Malaysia

=Malaysia= From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article is about the country. For the biogeographical region, see Malesia. Malaysia (  / m ə ˈ l eɪ ʒ ə <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)">/  <span class="Unicode" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', 'Lucida Sans Unicode'" title="English pronunciation respelling">mə-  lay  -zhə or <sup class="noexcerpt" style="line-height: 1em"><span class="IPA" style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0.1em; padding-right: 0.1em; font: bold 80% sans-serif; color: rgb(0,0,238); padding-top: 0px">  <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)">/ <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'">m <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted" title="/ə/ 'a' in 'about'">ə <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted" title="/ˈ/ primary stress follows">ˈ <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'">l <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted" title="/eɪ/ long 'a' in 'base'">eɪ <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'">s <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted" title="/i/ 'y' in 'happy'">i <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dotted" title="/ə/ 'a' in 'about'">ə <span class="IPA" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Arial Unicode MS'" title="Representation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)">/  <span class="Unicode" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', 'Lucida Sans Unicode'" title="English pronunciation respelling">mə-  lay  -see-ə ) is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia. It consists of thirteen states and three federal territories and has a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,350 sq mi) separated by the South China Sea into two similarly sized regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Land borders are shared with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, and maritime borders exist with Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. In 2010 the population exceeded 27.5 million, with over 20 million living on the Peninsula.

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia has its origins in the Malay Kingdoms present in the area which, from the 18th century, became subject to the British Empire. The first British territories were known as the Straits Settlements, whose establishment was followed by the Malay kingdoms becoming British protectorates. The territories on Peninsular Malaysia were first unified as the Malayan Union in 1946. Malaya was restructured as the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and achieved independence on 31 August 1957. Malaya united with Sabah,Sarawak, and Singapore on 16 September 1963, with si being added to give the new country the name Malaysia. Less than two years later in 1965, Singapore was expelled from the federation. Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years. The economy has traditionally been fuelled by its natural resources, but is expanding in the sectors of science, tourism, commerce and medical tourism.

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, which plays a large role in politics. The government system is closely modelled on theWestminster parliamentary system and the legal system is based on English Common Law. The constitution declares Islam the state religion while protecting freedom of religion. The head of state is the King, known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He is an elected monarch chosen from the hereditary rulers of the nine Malay states every five years. The head of government is the Prime Minister.

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia contains the southernmost point of continental Eurasia, Tanjung Piai. Located in the tropics, it is a megadiverse country, with large numbers of endemic flora and fauna. It is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and theOrganisation of Islamic Cooperation, and a member of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Nations, and theNon-Aligned Movement. {| class="toc" id="toc" style="border-bottom: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; border-left: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; padding-bottom: 5px; background-color: rgb(249,249,249); padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; font-size: 12px; border-top: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; border-right: rgb(170,170,170) 1px solid; padding-top: 5px; border-image: initial"

Contents
[hide] *1 Etymology
 * 2 History
 * 3 Governance
 * 4 Foreign relations and military
 * 5 Subdivisions
 * 6 Geography
 * 7 Biodiversity
 * 8 Economy
 * 9 Demographics
 * 9.1 Religion
 * 9.2 Language
 * 10 Culture
 * 10.1 Fine arts
 * 10.2 Cuisine
 * 10.3 Holidays and festivals
 * 10.4 Sports
 * 10.5 Media
 * 11 Infrastructure
 * 12 See also
 * 13 References
 * 14 External links
 * }

Etymology
"Malaysia" used as a label for the Malay Archipelago on a 1914 map from a United States atlas<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The word Melayu is thought to derive from the Sanskrit term Malaiur or Malayadvipa, which can be translated as "land of mountains", the word used by ancient Indian traders when referring to the Malay Peninsula.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-13" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[14] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-14" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[15] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-15" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[16] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-16" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[17] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-17" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[18] Other theories propose it originates from the Tamil word Malai, meaning "mountain".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[19] The term was later used as the name of theMelayu Kingdom, which existed between the 7th and 13th centuries on Sumatra.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-19" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[20]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Following his 1826 expedition in Oceania, French navigator Jules Dumont d'Urville invented the terms Malaysia, Micronesia and Melanesia, distinguishing these Pacific cultures and island groups from the existing term Polynesia. In 1831, he proposed these terms to theSociété de Géographie. Dumont d'Urville described Malaysia as "an area commonly known as the East Indies".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[21] In 1850, the English ethnologist George Samuel Windsor Earl, writing in the Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia, proposed naming the islands of Southeast Asia as Melayunesia or Indunesia, favouring the former.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[22]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">In 1957, the Federation of Malaya was declared as an independent federation of the Malay states on the Malay Peninsula.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-22" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[23] The name "Malaysia" was adopted in 1963 when the existing states of the Federation of Malaya, plus Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak formed a new federation, with "si" being added to Malaya in honour of the three joining states.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Bound_for_Glory_23-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[24] Prior to that, the name itself had been used to refer to the whole Malay Archipelago.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Statoids_24-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[25] Politicians in the Philippines contemplated renaming their state "Malaysia" before the modern country took the name.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-25" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[26] At the time of federation, other names were considered: among them was Langkasuka, after the historic kingdom located at the upper section of the Malay Peninsula in the 1st millennium CE.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Mapping_26-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[27]

