The proto-Malay people reached Malaysia several thousand years ago. Some of their

modern-day descendants still live in the jungles of Borneo, where their traditional cultures

have scarcely changed. There are also some 100,000 non-Malay aboriginal people; the

Semang and Pangan.

 

Malaysia has long been a center of international trade. The country lies directly on the

sea routes between China and India. For centuries, small kingdoms and sultanates in what

is now Malaysia profited from this trade, either by assisting it or by preying upon it. In the

sixteenth century, Europeans began trading in Asia. Trade bases were established, and the

Malay “pirate kingdoms” were gradually conquered. Malaysia became a British colony.

The British were temporarily driven out by the Japanese during World War II. In 1946,

faced with the nationalist aspirations of the Malay peoples, the British consolidated the

patchwork of sultanates and states on the Malay Peninsula into a crown colony called the

Malayan Union. The sultans were deprived of power, and all citizens were given equal

rights.

 

Many ethnic Malays were dissatisfied with the Malayan Union. Some wished to restore

the powers of their Islamic sultans. Furthermore, the Chinese minority had always been the

most wealthy and educated ethnic group on the Malay Peninsula. The ethnic Malays, despite

their numerical majority, feared that the aggressive Chinese would take over the new crown

colony. (The Chinese-dominated Malayan Communist Party did conduct a guerrilla war

against British and Malay forces from 1948 until 1960.)

 

As a result, the Malayan Union was replaced in 1948 with the Malayan Federation. The

sultans were restored to power, and the ethnic Malays were guaranteed favorable treatment.

In effect, a balance was established between the Malays and the Chinese: The Malays would

run the government, and the Chinese would run the businesses. This division is essentially

still in effect today. (The Indian population at that time consisted mostly of poor agricultural

laborers. They were not considered in the settlement.)

 

The Federation of Malaya became independent from the United Kingdom in 1957.

A new, expanded nation was proposed, uniting the Malay Peninsula, the island crown

colony of Singapore, and the three British-controlled territories on the island of Borneo:

Sarawak, Brunei, and North Borneo (later renamed Sabah). The sultan of Brunei, wealthy

with oil revenues, declined to join. (Brunei remained a British protectorate until becoming

an independent country in 1984.) The other Borneo territories, Sarawak and Sabah, joined

the new federation, as did Singapore.

 

The new Federation of Malaysia came into being in 1963. Since 1963, the only change in

the makeup of the Federation of Malaysia has been the secession of Singapore in 1965.

 

Cultural Note

The word “Malay” has several meanings. It can refer to the Malay linguistic group; Malaysia’s official language, Bahasa Malaysia, is a standardized form of Malay (similar but not identical to Bahasa Indonesia). Malay can also refer to the dominant ethnic group of Malaysia. Finally, Malay has a geographic meaning; the peninsula shared by Thailand and West Malaysia is called the Malay Peninsula.

 

Geopolitically, several variants were used by the British during the colonial and postcolonial era: first Malaya, then the Malayan Union, and later the Federation of Malaya. The current nation was formed on September 16, 1963, with the name the Federation of Malaysia. The citizens of Malaysia are Malaysians, while the Malays are the dominant ethnic group in Malaysia.

 

Type of G overnment

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy. The monarchy is rather unique: the nine hereditary

sultans elect from among themselves a “paramount ruler” for a five-year term. The

paramount ruler—essentially a king with a five-year reign—is the chief of state of Malaysia.

“Paramount ruler” is the English term; the actual Malay title is Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The head of government of Malaysia is the prime minister. The United Malays National

Organization (UMNO) is the most powerful political party. There are two legislative houses:

the Senate and the House of Representatives.

 

Cultural Note

Malaysia experienced tremendous economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. His New Economic Policy brought millions of Malaysian out of subsistence agriculture and into the working class. He and his UMNO Party proposed a New Development Policy designed to put at least 30 percent of Malaysia’s wealth into the hands of ethnic Malays—a direct challenge to Chinese economic domination. And his “Vision 2020” plan called for Malaysia to be a fully developed nation by the year 2020. But Mahathir was also a polarizing figure during his twenty-two-year reign. He instituted draconian laws covering many areas of life and allowed those laws to be used against his political opponents. (The world was stunned when Mahathir’s expected successor, Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, fell out of favor and faced trial. He was sentenced to six years for corruption and nine years for sodomy!) Mahathir blamed international currency speculators for the Asian financial crisis that ended Malaysia’s economic boom in 1997. And he clearly favored ethnic Malays over the other ethnic groups in his country.

 

Language

The official language of Malaysia is Bahasa Malaysia, which evolved out of the trade language

called Bazaar Malay. It is now written in the Latin alphabet; spelling and orthography

were standardized in 1972. As a result of British colonialism, the English language is widely understood in Malaysia, and there are many English loan words in Bahasa Malaysia. (This is one of the factors that separates Bahasa Malaysia from Bahasa Indonesia—Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands, so Bahasa Indonesia’s loan words come from Dutch.) Although English has had a unifying effect on the diverse Malaysian population, the Malaysian authorities have made Bahasa Malaysia the official language of government and education. At home, a Malay family might speak one of several Malay dialects, just as a Chinese family might speak Mandarin or Hakka or Cantonese, or an Indian family speak Tamil or Hindi or Gujarati.

 

Cultural Note

Islam has long been the predominant religion in Malaysia. Consequently, the use of Arabic script was widespread before the adoption of the Latin alphabet. The Latin alphabet has not entirely replaced Arabic; there are still Malaysian newspapers published in Arabic script. To write Bahasa Malaysia in Arabic script, five additional letters must be added to the traditional twenty-eight Arabic letters.

