Demystifying Misconceptions of Malay: Constitutional definition v.s. cultural definition of Malay

According to Malaysian constitution, Malay is defined as a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and – (a) was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or is on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or (b) is the issue of such a person. Constitutionally, anyone can become Malay, if he or she fulfil the above criteria.

However, culturally, Malay can be defined in two ways: (a) ethnic Malay; or (b) Malay race. Ethnic Malay referred to those who speaks any variant of Malay languages, practices Malay cultures and professes Islam. Historically, Malay people are found on the coastal regions who made seas and oceans as their dwellers and previously professed Hinduism, Buddhism or Animism (or Hyang beliefs). Only after the arrival of Islam, Malay is identical to Islam and it does not change since then.

Malay race is a broader term, used as one of the terms to classify human race. It was first proposed around late 19th century to describe brown race who inhabits the Malay Archipelago or the islands archipelago between Asian mainland and Australia. This term was then replaced with “Austronesia” due to religion association with Malay, in late 20th century. Austronesian people includes those of Pacific islanders, inhabitants of South-east Asia and also Madagascar and Taiwan aborigines (Formosan). These people are bound by similarity in language family, roots of origin, shared ancient cultures, and consciousness as one people.

Constitutional definitions of Malay was revolving around Malay nationalism during colonization period and limited to the Malay Peninsula and Singapore. It was politically driven and bounded by the borders of modern nation-building territories i.e. Malaysia and also time frame i.e. people from any part of Malay Archipelago that resided in Federation or in Singapore before Merdeka Day were considered Malay but those who came after Merdeka Day should be referred as their respective nationalities.

However, cultural definition of ethnic Malay is revolving around the arrival of Islam into this region. Culturally, ethnic Malay views themselves different than the Javanese due to differences in speech and distinguished cultures; different than the Orang Asli due to differences in religion and lifestyles; different than the Dayak due to difference in residential locations (i.e. Dayak historically lives in the interior region while Malay usually lives around the coastal or riverine regions); and different than the Filipino due to differences in religion and nation-building background. However, all the above are considered as Malay race or Austronesian people, originating from the same root.

From a book titled, Around the World with a King by William Armstrong:
{He (the young Siamese King) was surprised at the large stature of his Hawaiian Majesty and asked to what race he belonged. When he was told that there was Malay blood in the Hawaiians, he replied, “The Siamese are partly Malay; we are related”.}

"Bhinekka Tunggal Ika (Diversity in Unity)"

p/s: Only by learning about ourselves and other people around us, we will become more understanding and tolerate.