History
Main article: History of Malaysia<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Evidence of modern human habitation in Malaysia dates back 40,000 years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[28] The first inhabitants are thought to be Negritos.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[29] Traders and settlers from India and China arrived as early as the 1st century AD, establishing trading ports and coastal towns in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Their presence resulted in strong Indian and Chinese influence on the local cultures, and the people of the Malay Peninsula adopted the religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Sanskrit inscriptions appear as early as the 4th or 5th century.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-29" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[30] The Kingdom of Langkasuka arose around the 2nd century in the northern area of the Malay Peninsula, lasting until about the 15th century.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Mapping_26-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[27] Between the 7th and 13th centuries, much of the southern Malay Peninsula was part of the maritime Srivijaya empire. After the fall of Srivijaya, the Majapahit empire had influence over most of Peninsular Malaysia and the Malay Archipelago.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[31] Islam began to spread among Malays in the 14th century.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] In the early 15th century, Parameswara, a prince of the former Srivijayan empire, founded the Malacca Sultanate, commonly considered the first independent state in the peninsula.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-BBCchinesediaspora_31-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[32] Malacca was an important commercial centre during this time, attracting trade from around the region. Parameswara became a Muslim, accelerating the spread of Islam.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] A Famosa fortress in Malacca was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">In 1511 Malacca was conquered by Portugal,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] after which it was taken by the Dutch in 1641. In 1786 the British Empire established a presence in Malaya, when the Sultan of Kedah leased Penang to the British East India Company. The British obtained the town of Singapore in 1819,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[33] and in 1824 took control of Malacca following the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. By 1826 the British directly controlled Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and the island of Labuan, which they established as the crown colony of the Straits Settlements. By the 20th century, the states of Pahang, Selangor, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan, known together as the Federated Malay States, had British Residentsappointed to advise the Malay rulers, to whom the rulers were bound to defer by treaty.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[34] The remaining five states in the peninsula, known as the Unfederated Malay States, while not directly under British rule, also accepted British advisers around the turn of the 20th century. Development on the Peninsula and Borneo were generally separate until the 19th century. Under British rule the immigration of Chinese and Indians to serve as labourers was encouraged.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[35] Sabah was governed as the crown colony of British North Borneo after it was leased from the Sultanate of Sulu in 1878.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[36] In 1842, Sarawak was ceded by the Sultan of Brunei to James Brooke, whose successors ruled as the White Rajahs over an independent kingdom until 1946, when it became aCrown colony.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-36" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[37]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">In the Second World War the Japanese army invaded and occupied Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore for over three years. During this time, ethnic tensions were raised and nationalism grew.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-37" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[38] Popular support for independence increased after Malaya was reconquered by Allied Forces.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-38" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[39] Post-war British plans to unite the administration of Malaya under a single crown colony called theMalayan Union met with strong opposition from the Malays, who opposed the weakening of the Malay rulers and the granting of citizenship to the ethnic Chinese. The Malayan Union, established in 1946 and consisting of all the British possessions in the Malay Peninsula with the exception of Singapore, was quickly dissolved and replaced by theFederation of Malaya, which restored the autonomy of the rulers of the Malay states under British protection.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-39" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[40] During this time, mostly Chinese rebels under the leadership of theMalayan Communist Party launched guerrilla operations designed to force the British out of Malaya. The Malayan Emergency lasted from 1948 to 1960, and involved a long anti-insurgency campaign by Commonwealth troops in Malaya.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-40" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[41] After this a plan was put in place to federate Malaya with the British crown colonies of Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. The proposed date of federation was 31 August 1963, however, the date was delayed until 16 September 1963 due to opposition from Indonesia's Sukarno and theSarawak United Peoples' Party.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[42] Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, where Independence Day is celebrated on 31 August each year.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Federation brought heightened tensions including a conflict with Indonesia, Singapore's eventual exit in 1965,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[43] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-TIME_Art_43-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[44] and racial strife. This strife culminated in the 13 May race riots in 1969.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Race_war_44-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[45] After the riots, the controversial New Economic Policy was launched by Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, trying to increase the share of the economy held by the bumiputra.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-New_Economic_Policy_45-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[46] Under Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad there was a period of rapid economic growth and urbanisation beginning in the 1980s. The economy shifted from being agriculturally-based to one based on manufacturing and industry. Numerous mega-projects were completed, such as thePetronas Towers, the North-South Expressway, the Multimedia Super Corridor, and the new federal administrative capital ofPutrajaya.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Bound_for_Glory_23-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[24] However, in the late 1990s the Asian financial crisis almost caused the collapse of the currency and the stock and property markets.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-46" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[47]

