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Malaysia, my identity

Selamat Datang…

I am a Malaysian. A proud Malaysian. My family background is quite unique. My great-grandparents, both from dad and mom are migrants from India. They traveled to Malaysia during the British invasion. And from there on, our family tree grew and our identity stamped forever, as a Malaysian. But does my family and I consider ourselves Indian in any way? You would soon find out. Let’s keep some unfold mystery’s for later shall we? πŸ™‚

Growing up, I’ve faced difficulties in identifying myself only as an Indian. The atmosphere and society we were brought up in was and is still uniquely diversified. Thankfully, we were very ethically and culturally drilled since birth. Mom has taught us all about being Indian, by virtue and mannerisms in respecting elders, recognizing the importance of prayers, festivals, maintaining close-knit relationships with our loved ones etc. I guess I can relate my being Indian from my mom and her virtues instilled in me πŸ™‚ Oh… looks like the mystery(s) promised earlier, is no longer a mystery πŸ˜€ I know, I know.. My poor attempt at joke ! Well, you can’t blame me for not trying πŸ˜‰

Anyways, back to the topic of my post. Anshul once suggested me to write more post on Malaysia. I shall begin with a little Malaysian history and background.

)

Malaysia, Truly Asia πŸ™‚

Malaysia has come a long way since the British colonization and Japanese invasion from late 18th century. Since gaining independence on August 31st 1957, population currently stands at 25 million. Malaysia is separated by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular and Borneo. It is divided into 13 states and 3 federal territories. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, which is known as “Wilayah Persekutuan” in Malay language (as in, our national mother-tongue). Our neighboring countries are Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Philippines. Putrajaya is the city that seats the government who constitutes the federal constituency, elective monarchy and parliamentary democracy – quite a mouthful of constituencies πŸ˜‰Β  The head of state is our ruler, the King. Whereas, the government is headed by a Prime Minister.

Enough of politics, let’s shift the gear into economics & tourism. Malaysia is the largest producer of rubber, palm oil and tin. Apart from controlling the Straits of Malacca port for international trade, manufacturing industry has always been one of the major influences in the economical growth of Malaysia for many years now. However, the GDP growth % have been steadily declining since 2005, which I believe is not surprising at all with the current world economical turmoil. Let’s talk about tourism. There are many incredibly beautiful and breath-taking locations to visit in Malaysia. For example:

Serene and breath-taking!

Serene and breath-taking!

Blissful

Blissful

…and many other attractions namely Genting Highlands, Redang Island, beautiful rain forest preserves and religious landmarks namely, Batu Caves. I could go on and on, but let’s not utilize the image uploading capacity just for this 1 post! πŸ˜‰ What the heck, I can’t resist! Let’s go absurdly gaga for more pictures πŸ˜€

Rainforest adventure!

Rainforest adventure!

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Peace and devotion πŸ™‚

The architecture achievements are profound. Whether modern of traditional, each architecture is maintained and preserved with Malaysian flair and history added to it. Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) and KL Tower is one of many beautiful, modern and prestige architectural display in the heart of our city center. Standing majestic and tall, proudly symbolizing the utmost achievements of Malaysians, and a promise for more to come. Malacca is a historical state that once housed the majority of British colonization. There are still vivid memories lingering in the air that constantly reminds us of our histories.

Stardust...

Stardust...

Historical State of Malacca

Historical State of Malacca

Malaysia’s culture is rich in many facets. I am so lucky that I have many friends from different ethnicity and diverse background. We are all blessed by observing each others ways of life, upbringing and indulging in many religious happy celebrations. Oh, how I miss all those public holiday’s πŸ™‚ Malaysian’s consist of major ethnicity’s such as Malays, Chinese, Sikh, and Tamil. Some of us grew up together, went to school, played, laughed, smiled, cried and work – yes, together!

I believe the motto that truly reflects our bond as one proud nation and it’s people is: ME and U equals WE, whether as a Malaysian or an Indian. I am proud.

