About Malaysia

History

The region now known as Malaysia was first mentioned in Chinese and Sanskrit records of the seventh and eighth centuries. In subsequent centuries the area was under the influence and loose control of various Thai and Indonesian empires, including the great Sumatra-based civilization of Sri Vijaya. This was followed in the 14th century by the Majapahit empire based in Java. Sri Vijaya and Majapahit, Bhuddist and Hindu respectively, both left a mark on the peninsula. But even by the 14th century, Islam – already well established in parts of India – was steadily spreading eastwards through advertisement the substantial trade between India and Malaya. The first Muslim empire in Malaya, based on the trading port of Malacca on the western side of the peninsula, was formed under the rule of King Parameswara in the first quarter of the 15th century. Early in the 16th century, the Portuguese moved in and, after capturing Malacca, established a number of fortified bases in the region. Sultan Mahmud, the ruler of Malacca at the time, was unable to recapture it immediately. However, his successors - who had moved to Johore on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula - noted the arrival of the Dutch in the region at the end of the century and formed an alliance with them to expel the Portuguese in 1641.

Over the next century and a half, the Dutch steadily expanded throughout the region until the Dutch East Indies became the heart of a most prosperous colonial trading operation. Coming at the end of the 18th century, the British were relatively late arrivals to the region, but they were to play a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of The Netherlands by France in 1795. Rather than hand them over to the French, the Dutch passed control of some of their most valuable resources to the British in what became a series of exchanges. Gradually, during the 19th century, the British took control of the peninsula using economic pressure (particularly their monopoly of the tin trade) rather than outright military force: local rulers were permitted substantial internal autonomy provided that they posed no threat to British interests. The Federated Malay States were created as an entity in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 194 2. After the defeat of Japan in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya.

In the same year, communist guerrillas – the bulk of whom were ethnic Chinese – launched an armed struggle aimed at establishing an independent socialist state. ‘The Emergency’, as the colonial authorities dubbed it, lasted formally until 1960. However, the serious fighting was over by the mid-1950s and, in 1957, Britain proceeded with its plan to grant independence to the Federation of Malaya.

In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) to form Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form. Tunku Abdul Rahman, who had taken over as premier of the federation in 1957, remained as Prime Minister of the newly expanded republic. He remained in office until 1970, when he was replaced by Tunku Abdul Razak. The dominant political organization was the United Malay National Organization (UMNO), which allied itself with several smaller formations to create the Barisan Nasional (NF, National Front). In 1982, the NF won the general election scheduled for that year under the new leadership of Mahathir Mohammed.

Mahathir’s style was characterized by maverick policy-making, an acerbic tongue, strident nationalism, acute political antennae and a ferocious intolerance of opposition from any quarter. In his two decades in power, he stamped his authority on Malaysian politics. His ruthlessness was exemplified after falling out with his former deputy and heir apparent, Anwar Ibrahim, over Malaysia’s handling in the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Anwar was framed for alleged homosexuality (which is illegal in Malaysia) and corruption; after a show trial he was then imprisoned for fifteen years.

At first, Anwar and his wife became a focus of opposition to Mahathir. Although the NF had comfortably won every poll in the 1980s and ’90s, many people, including influential figures within UMNO, believed that Mahathir had finally overreached himself. The acid test came at the general election of November 1999. In the event, Mahathir ran a well-judged campaign which returned the NF to office with, once again, a substantial majority. Both the democratic opposition, organized around residual supporters of Anwar, and the Islamist opposition centered on the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) were comfortably dealt with. In particular, Mahathir made effective use of the ‘9/11’ attacks in the US to demonise his Islamist opponents.

With his political position now all but unassailable, Mahathir’s announcement in June 2002 of his intention to resign the following year was a huge surprise. The shock was followed by skepticism, and then by a further surprise in October 2003 when Mahathir did indeed stand down. The main political task for his chosen successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi – formerly a senior civil servant – is to prevent any further progress by the Islamist PAS.

Mahathir’s truculence applied equally to his foreign policy. On occasion he has cut off relations with both Britain and Australia because of uncomplimentary media coverage. Though strongly anti-communist, he established diplomatic relations with Vietnam and Malaysia’s other communist neighbors in 1989 in the face of strong objections from Washington. A strong proponent of Asian regional solidarity, he firmly believed that East Asia should develop political clout to match its economic power. Malaysia is also an active member of the Commonwealth.

On December 26 2004, an earthquake in southeast Asia triggered a huge tsunami that caused widespread devastation. Despite Malaysia's close proximity to the epicenter of the earthquake, much of the coastline was spared devastation since the effects of the tsunami were blunted by Sumatra. However, near the northern island of Penang, many people were swept out to sea by the tsunami and 68 people have been confirmed dead.

Malaysian's Culture
More than fifteen hundred years ago a Malay kingdom in Bujang Valley welcomed traders from China and India. With the arrival of gold and silks, Buddhism and Hinduism also came to Malaysia. A thousand years later, Arab traders arrived in Malacca and brought with them the principles and practices of Islam. By the time the Portuguese arrived in Malaysia, the empire that they encountered was more cosmopolitan than their own.

Malaysia's cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia's two most prominent trading partners throughout history--the Chinese, and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a dizzying array of indigenous tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo. Although each of these cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions and community structures, they have also blended together to create contemporary Malaysia's uniquely diverse heritage.

General Information About Malaysia
Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles (330,200 sq. km), Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions: a shopping haven, a versatile conference venue, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more.

Public Holidays of Malaysia For 2006.
Public holidays in Malaysia can be classified into three categories : Federal, State and Religious. Some of the holidays are specific to either one or more of these categories.

Month	Date	Holidays	Region
January	1	New Year's Day	National
xxxx	10	Hari Raya Haji	National
xxxx	29-31	Chinese New Year	National
xxxx	31	Awal Muharam	National
April	10	Prophet's Birthday	National
May	1	Labour Day	National
xxxx	13	Wesak	National
August	31	National Day	National
October	22	Deepavali	National
xxxx	23-24	Hari Raya Puasa	National
December	25	Christmas	National

Health Precautions for Travel to Malaysia
Any health risk of travel to Malaysia may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Malaysia:

• Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed
• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
• don’t drink beverages with ice
• don’t share needles with anyone
• don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don’t swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible
• monsoon season between April and October may cause flooding and landslides - take care and heed local precautions