Governance
Main article: Politics of MalaysiaThe Malaysian Houses of Parliamentis the building where the Malaysian Parliament assembles.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. The system of government is closely modelled on that of the Westminster parliamentary system, a legacy of British colonial rule.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FITA_47-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[48] The head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, commonly referred to as the king. The King is elected to a five-year term by and from among the nine hereditary rulers of the Malay states; the other four states, which have titular Governors, do not participate in the selection. By informal agreement the position is systematically rotated among the nine,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FITA_47-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[48] and has been held by Abdul Halim of Kedahsince December 2011.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[49] The King's role has been largely ceremonial since changes to the constitution in 1994, picking ministers and members of the upper house.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dfat_49-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[50]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Legislative power is divided between federal and state legislatures. The bicameral federal parliament consists of the lower house, the House of Representatives and the upper house, the Senate.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-50" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[51] The 222-member House of Representatives is elected for a maximum term of five years from single-member constituencies. All 70 senators sit for three-year terms; 26 are elected by the 13 state assemblies, and the remaining 44 are appointed by the King upon the Prime Minister's recommendation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-4" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] The parliament follows a multi-party system and the government is elected through a first-past-the-post system. Since independence Malaysia has been governed by a multi-party coalition known as the Barisan Nasional.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-5" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Each state has a unicameral State Legislative Assembly whose members are elected from single-member constituencies. State governments are led by Chief Ministers,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-6" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] who are state assembly members from the majority party in the assembly. In each of the states with a hereditary ruler, the Chief Minister is required to be a Malay, appointed by the ruler upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-51" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[52] Parliamentary elections are held at least once every five years, the most recent of which took place in March 2008.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-7" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] Registered voters of age 21 and above may vote for the members of the House of Representatives and, in most of the states, for the state legislative chamber. Voting is not mandatory.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-52" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[53] Except for elections in Sarawak, all state elections are held concurrently with the federal election.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dfat_49-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[50] Najib Razak, Prime Minister since 2009.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Executive power is vested in the Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister. The prime minister must be a member of the house of representatives, who in the opinion of the King, commands a majority in parliament. The cabinet is chosen from members of both houses of Parliament.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-8" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] The Prime Minister is both the head of cabinet and the head of government.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dfat_49-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[50] The incumbent, Najib Razak, appointed in 2009, is the sixth prime minister.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[54]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia's legal system is based on English Common Law.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-9" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] Although the judiciary is theoretically independent, its independence has been called into question and the appointment of judges lacks accountability and transparency.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[55] The highest court in the judicial system is the Federal Court, followed by the Court of Appeal and two high courts, one for Peninsular Malaysia and one for East Malaysia. Malaysia also has a special court to hear cases brought by or against Royalty.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-criminal_court_system_55-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[56] Separate from the civil courts are the Syariah Courts, which apply Shariah law to cases which involve Malaysian Muslims<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[57] and run parallel to the secular court system.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[58] The Internal Security Act allows detention without trial, and the death penalty is in use for crimes such as drug trafficking.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[59]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Race is a significant force in politics, and many political parties are ethnically based.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-10" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] Actions such as the New Economic Policy<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-New_Economic_Policy_45-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[46] and theNational Development Policy which superseded it, were implemented to advance the standing of the bumiputra, consisting of Malays and the indigenous tribes who are considered the original inhabitants of Malaysia, over non-bumiputra such as Malaysian Chinese and Malaysian Indians.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[60] These policies provide preferential treatment to bumiputra in employment, education, scholarships, business, and access to cheaper housing and assisted savings. However, it has generated greater interethnic resentment.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[61] There is ongoing debate over whether the laws and society of Malaysia should reflect secular or Islamic principles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[62] Islamic laws passed by the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party in state legislative assemblies have been blocked by the federal government.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-62" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[63]

Foreign relations and military
Main articles: Foreign relations of Malaysia and Malaysian Armed ForcesThe RMAF MiG-29N/UB & AermacchiMB-339<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">A founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-63" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[64] and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[65] the country participates in many international organisations such as the United Nations,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-65" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[66] the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-66" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[67] theDeveloping 8 Countries,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[68] and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[69] It has chaired ASEAN, the OIC, and the NAM in the past.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-11" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] A former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[70] Kuala Lumpur was the site of the first East Asia Summit in 2005.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-govtnz_70-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[71]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia's foreign policy is officially based on the principle of neutrality and maintaining peaceful relations with all countries, regardless of their political system.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-kln_71-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[72] The government attaches a high priority to the security and stability of Southeast Asia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-govtnz_70-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[71] and seeks to further develop relations with other countries in the region. Historically the government has tried to portray Malaysia as a progressive Islamic nation<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-kln_71-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[72] while strengthening relations with other Islamic states.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-govtnz_70-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[71] A strong tenet of Malaysia's policy is national sovereignty and the right of a country to control its domestic affairs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dfat_49-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[50]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The policy towards territorial disputes by the government is one of pragmatism, with the government solving disputes in a number of ways, such as bringing the case to the International Court of Justice.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[73] The Spratly Islands are disputed by many states in the area, although tensions have eased since the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Brunei and Malaysia in 2008 announced an end to claims of each other's land, and to resolve issues related to their maritime borders. The Philippines has a dormant claim to Sabah. Singapore's land reclamation has caused tensions, and maritime border disputes exist with Indonesia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[74] Royal Malaysian Navy's first Scorpène class submarine<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia has never recognised Israel and has no diplomatic ties with it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[75] It has remained a strong supporter of the State of Palestine,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nst_75-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[76] and has called for Israel to be taken to the International Criminal Court over the Gaza flotilla raid.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[77] Malaysian peacekeeping forces are present in Lebanon<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[78] and have contributed to many other UN peacekeeping missions.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-12" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The Malaysian Armed Forces have three branches, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Malaysian Army, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. There is no conscription, and the required age for voluntary military service is 18. The military uses 1.9 per cent of the country's GDP, and employs 1.23 per cent of Malaysia's manpower.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[79]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The Five Power Defence Arrangements is a regional security initiative which has been in place for almost 40 years. It involves joint military exercises held among Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[80] Joint exercises and war games have been held with Indonesia for years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[81] Malaysia and the Philippines have agreed to host joint security force exercises in order to secure their maritime border and tackle issues such as illegal immigration.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[82] There are fears that unrest in the Muslim areas of the southern Philippines<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[83] and southern Thailand<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-83" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[84] could spill over into Malaysia.

Subdivisions
Main articles: States and federal territories of Malaysia and Districts of Malaysia <p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia is a federation of 13 states and three federal territories. These are divided between two regions, with 11 states and two federal territories on Peninsular Malaysia and the other two states and one federal territory in East Malaysia. Governance of the states is divided between the federal and the state governments, and the Federal government has direct administration of the federal territories.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[85]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The 13 states are based on historical Malay Kingdoms, and 9 of the 11 Peninsular states, known as the Malay states, retain their royal families. The King is elected by and fromthe nine rulers to serve a five-year term.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-13" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] Each state has a unicameral legislature known as the State Legislative Assembly. The states of East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) have separate immigration policies and controls, and a unique residency status.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[86] For citizens of one of these states or Peninsular Malaysia, the other areas of Malaysia are considered foreign countries under immigration laws.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[87] Each state is further divided into districts, which are then divided into mukim. In Sabah and Sarawak districts are grouped into divisions.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[88]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The federal parliament is permitted to legislate on issues of land, the Islamic religion and local government, in order to provide for a uniform law among all states. It may also intervene at the request of the state assembly concerned. Except for some land related laws, the in question must also be passed by the state assembly. Non-Islamic issues that fall under the purview of the state may also be legislated at the federal level for the purpose of conforming with Malaysian treaty obligations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-88" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[89]