Malaysia is also a shopper and food fanatic haven. Spicy, sweet, savory, tart, salty, sour – apart from local delicacies, one happily indulges in variety of food influences from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore etc. What’s my favorite food? Let’s keep you folks guessing and the answer might be revealed in another post. To all foodie’s out there, here are some pictures to drool on πŸ˜‰ Please do not make a mess. I repeat, no mess please !

Yummylicious!

Yummylicious!

If you are done drooling over the pictures, I shall continue.. ahem..

Industries that offers array’s of household, electronics and personal items at reasonable prices are mushrooming from time to time due to steady demand by tourist. Though I must say, the best of IT bargains can still be found in US! Sigh! That reminds me, I might need a new gadget soon *day-dreaming*.. Oopps! I am going out of topic. Rewind, rewind … Now then, you must be wondering about the climate. The peak of monsoon season usually begins from October to February, and it’s tropical throughout the rest of the months. Plan your visit’s accordingly please. Do not worry, I am not getting paid by enthusiastically encouraging the tourism industry here. However, I shall not refuse one if you insist to contribute πŸ˜€

This is me, myself and Malaysia.

Terima Kasih, Jumpa Lagi

{ 17 comments }

1 sulz December 6, 2008 at 7:25 PM

i love this post, i’m going to plug it in my blog!

me: Thank you for plugging C h a t t e r B o x on your blog roll. Is it also plugged to your feed reader? πŸ˜‰

2 Nikhil December 6, 2008 at 9:15 PM

Ah nice, you make me jealous! πŸ˜€
If I decide to come there sometime in the future, I hope you’ll show me around!

me: The hospitality management would be extended to all Malaysians if you decide to come for a visit. I am currently located in Florida, USA πŸ˜€ But sure, if you are visiting Malaysia the same time we are, would be very happy to show you around !

3 Tyris December 7, 2008 at 1:39 AM

good post. loved it!

anyways, how different is wordpress compared to blogspot?

me: Welcome to C h a t t e r B o x Tyris. Glad you loved the post. Please proceed to my comment below for my answer to your query. Do return for more Chat’s!

4 Aathira December 7, 2008 at 2:09 AM

I think this new blog is looking so so nice. Though I would love to know why you decided to move to WP?

I have been to Malaysia, missed out on Malacca, and I totally regret that. I want to go back and let me say, I loved the country. It has so much life and so much to do, its just amazing.

me: Thank you so much for all the compliments Aathira. Glad you enjoyed your visit to Malaysia. Do inform us if you have any plans to re-visit and I would definitely suggest some must-see locations. I am planning for a visit some time mid Feb 2009. Can’t wait! πŸ™‚ Please proceed to my comment below for my answer to your query.

5 vishesh December 7, 2008 at 2:22 AM

nice post πŸ™‚ Should visit one day πŸ™‚

me: Welcome, and Thank you for visiting C h a t t e r B o x. I am glad you enjoyed reading this post and the thought of visiting Malaysia some day. Do return for more Chat’s πŸ™‚

6 Dinesh Babu December 8, 2008 at 4:41 PM

This is very nice info on Malaysia. Loved the post and the pictures!

me: Thanks Dinesh, truly motivating to read all comments. Challenges me to blog effectively πŸ™‚

7 Priyank December 9, 2008 at 3:58 AM

Great summary post! Pictures speak for themselves. As you use it more, you’ll find lovelier features of wordpress πŸ™‚
cheers, Priyank

me: Welcome, and Thank You Priyank for visiting C h a t t e r B o x! Wordpress is truly breath-taking. The features are amazing. No regrets of joining, that’s for sure! Do visit us again.

8 rambodoc December 9, 2008 at 4:48 AM

Very colorful and picturesque, just like Malaysia. Happy blogging!

me: Welcome, and Thank You Rambodoc for visiting C h a t t e r B o x! Comments from blog friends are very encouraging, and motivates me to blog efficiently πŸ™‚ Do visit us again.

