Malaysia (Federation)
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| Malaysia (Federation) | |
|---|---|
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| Conventional long name | Federation of Malaysia |
| Common name | Malaysia |
| Capital | Kuala Lumpur |
| Largest city | Kuala Lumpur |
| Official languages | Malay |
| Government type | Federal constitutional monarchy |
| Monarch | Yang di-Pertuan Agong |
| Head of government | Prime Minister |
| Legislature | Parliament of Malaysia |
| Formation date | 16 September 1963 |
| Area km2 | 330803 |
| Population estimate | 33,000,000 |
| Currency | Malaysian ringgit |
| Calling code | +60 |
Malaysia (Federation) Malaysia is a Southeast Asian federation on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, comprising states and federal territories with a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary parliament. It is a member of ASEAN, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations and has a diverse population drawn from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups such as the Iban people and Kadazan-Dusun.
Etymology and Name
The name "Malaysia" derives from Sanskrit roots and the 19th-century use by authors such as James Richardson Logan and G. Maspero referencing the Malay world and Peninsular Malaysia, later formalized in proposals by leaders like Tunku Abdul Rahman and endorsed during negotiations with British officials and the United Nations prior to federation formation. Colonial-era entities including the Straits Settlements, Federated Malay States, and Unfederated Malay States influenced the modern nomenclature adopted at the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
History
Prehistory and early kingdoms saw maritime polities such as Srivijaya and Majapahit interact with traders from Tang dynasty, Song dynasty, and Chola dynasty India; later Islamic sultanates like Malacca Sultanate played central roles in regional trade and the spread of Islam tied to figures such as Parameswara. European intervention began with Portuguese Malacca and continued through VOC activity and the British Empire establishing control via the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, creating the Straits Settlements and eliciting resistance from rulers like Sultan Mahmud Shah. The 19th–20th centuries featured modernization under officials such as Sir Stamford Raffles and consolidation into colonial units like the Federated Malay States and the Unfederated Malay States; World War II saw occupation by the Empire of Japan and campaigns including the Malayan Campaign leading to postwar movements including the Malayan Union proposal, opposition by UMNO leaders, and the Malayan Emergency insurgency. Independence was achieved with the Federation of Malaya in 1957 under Tunku Abdul Rahman, expanded to the present federation via the Malaysia Agreement 1963 with North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore (which later left in 1965). Subsequent events include the 1969 riots, the New Economic Policy, industrialization under leaders like Mahathir Mohamad, and political developments around figures such as Anwar Ibrahim and parties including Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.
Geography and Environment
Malaysia spans peninsular terrain featuring the Titiwangsa Mountains and coastal plains, and Borneo territories with the Crocker Range and rainforests of Sarawak and Sabah; notable sites include Mount Kinabalu and the Kinabatangan River. Malaysia's environment encompasses tropical ecosystems with biodiversity hotspots linked to species such as the Bornean orangutan, Malayan tiger, and coral reefs in regions like the South China Sea and Coral Triangle. Environmental challenges involve deforestation for palm oil plantations, land conversion in areas like Kalimantan and Sumatra (affecting peat swamp), transboundary haze associated with slash-and-burn practices, and conservation efforts at places like Taman Negara and Gunung Mulu National Park.
Government and Politics
Malaysia's federal constitutional monarchy rotates the Yang di-Pertuan Agong among nine hereditary sultans from states including Johor, Pahang, and Perak; executive power rests with the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the Cabinet of Malaysia, while legislation is enacted by the Parliament of Malaysia comprising the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. Political history features coalitions such as Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan, landmark events like the Operation Lalang clampdown, judicial episodes including the Sodomy II trial of Anwar Ibrahim, and institutional reforms initiated after events like the 1MDB scandal implicating actors linked to Najib Razak. Federal-state relations involve interactions with state rulers, legislative lists in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, and autonomy provisions for Sabah and Sarawak codified in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Economy and Infrastructure
Malaysia evolved from primary exports like tin and rubber under companies such as the British East India Company to diversified industry led by electronics manufacturing in zones including Penang and Johor Bahru, petroleum extraction by Petronas, and services centered in Kuala Lumpur with landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers. Transport infrastructure includes the KTM rail network, the North–South Expressway, airports like KLIA, and ports such as Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas. Economic policy frameworks include New Economic Policy and Vision 2020 initiatives from leaders like Mahathir Mohamad, fiscal institutions such as the Bank Negara Malaysia, and trade relationships with partners like China, United States, Japan, and members of ASEAN.
Demographics and Society
Malaysia's population reflects ethnic groups including Malay, Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indian communities, and indigenous groups such as the Orang Asli, Iban people, and Kadazan-Dusun; major religious affiliations encompass Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Urbanization is concentrated in conurbations like the Klang Valley and George Town, Penang, with education institutions including University of Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and medical centers like University of Malaya Medical Centre shaping human capital. Social policy debates involve affirmative action programs rooted in the New Economic Policy, language policy tied to Bahasa Melayu and vernacular schools like SJK(C) and SJK(T), and civil society actors such as BERSIH and human rights NGOs addressing issues including electoral reform and migrant worker rights.
Culture and Identity
Malaysian culture synthesizes Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indigenous, and colonial influences evident in cuisine like nasi lemak, laksa, and roti canai, festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, and artistic expressions including wayang kulit, mak yong, and contemporary writers like Tash Aw. Heritage sites such as George Town, Penang and Melaka reflect Straits Settlements history and are recognized for multicultural urban fabric; Malaysia's popular culture includes film and music industries with artists and filmmakers participating in regional circuits including Asean Film Festival and events like Rainforest World Music Festival. Identity debates engage constitutional provisions like Article 153, cultural institutions such as National Culture Policy, and public symbols including the Jalur Gemilang flag and Negaraku.
Category:Countries in Asia