Geography
Main article: Geography of MalaysiaA view from Low's peak, the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia is the 67th largest country by total land area, with a land area of 329,847 square kilometres (127,355 sq mi). It has land borderswith Thailand in West Malaysia, and Indonesia and Brunei in East Malaysia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] It is linked to Singapore by a narrow causeway, and also has maritime boundaries with Vietnam<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-89" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[90] and the Philippines.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[91] The land borders are defined in large part by geological features such as the Perlis River, the Golok River and the Pagalayan Canal, whilst some of the maritime boundaries are the subject of ongoing contention.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] Brunei forms what is almost an enclave in Malaysia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[92] with the state of Sarawak dividing it into two parts. Malaysia is the only country with territory on both the Asian mainland and the Malay archipelago.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Tanjung Piai, located in the southern state of Johor, is the southernmost tip of continental Asia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-93" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[94] The Strait of Malacca, lying between Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, is one of the most important thoroughfares in global commerce, carrying 40 per cent of the world's trade.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-94" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[95]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The two parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape in that both Peninsularand East Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to hills and mountains.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-4" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] Peninsular Malaysia, containing 40 per cent of Malaysia's land area,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] extends 740 kilometres (460 mi) from north to south, and its maximum width is 322 kilometres (200 mi).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] It is divided between its east and west coasts by the Titiwangsa Mountains,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-96" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[97] part of a series of mountain ranges running down the centre of the peninsula.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] These mountains are heavily forested,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Britannica_97-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[98] and mainly composed of granite and other igneous rocks. Much of it has been eroded, creating a karst landscape.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] The range is the origin of some of Peninsular Malaysia's river systems.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Britannica_97-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[98] The coastal plains surrounding the peninsula reach a maximum width of 50 kilometres (31 mi), and the peninsula's coastline is nearly 1,931 kilometres (1,200 mi) long, although harbours are only available on the western side.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] National Park, Pahang<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, has a coastline of 2,607 kilometres (1,620 mi).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-5" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] It is divided between coastal regions, hills and valleys, and a mountainous interior.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-4" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] The Crocker Range extends northwards from Sarawak,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-5" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] dividing the state of Sabah. It is the location of the 4,095.2 metres (13,436 ft) high Mount Kinabalu,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-98" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[99] the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu is protected as theKinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-99" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[100] The highest mountain ranges form the border between Malaysia and Indonesia. Sarawak contains the Mulu Caves, the largest cave system in the world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-6" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Around these two halves of Malaysia are numerous islands, the largest of which is Banggi.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-100" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[101] The local climate is equatorial and characterised by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] The temperature is moderated by the presence of the surrounding oceans.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-7" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Humidity is usually high, and the average annual rainfall is 250 centimetres (98 in).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] The climates of the Peninsula and the East differ, as the climate on the peninsula is directly affected by wind from the mainland, as opposed to the more maritime weather of the East. Local climates can be divided into three regions, highland, lowland, and coastal. Climate change is likely to affect sea levels and rainfall, increasing flood risks and leading to droughts.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-8" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93]

Biodiversity
Main article: Wildlife of MalaysiaProboscis monkey in Borneo<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia is a megadiverse country with a high number of species and high levels of endemism.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-megadiverse_101-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[102] It is estimated to contain 20 per cent of the world's animal species.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Alexander_102-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[103] High levels of endemism are found on the diverse forests of Borneo's mountains, as species are isolated from each other by lowland forest.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-9" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] There are about 210 mammal species in the country.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Over 620 species of birds have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Alexander_102-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[103] with many endemic to the mountains there. A high number of endemic bird species are also found in Malaysian Borneo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-10" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] 250 reptile species have been recorded in the country, with about 150 species of snakes<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond2007_104-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[105] and 80 species of lizards.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] There are about 150 species of frogs,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] and thousands of insect species.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Malaysia's exclusive economic zone is 1.5 times larger than its land area,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-105" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[106] and some of its waters are in the Coral Triangle, a biodiversity hotspot.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-106" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[107] The waters around Sipadan island are the most biodiverse in the world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Alexander_102-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[103] Bordering East Malaysia, the Sulu Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, with around 600 coral species and 1200 fish species.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gardeners_107-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[108]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">About two thirds of Malaysia is covered in forest,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-4" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] with some forests believed to be 130 million years old.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-4" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] The forests are dominated by dipterocarps.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WWF_108-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[109] Lowland forest occurs below 760 metres (2,493 ft),<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-5" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] and formerly East Malaysia was covered in such rainforest,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WWF_108-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[109] which is supported by its hot wet climate.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-11" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] There are around 14,500 species of flowering plants and trees.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-5" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Besides rainforests, there are over 1,425 square kilometres (550 sq mi) of mangroves in Malaysia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swee-Hock_95-6" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[96] and a large amount of peat forest. At higher altitudes, oaks, chestnuts, and rhododendrons replace dipterocarps.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-12" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] There are an estimated 8,500 species of vascular plants in Peninsular Malaysia, with another 15,000 in the East.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-109" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[110] The forests of East Malaysia are estimated to be the habitat of around 2,000 tree species, and are one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with 240 different species of trees every hectare.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-13" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] These forests host many members of the Rafflesiagenus, the largest flowers in the world,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WWF_108-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[109] with a maximum diameter of 1 metre (3 ft).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-6" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Some species of Rafflesia can grow up to 1 metre (3 ft) in diameter, making them the largest flowers in the world.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Logging, along with cultivation practices has devastated tree cover, causing severe environmental degradation in the country. Over 80 per cent of Sarawak's rainforest has been cleared.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-14" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Floods in East Malaysia have been worsened by the loss of trees, and over 60 per cent of the Peninsular's forest have been cleared.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-7" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] With current rates of deforestation, the forests are predicted to be extinct by 2020.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-15" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Deforestation is a major problem for fauna, as the forest is cut to make room for plantations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Tigers_110-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[111] Most remaining forest is found inside national parks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-8" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Habitat destruction has proved a threat for marine life.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gardeners_107-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[108] Illegal fishing is another major threat,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gardeners_107-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[108] with fishing methods such as dynamite fishing and poisoning depleting marine ecosystems.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Artificial_111-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[112] Leatherback turtle numbers have dropped 98 per cent since the 1950s.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond2007_104-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[105] Hunting has also been an issue for some animals,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-9" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] with overconsumption and the use of animal parts for profit endangering many animals, from marine life<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Gardeners_107-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[108] to tigers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Tigers_110-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[111] Marine life is also detrimentally affected by uncontrolled tourism.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Go_112-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[113]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The Malaysian government aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection, but has been accused of favouring big business over the environment.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-10" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Some state governments are now trying to counter the environmental impact and pollution created by deforestation;<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WWF_108-3" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[109] and the federal government is trying to cut logging by 10 per cent each year. 28 national parks have been established; 23 in East Malaysia and five in the Peninsular.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-11" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] Tourism has been limited in biodiverse areas such as Sipadan island.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Go_112-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[113] Animal trafficking is a large issue, and the Malaysian government is holding talks with the governments of Brunei and Indonesia to standardise anti-trafficking laws.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-113" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[114]

