Welcome to Planet IEP!

Two Peninsulas and a Few Islands.

Writer:
Hun Loon Chuah from Malaysia.

NOTE FROM MRS. BOWLES: Hun Lun Chuah, aka Andrew, writes about his home country of Malaysia. Andrew is in Level Three of the Intensive English Program at the University of Central Arkansas.

Introduction

Malaysia is one of the most unique countries located in Asia. It is situated between Thailand and Singapore and close to Indonesia. Not like other countries, Malaysia is formed by three parts: two peninsulas and a few islands. However, it is only separated into West Malaysia and East Malaysia, and the state of Penang, which is a combination of an island and territory.

History

As more and more people know the location of Malaysia, we cannot imagine in 2003 that Malaysia was still a forest and undeveloped country 50 years ago. Portuguese traders and soldiers took over Malacca in 1571.

Adding yet another influence to the cultural mix, the Dutch took over from the Portuguese in 1641. The British controlled Malaya (the name before Malaysia got independence) beginning in 1789, taking its first step to Kedah and Penang. The British went on to conquer and control all of Malaya and Singapore until 1948, the year the Japanese made a successful take over of Malaya and Singapore from the hand of the British.

While the Japanese were in an exciting mood of having a party, two atomic bombs from the US aircraft hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki and forced the Japanese to retreat. On August 31,1957, Malaya sent Tunku Abdul Rahman as the representative to ask for independence from the British and that's the date the West Malaysia have as independence.

On September 16, 1963, Tunku Abdul Rahman decided to combine West Malaysia, East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Singapore, and that's where the name Malaysia comes from. However, Singapore left the combination and declared its independence on August 6, 1965.

Geography

Malaysia has 13 states, 11 in West Malaysia and two in East Malaysia. Every state has its own unique style of beaches while some states enable you to enjoy the fresh air up on the hill.

Although situated near Indonesia and the Philippines, Malaysia is not affected by earthquakes and volcanoes. Malaysia is a good destination for having both excitement and a peaceful lifestyle. Everything has any activity you like.

It has nice and beautiful beaches, fresh air up on the hill, shopping complexes and a variety of foods and services. You may be surprised with the tall buildings in the town area, the atmospheric village life or vibrant old ports. That shows Malaysia is a developed country yet full of a vintage lifestyle.

Culture and Religion

Malaysia is a country of freedom for any religion. You can find three main races : Malay, Chinese, and Hindu. Others include Iban and Kayak.

The three main races are mostly based on West Malaysia while other races are mostly based on East Malaysia. Each race has its own language, but the main language or native language is Malay. It is required for all Malaysians to pass the examination for the Malay language in the Malaysia Government Examination in order to enter the local university. However, it is freedom to speak in any language and learn any language in Malaysia.

Each race can perform and keep their traditions alive, and we have many celebrations each year in Malaysia, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa (Malay New Year), Deepavali (Hindu New Year) and Christmas because of the various religions. You will meet different races at a celebration. Some people may be invited to their friends wedding ceremony or birthday celebration from a different race.

It is difficult to live with people who have different culture; however, in Malaysia, we live peacefully as everyone is tolerate among each other. Everyone is kind, helpful and sincere.