Ethnic groups of Peninsular Malaysia
Bhangra folk dance performed by Punjabi men
Ethnicity in Peninsular Malaysia is multifarious and to some extent can only be defined in terms of religion, language, custom and geographical place of origin. A diverse population comprising Orang Asli, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thais, Eurasians and people of many other ethnic origins makes for a unique Malaysian lifestyle.
The Malays, Chinese and Indians respectively comprise the major population groups. The Malays constitute over 53 per cent of the country’s population. Whilst they are a homogenous people socially and culturally, being almost totally Muslim and practising Malay culture, differences exist between Malay sub-ethnic groups of various territorial locations in terms of adat (customary) practices, and lineage and kinship systems. Most of the Malay sub-ethnic groups comprising the Javanese, Bugis, Minangkabau, and several other groups, are descendants of inter-island migrants within the Malay Archipelago who settled in the Peninsula as long ago as the early Malay kingdoms. Since the late 1980s massive migration has taken place from all over Indonesia, in search of economic livelihood. Some have acquired permanent resident status and citizenship.
The Chinese and Indians are associated with the geographical origins of their forebears. While Chinese dialect associations remain to this day, dialect differences are no longer a serious consideration in inter-group interactions. Like the Chinese, the Indian population is highly differentiated internally.
The minority groups in the Peninsula include the Portuguese-descended population of Melaka, whose origins date back to the 16th century; and the Thais of Kedah and Kelantan. Since Independence in 1957, other migrants have been accepted into the country, including the Nepalese, some of whom were former Gurkha military personnel employed by the British administration to fight communism in the country; the Chams of Vietnam and Cambodia; and the Rohingya of Myanmar.
Malaysians have generally adapted to the idea of being citizens of the country in spite of their diverse origins and the safeguarding of their primordial identities. Inter-ethnic interactions are encouraged through the national celebration of major ethnic festivals and religious festivities. The whole idea of ethnic and cultural diversity has been regarded as enriching rather then differentiating for all citizens. Cultures and traditions are respected, celebrated and adapted by the various communities to foster an inclusive Malaysian identity. This demonstrates the racial harmony and tolerance that exists in the cultural melting pot that is Malaysia.