Malaysian

Malaysian is the demonym for people from Malaysia and an adjective relating to the country’s people, culture, or institutions. A Malaysian person may be of any ethnic background, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous groups, reflecting the country’s multiracial society. Citizenship and residency are governed by the Constitution and related laws, and the term is commonly used to describe both citizens and residents in everyday language.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. It comprises thirteen states and three federal territories, located in Southeast Asia. The federal capital is Kuala Lumpur, with Putrajaya serving as the administrative center. The federation was formed in 1963, when Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak joined; Singapore left in 1965. The official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), while English is widely used in business, education, and daily communication. Other languages, including Mandarin and Tamil, are important within respective communities.

Religious and cultural diversity characterize Malaysian society. Islam is the state religion of the federation, but freedom of religion is protected, and sizeable communities practice Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs. Malaysian culture incorporates Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, expressed in festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, as well as in cuisine, music, and the arts.

In international contexts, Malaysian describes the nationality of people, as well as governance, law, and cultural heritage associated with Malaysia. The term emphasizes a national identity that encompasses a broad range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.