The Malaysia of today is a peaceful nation of many races and ethnicities. The 2000 census placed the population at roughly 23.27 million. Of this number, Bumiputeras are the most numerous ethnic group (broadly speaking), and are defined as those with cultural affinities indigenous to the region and to one another. Technically, this group includes people of the aboriginal groups and ethnic Malays. A smaller segment of the population is non-Bumiputera groups such as the Chinese, Indians, Arabs, and Eurasians, most of whom descended from settlers to the region in the past 150 years. It is important to know the difference between the Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera groups to understand Malaysian politics, which favors the first group in every policy. It is equally important to understand that despite ethnic divisions, each group is considered no less Malaysian.
The state religion is Islam. The Muslim way of life is reflected in almost every element of Malaysian life. The strict adherence to Islam will most likely affect your vacation plans in some way. If you're traveling to Malaysia for an extended period of time or are planning to work there, I highly recommend Malaysian Customs & Etiquette: A Practical Handbook, by Datin Noor Aini Syed Amir (Times Books, 2003), for its great advice on how to negotiate any situation.
As for the non-Muslim, life goes on under the government's very serious policy to protect freedom of religion. Note: Despite its "freedom of religion" policy, Malaysia is very anti-Zionist. Almost daily the local papers report anti-Semitic news, and Israel is the only country in the world to which Malaysian citizens may not travel. If you carry an Israeli passport, you will need to consult your home embassy before considering travel to Malaysia. Jewish people from other countries who still wish to visit are advised to downplay their religion and culture.
The Government -- From 1981 to 2003, the government was lead by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, a popular prime minister who sought to create a competitive economic tiger while maintaining national policies that reflected liberal Islamic values. His outspoken nature created an endless stream of controversies surrounding policies that favored Bumiputeras, protected often shady links between government and industry, and opposed conservative Islamic policies.
In 2003, he stepped down from power so that his successor, Abdullah Badawi, could continue the policies of Mahathir's leading Umno party. Since, Abdullah has established himself as a fair and patient ruler. However, in 2006 the newspapers were filled with controversies surrounding Dr. Mahathir's outspoken criticism of Abdullah's policies, a lot of which were deemed nothing more than hot air.
The Economy -- Until the Asian Economic Crisis that began in July 1997, Malaysia was one of the rising stars of the East Asian Miracle, with an economy built upon the manufacturing sector in electronics and rubber products, as well as on agriculture and mining. Though the crisis hit the country hard, the most recent economic reports show that Malaysia's recovery has been one of the strongest in the region.
Tourism -- Malaysia has remained cautiously helpful to the U.S. in the war against terrorism. The leading Umno party has denounced extremists who commit crimes in the name of religion. However, the local Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) government in Kelantan leans toward strict Islamic-oriented rule to counter Umno's moderate state policies. Malaysia continues to argue a U.S. Department of State travel advisory that warns travelers in the state of Sabah on Borneo. This is in response to the 2000 kidnapping of tourists off an island resort in east Sabah by the Abu-Sayaff, a Philippine based, Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group. Terrorist activities in southern Thailand have stepped up the alert, but Malaysia would like the world to know that terrorist activities have not been carried out by Malaysians in Malaysia and the government has taken every effort to keep the country stable and safe.