Economy
Main article: Economy of Malaysia<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia is a relatively open state-oriented and newly industrialised market economy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-114" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[115] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-115" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[116] The state plays a significant but declining role in guiding economic activity through macroeconomic plans. Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5 per cent annually from 1957 to 2005.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-14" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] In 2010 the GDP (PPP) was $414,400 billion, the 3rd largest economy in ASEAN and 29th largest in the world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-116" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[117] An oil palm plantation, from which palm oil is extracted.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">In the 1970s, the predominantly mining and agricultural-based economy began a transition towards a more multi-sector economy. Since the 1980s the industrial sector has led Malaysia's growth.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-117" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[118] High levels of investment played a significant role in this.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-15" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] The economy recovered from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis sooner than neighbouring countries, and has since recovered to the levels of the pre-crisis era with a GDP per capita of $14,800.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Globalization_118-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[119] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Principles_119-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[120] Inequalities exist between different ethnic groups. The Chinese make up about one-third of the population but accounts for 70 per cent of the country's market capitalisation.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-120" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[121]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">International trade, facilitated by the adjacent Strait of Malacca shipping route, and manufacturing are key sectors of the country's economy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-121" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[122] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-122" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[123] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-123" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[124] Malaysia is an exporter of natural and agricultural resources, the most valuable exported resource being petroleum.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-16" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] At one time, it was the largest producer of tin,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-124" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[125] rubber and palm oil in the world. Manufacturing has a large influence in the country's economy,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-125" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[126] although Malaysia’s economic structure has been moving away from it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WPRO_126-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[127] Malaysia remains one of the world's largest producers of palm oil.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-127" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[128]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">In an effort to diversify the economy and make it less dependent on exported goods, the government has pushed to increase tourism to Malaysia. As a result, tourism has become Malaysia’s third largest source of income from foreign exchange, although it is threatened by the negative effects of the growing industrial economy, with large amounts of air and water pollution along with deforestation affecting tourism.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-128" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[129] The country has developed into a centre of Islamic banking, and is the country with the highest numbers of female workers in that industry.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-iht001_129-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[130] Knowledge-based services are also expanding.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WPRO_126-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[127]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Science policies in Malaysia are regulated by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of semiconductor devices, electrical goods, and information and communication technology products.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-17" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] Malaysia began developing its own space programme in 2002,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-130" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[131] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-131" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[132] and in 2006 Russia agreed to transport one Malaysian to the International Space Station as part of a multi-billion dollar purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets by the Royal Malaysian Air Force.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-132" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[133] In an effort to create a self-reliant defensive ability and support national development, Malaysia privatised some of its military facilities in the 1970s. This has created a defence industry, which in 1999 was brought under the Malaysia Defence Industry Council. The government continues to promote this sector and its competitiveness, actively marketing the defence industry.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Globalsecurity_133-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[134]

Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Malaysia<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">As of the 2010 census, the population of Malaysia was 28,334,135,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Population_1_6-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[7] making it the 43rd most populated country. The population of Malaysia consists of many ethnic groups.Malays make up 50.4 per cent of the population, while other bumiputra make up another 11 per cent.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-6" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] According to constitutional definition, Malays are Muslims who practice Malay customs and culture. They play a dominant role politically. Bumiputra status is also accorded to certain non-Malay indigenous peoples, including ethnic Thais, Khmers,Chams and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. Non-Malay bumiputra make up more than half of Sarawak's population and over two thirds of Sabah's population.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-7" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] There also existaboriginal groups in much smaller numbers on the peninsula, where they are collectively known as the Orang Asli.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-134" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[135] Laws over who gets bumiputra status vary between states.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-135" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[136] Population density (person per Km<sup style="line-height: 1em">2 )<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Other minorities who lack bumiputra status make up a large amount of the population. 23.7 per cent of the population are of Chinese descent, while those of Indian descent comprise 7.1 per cent of the population.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-8" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] The Chinese have historically been dominant in the business and commerce community, and form a plurality of the population of Penang. Indians began migrating to Malaysia in the early 19th century.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-136" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[137] The majority of the Indian community are Tamils.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Barbara_137-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[138]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysian citizenship is not automatically granted to those born in Malaysia, but is granted to a child born of two Malaysian parents outside Malaysia. Dual citizenship is not permitted.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-138" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[139] Citizenship in the states of Sabah andSarawak in Malaysian Borneo are distinct from citizenship in Peninsular Malaysia for immigration purposes. Every citizen is issued a biometric smart chip identity card known as MyKad at the age of 12, and must carry the card at all times.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-139" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[140]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The education system features a non-compulsory kindergarten education followed by six years of compulsory primary education, and five years of optional secondary education.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-140" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[141] Schools in the primary education system are divided into two categories: national primary schools, which teach in Malay, and vernacular schools, which teach in Chinese or Tamil.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-141" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[142] Secondary education is conducted for five years. In the final year of secondary education, students sit for the Malaysian Certificate of Education examination.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-142" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[143] Since the introduction of the matriculation programme in 1999, students who completed the 12-month programme in matriculation colleges can enroll in local universities. However, in the matriculation system, only 10 per cent of places are open to non-bumiputra students.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-143" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[144]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The infant mortality rate in 2009 was 6 deaths per 1000 births, and life expectancy at birth in 2009 was 75 years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-144" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[145] With the aim of developing Malaysia into a medical tourism destination, 5 per cent of the government social sector development budget is spent on health care.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-145" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[146] The population in concentrated on Peninsular Malaysia<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-146" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[147] where 20 million of approximately 28 million Malaysians live.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-state.gov_2-18" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[3] 70 per cent of the population is urban.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-9" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] Kuala Lumpur is the capital<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-10" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] and the largest city in Malaysia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-147" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[148] as well as its main commercial and financial centre.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-148" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[149] Putrajaya, a purpose-built city constructed from 1999, is the seat of government,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-149" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[150] as many executive and judicial branches of the federal government were moved there to ease growing congestion within Kuala Lumpur.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-150" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[151]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Due to the rise in labour intensive industries,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-151" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[152] the country is estimated to have over 3 million migrant workers; about 10 per cent of the population.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-152" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[153] Sabah-based NGOs estimate that out of the 3 million that make up the population of Sabah, 2 million are illegal immigrants.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-153" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[154] Malaysia hosts a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 171,500. Of this population, approximately 79,000 are from Burma, 72,400 from the Philippines, and 17,700 from Indonesia. Malaysian officials are reported to have turned deportees directly over to human smugglers in 2007, and Malaysia employs RELA, a volunteer militia with a history of controversies, to enforce its immigration law.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-154" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[155]

Religion
Main article: Religion in MalaysiaKampung Laut Mosque in Kota Bharu is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, dating to early 18th century.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The Malaysian constitution guarantees freedom of religion while making Islam the state religion.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MSU_157-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[158] According to the Population and Housing Census 2010 figures, ethnicity and religious beliefs correlate highly. Approximately 61.3% of the population practice Islam, 19.8% practice Buddhism, 9.2% Christianity, 6.3% Hinduism and 1.3% practice Confucianism, Taoism and other traditional Chinese religions.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Population_158-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[159] 0.7% declared no religion and the remaining 1.4% practised other religions or did not provide any information.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Population_158-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[159]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">All ethnic Malays are considered Muslim by law of the Constitution.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MSU_157-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[158] Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 83.6% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhist, with significant numbers of adherents following Taoism (3.4%) and Christianity (11.1%), along with small Hui-Muslim populations in areas like Penang. The majority of the Indian population follow Hinduism (86.2%), with a significant minority identifying as Christians (6.0%) or Muslims (4.1%). Christianity is the predominant religion of the non-Malay bumiputracommunity (46.5%) with an additional 40.4% identifying as Muslims.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Population_158-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[159]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Muslims are obliged to follow the decisions of Syariah courts in matters concerning their religion. The Islamic judges are expected to follow the Shafi`i legal school of Islam, which is the main madh'hab of Malaysia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-159" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[160] The jurisdiction of Shariah courts is limited to Muslims in matters such as marriage, inheritance, divorce, apostasy, religious conversion, and custody among others. No other criminal or civil offences are under the jurisdiction of the Shariah courts, which have a similar hierarchy to the Civil Courts. Despite being the supreme courts of the land, the Civil Courts do not hear matters related to Islamic practices.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-160" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[161]

Language
Main article: Languages of Malaysia<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-11" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] a standardised form of the Malay language.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-161" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[162] Historically English was the de facto administrative language, with Malay becoming predominant after the 1969 race riots.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-History_162-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[163] English remains an active second language, and serves as the medium of instruction for maths and sciences in all public schools.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-163" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[164] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-164" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[165] Malaysian English, also known as Malaysian Standard English, is a form of English derived from British English. Malaysian English is widely used in business, along with Manglish, which is a colloquial form of English with heavy Malay, Chinese, and Tamil influences. The government discourages the misuse of Malay and has instituted fines for public signs that mix Malay and English.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-165" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[166] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-166" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[167]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Many other languages are used in Malaysia, which contains speakers of 137 living languages.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-167" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[168] Peninsular Malaysia contains speakers of 41 of these languages.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-168" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[169] The native tribes of East Malaysia have their own languages which are related to, but easily distinguishable from, Malay. Iban is the main tribal language in Sarawak while Dusunic languagesare spoken by the natives in Sabah.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-169" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[170] Chinese Malaysians predominately speak Chinese dialects from the southern provinces of China. The more common dialects in the country are Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese, and Fuzhou. Tamil is used predominantly by Tamils, who form a majority of Malaysian Indians. Other south Asian languages are also widely spoken in Malaysia, as well as Thai<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-12" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] A small number of Malaysians have Caucasian ancestry and speak creole languages, such as the Portuguese basedMalaccan Creoles,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-170" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[171] and the Spanish based Chavacano language.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-171" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[172]