9 Poonam Sharma December 9, 2008 at 5:47 AM

I came here from sulz’s blog. This has been a very informative post with breathtaking pictures. πŸ™‚

me: Welcome, and Thank You Poonam for visiting C h a t t e r B o x! Glad you enjoyed the post, do visit us again πŸ™‚

10 Rinchen December 9, 2008 at 9:02 PM

I became an instant fan of your country the moment I saw the breath taking sights and the yummylicious food! A must-visit on my schedule for the future πŸ™‚

me: Welcome, and Thank You Rinchen for visiting C h a t t e r B o x! Glad you are planning your future trip to Malaysia πŸ™‚ Do inform me when and I would definitely suggest some must-see locations. Yes, the food is scrumptious and I am missing it here in the States πŸ™ Do visit us here again at Chat’s!

11 Ghazala Khan December 10, 2008 at 4:50 AM

Interview Request

Hello Dear and Respected,
I hope you are fine and carrying on the great work you have been doing for the Internet surfers. I am Ghazala Khan from The Pakistani Spectator (TPS), We at TPS throw a candid look on everything happening in and for Pakistan in the world. We are trying to contribute our humble share in the webosphere. Our aim is to foster peace, progress and harmony with passion.

We at TPS are carrying out a new series of interviews with the notable passionate bloggers, writers, and webmasters. In that regard, we would like to interview you, if you don’t mind. Please send us your approval for your interview at my email address “ghazala.khi at gmail.com”, so that I could send you the Interview questions. We would be extremely grateful.

regards.

Ghazala Khan
The Pakistani Spectator
http://www.pakspectator.com

12 Chiranjib December 11, 2008 at 8:16 AM

Beautiful post… the scenaries are breathtaking… it was like a mini-tour for me… πŸ˜€

me: Welcome, and Thank You Chiranjib for visiting C h a t t e r B o x! Glad you enjoyed reading this post and thanks for the comment on the scenery’s. Do return for more Chat’s!

13 radha December 12, 2008 at 12:16 AM

last year i visited malaysia for the fisrt time and truly loved it, also strolled on a bicycle of the historical center of your pic. the variety of its people and scenary is just awsome, so i ‘ll come again soon sincei live prettu close! Love malaysia,it s a blissful land πŸ™‚

me: Welcome, and Thank You Radha for visiting C h a t t e r B o x! Thank you so much for all the compliments. Glad you enjoyed your visit to Malaysia and planning your future trip again πŸ™‚ Inform us when, and I would definitely suggest other must-see locations. Do visit us again here at Chat’s!

14 museditions December 12, 2008 at 3:11 PM

Hello! I came to visit from sulz’s blog, too, as she is Malaysian and I wanted to know more about your country. I’m glad I did, you have beautiful pictures and great description! I didn’t realize it was so close to that many other countries—loved your map!
BTW, I saw the request for the interview from the Pakistani Spectator. I did an interview with them; they are nice people. πŸ™‚
Welcome to WordPress!

me: Welcome Muse :), and Thank You for visiting C h a t t e r B o x and the warm welcome into the Wordpress family! Glad you enjoyed the post and found the information’s to your liking. Now that you know a little more about me and Sulz’s beloved country, any future planning to visit Malaysia? Keep us informed and do visit us here again for more Chats πŸ˜‰

BTW, now that we are getting lots of love and encouragement from fellow blogger’s such as yourself, I’ve granted approval to PakSpectator for the interview. Do look out for the interview announcement soon!

15 sulz December 12, 2008 at 6:28 PM

thanks for visiting kiran’s blog and showing an interest in our lovely country, poonam and muse! πŸ™‚

me: Thanks for the welcome and encouragement by linking us on your blog post Sulz πŸ™‚ And definitely, thanks to Poonam, Muse and the rest of buddies for visiting Chat’s !

16 Reema December 20, 2008 at 8:49 AM

Malaysia – truly Asia!! πŸ™‚ Beautiful place and pics. Hope I would go there someday.

me: Thanks Reema πŸ™‚

17 gemma @ andgeesaid July 21, 2013 at 5:19 AM

clicked onto here from your kaya post! loved reading this, especially that collection of pictures on the bottom.. DROOL! x

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