MULTI-ETHNIC, MULTICULTURAL,
MULTILINGUAL SOCIETY
Malay
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.
CHINESE
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.
Others
InSarawak 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.
INDIAN
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.
INDIGENOUS ETHNIC GROUPS
*Peninsula Malaysia
Thegeneral 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.
SABAH
Thelargest indigenous ethnic groups of
Sabah's population are the Kadazan Dusun,
the Bajau and the Murut.
KADAZAN DUSUN
Thelargest 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.
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.
MURUT
Thethird 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.
SARAWAK
Collectively known as Dayaks, the Iban, Bidayuh
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.
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.
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.