Culture
Main article: Culture of MalaysiaA cook making murtabak, a type of pancake mixed with eggs, small pieces of meat and onions, in Kuala Lumpur.Char Kuey Teow made by frying flat noodles with fish cakes, cockles and bean sprouts is a popular dish in Malaysia.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia has a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual society. The original culture of the area stemmed from indigenous tribes that inhabited it, along with the Malays who later moved there. Substantial influence exists from Chinese and Indian culture, dating back to when foreign trade began. Other cultural influences include the Persian, Arabic, and British cultures. Due to the structure of the government, coupled with the social contract theory, there has been minimal cultural assimilation of ethnic minorities.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-172" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[173]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Papers_173-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[174] It also promoted the Malay language above others.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Cinema_174-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[175] This government intervention into culture has caused resentment among non-Malays who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an undemocratic culture policy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Papers_173-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[174]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Some cultural disputes exist between Malaysia and neighbouring countries, notably Indonesia. The two countries have a similar cultural heritage, sharing many traditions and items. However, disputes have arisen over things ranging from culinary dishes to Malaysia's national anthem. Strong feelings exist in Indonesia about protecting their national heritage.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AsiaTimes_175-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[176] The Malaysian government and the Indonesian government have met to defuse some of the tensions resulting from the overlaps in culture.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-176" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[177] Feelings are not as strong in Malaysia, where most recognise that many cultural values are shared.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-AsiaTimes_175-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[176]

Fine arts
See also: Music of Malaysia and Malaysian literature<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Traditional Malaysian art was mainly centred around the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-177" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[178] Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. Common artworks included ornamental kris, beetle nut sets, and woven batik andsongket fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-16" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Each ethnic group have distinct performing arts, with little overlap between them. However, Malay art does show some North Indian influence due to the historical influence of India.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Garland_178-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[179] Malaysian batik is usually patterned with floral motifs with light colouring.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Traditional Malay music and performing arts appear to have originated in the Kelantan-Pattaniregion with influences from India, China, Thailand and Indonesia. The music is based around percussion instruments,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Garland_178-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[179] the most important of which is the gendang (drum). There are at least 14 types of traditional drums.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Asiapac_179-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[180] Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from natural materials.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Asiapac_179-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[180] Music is traditionally used for storytelling, celebrating life-cycle events, and occasions such as a harvest.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Garland_178-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[179] It was once used as a form of long-distance communication.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Asiapac_179-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[180] In East Malaysia, gong-based musical ensembles such as agung and kulintang are commonly used in ceremonies such as funerals and weddings.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Matusky_180-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[181] These ensembles are also common in neighbouring regions such as in the southern Philippines, Kalimantan in Indonesia, and Brunei.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Matusky_180-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[181]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues today. Each of the Malay Sultanates created their own literary tradition, influenced by pre-existing oral stories and by the stories that came with Islam.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-EncyclopediaMy_181-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[182] The first Malay literature was in the Arabic script. The earliest known Malay writing is on the Terengganu stone, made in 1303.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-17" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Chinese and Indian literature became common as the numbers of speakers increased in Malaysia, and locally produced works based in languages from those areas began to be produced in the 19th century.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-EncyclopediaMy_181-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[182] English has also become a common literary language.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-18" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] In 1971, the government took the step of defining the literature of different languages. Literature written in Malay was called "the national literature of Malaysia", literature in other bumiputra languages was called "regional literature", while literature in other languages was called "sectional literature".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Cinema_174-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[175] Malay poetry is highly developed, and uses many forms. The Hikayat form is popular, and the pantun has spread from Malay to other languages.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-EncyclopediaMy_181-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[182]

Cuisine
Main article: Malaysian cuisine(clockwise from bottom left): beef soup, nasi impit (compressed rice cubes), beef rendang and sayur lodeh<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia's cuisine reflects the multi-ethnic makeup of its population.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Eckhardt_182-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[183] Many cultures from within the country and from surrounding regions have greatly influenced the cuisine. Much of the influence comes from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cultures,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-19" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] largely due to the country being part of the ancient spice route.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Independent_183-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[184] The cuisine is very similar to that of Singapore and Brunei,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-12" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] and also bears resemblance to Filipino cuisine.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-20" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] The different states have varied dishes,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-13" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] and often the food in Malaysia is different from the original dishes.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Barbara_137-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[138]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Sometimes food not found in its original culture is assimilated into another; for example, Chinese restaurants in Malaysia often serve Malay dishes.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-184" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[185] Food from one culture is sometimes also cooked using styles taken from another culture,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Richmond_103-14" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[104] This means that although much of Malaysian food can be traced back to a certain culture, they have their own identity.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Independent_183-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[184] Rice is popular in many dishes. Chili is commonly found in local cuisine, although this does not necessarily make them spicy.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Eckhardt_182-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[183]

Holidays and festivals
Main article: Public holidays in MalaysiaSoutheast Asia's largest temple —Kek Lok Si in Penang — illuminated in preparation for the Lunar New Year.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysians observe a number of holidays and festivities throughout the year. Some are federally gazetted public holidays and some are observed by individual states. Other festivals are observed by particular ethnic or religion groups, and the main holiday of each major group has been declared a public holiday. The most observed national holiday is Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) on 31 August, commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-21" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Malaysia Day on 16 September commemorates federation in 1963.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-185" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[186] Other notable national holidays are Labour Day (1 May) and the King's birthday (first week of June).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-22" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Muslim holidays are prominent as Islam is the state religion; Hari Raya Puasa (also called Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Malay for Eid al-Fitr), Hari Raya Haji (also called Hari Raya Aidiladha, the translation of Eid ul-Adha), Maulidur Rasul (birthday of the Prophet), and others being observed.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Marshall_92-23" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[93] Malaysian Chinese celebrate festivals such as Chinese New Year and others relating to traditional Chinese beliefs. Hindus in Malaysia celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MSU_157-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[158] while Thaipusam is a religious rite which sees pilgrims from all over the country converge at the Batu Caves.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-186" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[187] Malaysia's Christian community celebrates most of the holidays observed by Christians elsewhere, most notably Christmas and Easter. East Malaysians also celebrate a harvest festival known as Gawai.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-187" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[188] Despite most festivals being identified with a particular ethnic or religious group, celebrations are universal. In a custom known as "open house" Malaysians participate in the celebrations of others, often visiting the houses of those who identify with the festival.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MIDA_188-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[189]

