Category : Youth Essay Title : MALAYSIA : THE OCEAN OF CULTURE Your Name : SURIARAJ KRISHNAN A/L RAJA SEGARAN

Address : NO 7, TAMAN PANTAI INDAH, 26800 KUALA ROMPIN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR, MALAYSIA Phone Number : 014-8319968 E-Mail : suriaraj001@gmail.com Nationality : MALAYSIAN Age:16 Gender : MALE School Name : SMK TANJUNG GEMOK Word Count : 693

MALAYSIA : THE OCEAN OF CULTURE

Malaysians embrace their diversity and co-exist in peace and harmony as culture for them is not only an integrated system of learned behaviour petterns but is the way of living. Whenever Malaysia is voiced, it is often described as a melting point of different races, religions and culture, the population consists of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and scores of tribal communities. The only words that strike your mind when you think of Malaysia is the integrity of a multi-ethnic society the integration of many culture of different races form the unexampled Malaysian culture. Hence, the culture evolved by our forefathers will be practise by adolescent because it is the building blocks of cohesive unity for a better future. First and foremost, I take pride of the musical part of Malaysia was born out of necessity. In order to live comfortably in an age without phones and satellites, musical instruments such as the rebana were used as essential tools of communication. In the modern era, the traditional Malay Music has an overwhelming number of enthusiast from all range of races in Malaysia. Dikir Barat is frequently found in formal occasion where traditional songs are performed. Being an Indian student who loves music, I also fancy the rythemic Dikir Barat songs. The traditional songs are modernised by the younger generation to suit this era. Besides, Malaysian youths who are very creative and artistic have the potential to improve and become very famous as PSY. Moreover I am also so grateful to be a Malaysian as better future will be created by music through many years of evolution. Secondly, the typical Malaysian lifestyle is unique too. However, there are personal disagreements between parents and children from time to time, but nobody seriously doubts that the elders blessing, which is formalized, is necessary for congratulatory formula. Malay boys and girls kiss their parents hands and beg forgiveness on Hari Raya, the end of Ramadan. Being a Malaysian, I am proud that, in the world where disrespect and dishonesty becomes the atmosphere of a family, there are the Malaysian youngsters who love and respect their parents who have sacrificed so much for them. However, it never fails to astonish Malaysian when foreign friends casually admit that they do not know all their own second cousins. All Malaysian certainly does and he knows what to call then; elder cousin, younger cousin, eldest aunt and youngest uncle. Names are not much used within the family context and everybody has a status name. These practice will surely strengthen the family bond more closer even in the most hardest time and always making memorable memories to cherish because, as the saying goes, Blood Is Thicker Than Water. When mixing around, these youngsters will be more caring and loving. Thirdly, each race has certain of its own traditions and we Malaysians respect their customs when we were involved in their special ceremony since someone has rightly said, When In Rome, Do What Romans Do. So, we always adhere to others customs and in fact, it is the part of our conduct. First Impression Is The Last Impression, is the phrase that

every Malaysians follows. We always greet anyone who passes us by smiling and noding the head. Moreover, the non-muslims greets the muslims by doing the Salam that requires fingers of our right hand to gently touch the heart. Every Malaysian is willing to show their consideration and appreciation of the customs of other ethnics. We never stereotype people and never go along with prejudices and racist attitudes. The youngsters are tolerant and familiar with friends of other races. In a nutshell, it is clear that culture shapes the society into what it is today. The Malaysian youngsters are not oblivious about the cultures importance but had , in fact, made some improvement both intuitively and brilliantly. Furthermore, these youngsters had proven that they can lead a better future with their assimilated culture. I hope that youngsters worldwide could think out of the box as Malaysian and try to preserve their unique yet admirable culture. Gratified to say, I am proud to be a Malaysian! (693 words)