What Being Malaysian Means | By Azelynna Lim Fang Een

by - August 31, 2022

Illustration by Kirtikka and Cheng Yue.

What is the first thing you think of when you see the word ‘Malaysian’? Do you think of your home, your friends, and your family? Maybe you envisioned yourself, your identity, and your own set of values. Everyone has their distinctive definition of a ‘true Malaysian’. With the 31st of August just around the corner, it’s important to remind ourselves of our country’s countless Malaysian quirks, hoping we can celebrate our Independence Day wholeheartedly.

Cultural and Racial Unity

In a melting pot such as ours, it’s impossible not to grow as individuals, and even more impossible to have little to no public holidays. Whether Thaipusam, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, Malaysians will graciously welcome everyone to their ‘open houses’. This practice not only strengthens our bond as 1Malaysia, but is a means to learn about other traditions, lifestyles, and cultural etiquette. Furthermore, during the sports season’s peak, ‘mamak’ stores will be filled to the brim with customers from all backgrounds. Our country’s hard-working athletes inspire us to cheer on their endeavours, pushing aside any differences. Lastly, Malaysia’s charming practice of where everyone is family. For instance, we refer to the waiters in coffee shops as ‘Pak Cik’, while everyone else is an ‘aunty’ or an ‘uncle’. Malaysians are bonded not by blood, but by our shared respect for one another.

Traditional dance.
Photo by Cheng Yue.

Language

A couple of friends having a conversation.
Photo by Sandhiya.

How many countries can proudly say their citizens can seamlessly switch between languages while conversing? Including dialects, there are 137 languages used in different parts of Malaysia. Even billboards must print in multiple languages to ensure everyone can effectively understand the advertisement. Moreover, Malaysia’s prominent usage of ‘Bahasa Rojak’ usually sends foreigners’ heads spinning. It’s a wonder how locals manage to understand each other despite a string of dialects in a sentence rushing out their mouths. Self-expression is beautiful, and Malaysians always find a way to do it through language with a toss of a ‘lah’, ‘mah’, or ‘bah’ at the end of a sentence.

A group of multiracial friends.
Photo by Sandhiya.

Loyalty

So, what does being Malaysian mean? It all comes back to our loyalty and respect for our home country. A true Malaysian will defend our country’s image and do their utmost best to uphold our reputation. Being kind to our fellow Malaysians is just as important as being amiable to tourists; This reflects our citizens' genuine Malaysian spirit. In our multi-racial society, true Malaysians have learned the importance of empathy. We have learnt to acknowledge and accept our differences, overcome them, and live in harmony.

Group photo of multiracial friends.
Photo by Sandhiya.

Conclusion

To live in Malaysia is to have the best of many different worlds. From our ‘rojak language’ and visitations to the 24/7 mamak stores, to the constant multicultural celebrations and hospitality amongst all; being a true Malaysian could mean many things! I would like to end this article by asking you to sit back and think about what being a true Malaysian means to you. Perchance, you might surprise yourself.

Malaysian Flag.
Photo by Cheng Yue.

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