Sports
Main article: Sport in MalaysiaMalaysia Formula One track, the Sepang International Circuit.<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Popular sports in Malaysia include soccer, badminton, field hockey, bowls, tennis, squash, martial arts, horse riding, sailing, and skate boarding.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MIDA_188-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[189] Badminton matches attract thousands of spectators, and since 1948 Malaysia has been one of three countries to hold theThomas Cup.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-189" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[190] The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation was registered in 1997.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-190" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[191] Squash was brought to the country by members of the British army, with the first competition being held in 1939. The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia was created on 25 June 1972.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-191" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[192] Malaysia has proposed a Southeast Asian football league.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-192" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[193] The men's national field hockey team ranked 15th in the world as of August 2010.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-193" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[194] The 3rd Hockey World Cup was hosted at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the 10th cup.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-194" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[195] The country also has its own Formula One track–the Sepang International Circuit. It runs for 310.408 kilometres (192.88 mi), and held its firstGrand Prix in 1999.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-195" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[196]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The Federation of Malaya Olympic Council was formed in 1953, and received recognition by the IOC in 1954. It first participated in the1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. The council was renamed the Olympic Council of Malaysia in 1964, and has participated in all but one Olympic games since its inception. The largest number of athletes ever sent to the Olympics was 57 to the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-196" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[197] Malaysian athletes have won a total of four Olympic medals, all of which are in badminton.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-197" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[198] The country has competed at the Commonwealth Games since 1950 as Malaya, and 1966 as Malaysia, and the games were hosted in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-198" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[199] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-199" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[200] Two styles of martial arts are being practiced in Malaysia; Silat and Malaysian kickboxing, called Tomoi.

Media
Main article: Media of Malaysia<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia's main newspapers are owned by the government and political parties in the ruling coalition,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-200" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[201] although some major opposition parties also have their own.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-BBC_201-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[202] A divide exists between the media in the two halves of the country. Peninsular-based media gives low priority to news from the East, and often treats the eastern states as colonies of the Peninsula.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Mirror_202-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[203] The media has been blamed for increasing tension between Indonesia and Malaysia, and giving Malaysians a bad image of Indonesians.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-203" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[204] The country has Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil dailies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Mirror_202-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[203]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">There is very little freedom of the press, leading to very little government accountability.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-204" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[205] The government has previously tried to crack down on opposition papers before elections.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-BBC_201-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[202] In 2007, a government agency issued a directive to all private television and radio stations to refrain from broadcasting speeches made by opposition leaders,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-205" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[206] a move condemned by politicians from the opposition Democratic Action Party.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-206" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[207] Sabah, where all tabloids but one are independent of government control, has the freest press in Malaysia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Mirror_202-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[203] Laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act have also been cited as curtailing freedom of expression.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-McAdams_207-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[208]

Infrastructure
See also: Transport in Malaysia and Energy policy of MalaysiaThe North-South Expressway<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">The infrastructure of Malaysia is one of the most developed in Asia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MIDAweb_208-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[209] Its telecommunications network is second only to Singapore's in Southeast Asia, with 4.7 million fixed-line subscribers and more than 30 million cellular subscribers.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Tele_209-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[210] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-210" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[211] The country has seven international ports, the major one being the Port Klang. There are 200 industrial parks along with specialised parks such as Technology Park Malaysia and Kulim Hi-Tech Park.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MIDA_188-2" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[189] Fresh water is available to over 95 per cent of the population. During the colonial period, development was mainly concentrated in economically powerful cities and in areas forming security concerns. Although rural areas have been the focus of great development, they still lag behind areas such as the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-211" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[212] The telecommunication network, although strong in urban areas, is less available to the rural population.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Tele_209-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[210]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Malaysia's road network covers 98,721 kilometres (61,342 mi) and includes 1,821 kilometres (1,132 mi) of expressways.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-13" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] The longest highway of the country, the North-South Expressway, extends over 800 kilometres (497 mi) between the Thai border and Singapore. The road systems in East Malaysia are less developed and of lower quality in comparison to that of Peninsular Malaysia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-212" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[213] Malaysia has 118 airports, of which 38 are paved. The country's official airline is Malaysia Airlines, providing international and domestic air service alongside two other carriers. The railway system is state-run, and covers a total of 1,849 kilometres (1,149 mi).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-CIA_Fact_Book_1-14" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[2] Relatively inexpensive elevated Light Rail Transit systems are used in some cities, such as Kuala Lumpur.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-213" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[214] The Asean Rail Express is a railway service that connects Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok, and is intended to eventually stretch from Singapore to China.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-MIDAweb_208-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[209]

<p style="line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.4em 0px 0.5em">Traditionally, energy production in Malaysia has been based on oil and natural gas.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Unimap_214-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[215] The country has 13 GW of electrical generation capacity.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GENI_215-0" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[216] However, the country only has 33 years of natural gas reserves, and 19 years of oil reserves, while the demand for energy is increasing. In response, the government is expanding into renewable energy sources.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Unimap_214-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[215] Sixteen per cent of electricity generation is hydroelectric, the remaining 84 per cent being thermal.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-GENI_215-1" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[216] The oil and gas industry is dominated by state ownedPetronas,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-216" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[217] and the energy sector as a whole is regulated by the Energy Commission of Malaysia, a statutory commission that governs the energy in the peninsula and Sabah, under the terms of the Electricity Commission Act of 2001.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-217" style="line-height: 1em; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal">[218]