Country Background
Population and Government
Malaysia consists of two regions separated by the South China Sea, as illustrated in the map. Recent statistics indicate the country’s population is over 32 million, making it the 45th most populous country worldwide. A key trend to notice is the rise in the aging population, which now comprises a significant part of the population. The country is multiethnic and multicultural, reflected in the current ethnic composition. About half of the Malaysian population comprises ethnic Malays, while Chinese, Indians, and Indigenous peoples form the country’s minority ethnicities. The Malaysian government can be described as a federal constitutional monarchy, where the King is elected every five years from among the nine hereditary rulers of the Malay states. Another four states have governor titles and do not partake in the elections. State governments have unicameral parliaments, while local authorities perform designated executive functions.
Economics and Language
The Malaysian economy is one of the largest in Southeast Asia by GDP and performs well at the global stage. As a result, Malaysians enjoy a more affluent lifestyle compared to neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. For decades, the Malaysian economy has been fast-growing and export-oriented. Additionally, the country’s economy is open, industrialized, and largely controlled by the state (The World Bank Group). Other factors responsible for the current state of the economy include highly affordable transport fuel and food produced locally, significantly low national income tax, and a fully subsidized single-payer public healthcare system. The large population translates into a large labor force to serve the diversified economy. A large service sector and high-tech export products are also worth noting. As an open economy, Malaysia has attracted many Chinese businesses that form part of the country’s international trade. Malaysia speaks three main languages: Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Lastly, English is the second official language after Malay.
Cultural Tradition
Origin, Purpose, Apparel
Independence Day in Malaysia is commonly known as Hari Merdeka, and it is celebrated every year on August 31. Hari Merdeka is a colorful and festive event marked by fireworks, parades, flag-waving, and excitement as Malaysians mark the day they gained independence from Britain (Rodgers). Even though the celebrations occur across the country’s cities, Kuala Lumpur is the epicenter. Indeed, special sporting events are arranged, and stores offer promotional sales. The Merdeka Parade accompanies the celebration. Politicians and VIPs take the stage in turns, and a royal procession begins. The royal procession is accompanied by military demonstrations, cultural performances, sporting events, intricate floats, and other activities for citizens to enjoy. Merdeka Parade began in Merdeka Square on August 30, 1957, a day before the declaration of independence. The apparel worn during the event often comprises traditional outfits and national colors as a symbol of patriotism.
Events and Food
The main event in Hari Merdeka is the Merdeka Parade, which is a culmination of celebratory activities and group processions. The parade attracts massive numbers of tourists due to its glorious and colorful activities. For example, vivid cultural dances, carnivals, sports festivals, and open-air concerts accompany every Merdeka celebration. Group processions include uniformed units and private sectors making colorful, concerted, and choreographed displays. Marching bands, mostly from the military and other private sectors, also take the stage. For instance, the Navy may showcase its equipment and the officers’ expertise in handling them. The Air Force may conduct similar processions with decorated floats and replicas of equipment, including the MEASAT satellite. Well-coordinated human formations are also a common occurrence in Hari Merdeka. However, a key element of the celebration is people waving the country’s flags, which could involve human formations, marching bands, and cheering crowds. The event has no specific foods since restaurants can decide what to serve on that particular day.
Works Cited
Rodgers, Greg. “Independence Day in Malaysia (Hari Merdeka).” 2019. Tripsavvy. Web.
The World Bank Group. “The World Bank In Malaysia.” 2022. The World Bank. Web.