT
Malaysia, like many developing nations, faces its own set of environmental issues, including air and water
pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of wildlife species. Although stretches of the countrys ancient
rain forests, and the wildlife they shelter, are protected in national parks, intense logging is changing the
face of the country, transforming jungles into barren hillsides.
Fortunately, several international bodies, such as WWF, the global conservation organization, are very
active in Malaysia and their persistent campaigning has at least slowed down the rate of environmental
degradation. Despite their efforts, the Sumatran rhinoceros and the leatherback turtle face extinction.

Batu Ferrringhi, deforestation for housing project

CULTURE AND ARTS

Malaysias ethnic mosaic endows it with an infinitely varied and cosmopolitan culture, assimilating Malay,
Chinese, and Indian customs, traditions, and beliefs, as well as those of its indigenous peoples. The ethnic
diversity is also reflected in the variety of religions followed here. Although Islam is the state religion,
Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, among others, are practiced freely. Traditional Malay performing arts,
including the fascinating wayang kulit, or shadowpuppet plays, continue to thrive and can be seen during
festivals or at cultural shows. Local pastimes such as kite-flying and top-spinning are still practiced,
particularly on the east coast of the peninsula. The country has a vibrant handicrafts tradition, ranging from
exquisitely woven textiles to basketware and woodcarving. Malaysia is also gaining a healthy contemporary
art scene, with work by the countrys leading artists on display in galleries.

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Asean Travel Guide: A Potrait of Malaysia

Malaysian Multiethnic People

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