 

The Malaysian View

Most religions are represented in Malaysia: Islam, Buddhism, Daoism, Hinduism, Christianity,

Sikhism, and Shamanism in Eastern Malaysia. Ethnic Malays and some Indians are

Muslims. Most Chinese, when forced to choose, will describe themselves as “Buddhist,” but

they may follow several religious traditions concurrently.

 

Although Malaysia is officially an Islamic state, nearly half the population identifies itself

as non-Muslim.

 

The former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad defended Asian traditions in

a book he coauthored called The Voice of Asia. He proclaimed: Westerners generally cannot rid themselves of (their) sense of superiority. They still consider their values and political and economic systems better than any others. It would not be so bad if it stopped at that; it seems, however, that they will not be satisfied until they have forced other countries to adopt their ways as well. Everyone must be democratic, but only according to the Western concept of democracy; no one can violate human rights, again, according to their self-righteous interpretation of human rights. Westerners cannot seem to understand diversity.

Malaysians obviously feel comfortable with their own cultural traditions and will defend

them.

 

Know Before You Go

Malaysia is close to the epicenter of the tsunami of 2004, but it was shielded from full impact by the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Besides the tragedy of the earthquakes and tsunamis, the greatest hazards faced by the average foreign traveler are those found in most countries near the equator: sunburn, heat stroke, and/or digestive upsets. Frightening incidents reported in the global news that also occur, but are relatively rare, include: mob violence, typhoons, and floods.

 

Malaysia maintains some of the strictest censorship laws in the world. It is official policy to insulate the Malaysian population from the “corrupting” foreign media. Foreign journalists are routinely asked to leave the country after writing something uncomplimentary about Malaysia.

 

Although Malaysia has virtually no Jewish population, anti-Semitism is common, especially among Muslims. Even former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad publicly blamed Jews for his country’s financial problems. Bribery and corruption are not unknown in Malaysia. Historically, Malaysia has been considered less corrupt than Indonesia but more corrupt than Singapore (which enforces strict antibribery laws).

 

Cultural O rientation

Cognitive S tyles: H ow E thnic Malays O rganize and P rocess Information Although the ethnic Malays have assimilated many indigenous religious rituals into their Islamic religion, they adhere to the closed thinking of Islam when it comes to accepting outside information into their everyday lives. Information is processed subjectively and associatively, and this leads to personal involvement in problems rather than abstract analysis. 

 

Negotiation S trategies: What E thnic Malays A ccept as E vidence

The subjective feelings of the moment form the basis for truth, with faith in the ideologies

of Islam having a very strong influence. Only the most westernized and secular of ethnic

Malays will use objective facts as the sole source of the truth.

 

Value S ystems: T he Basis for Behavior

Much of the business in Malaysia is conducted by the Chinese and Indians, who have a very

different system of values from the ethnic Malays. The following three sections identify the

Value Systems in the predominant culture—their methods of dividing right from wrong,

good from evil, and so forth.

 

Locus of Decision-Making

The individual ethnic Malay makes decisions based upon the immediate situation and the

relationships among those involved. The highly religious may refer to Islamic guidebooks

that detail the proper way to handle every decision in life.

 

Ethnic Malays are quick to organize and have the support of the group behind their

decisions. They are not good at confrontations and try to communicate in such a way as

to alleviate conflict. They seldom use a categorical “no.” It is important for foreign business

executives to develop a personal relationship with their Malaysian counterparts.

 

Sources of Anxiety Reduction

Solid religious beliefs among ethnic Malays give structure and stability to life. The norm is

a nuclear household with strong ties to both the husband’s and wife’s extended families. The

extended family is expected to help in time of need. There is little friction between common

law and Islamic law, as they are often combined into a single pronouncement. Respect for

authority, unbreakable family ties, and the performance of proper social behavior provide

strength in times of stress.

 

Issues of Equality/Inequality

Most states have sultans, and the division between royalty and commoners is rarely bridged.

Royalty is treated with great deference, which includes elaborate ritual and special terms of

address. The ethnic Malays hold the political power, but they and the economically dominant

Chinese continually joust with each other. Ethnocentrism and stereotypes abound, but virulent racism is stifled. Malaysians practice the strong masculine hierarchy of a secular Muslim state.

 

Business Practices

Punctuality, A ppointments, and Local T ime

● It is important to be on time for all business appointments. Never make a Malaysian

executive wait.

● The majority of Malaysian businesspeople are Chinese; they are likely to be prompt. The

majority of government officials are ethnic Malays. Their culture is very different from

that of the Chinese, and they have a more flexible concept of time. Although foreigners

are expected to be on time, an ethnic Malay may or may not be prompt.

● The Indian minority conception of time is closer to the Malay than to the Chinese. However,

the Indians a foreign businessperson is likely to come in contact with are professionals:

lawyers, reporters, physicians, and so forth. They will expect punctuality.

● Social events in Malaysia involving different cultural groups have different rules. In general,

when invited to a social event, most Malaysians arrive on time or slightly late. Never

be more than a half-hour late.

● A social event hosted by observant Muslims will be without alcohol. There will be no

predinner “cocktail hour” and (probably) no appetizers, so the meal may be served close

to the time given on the invitation.

● Once a close friendship has been established, guests may arrive a few minutes early to a

social occasion. If you are the host and your guests are close friends, it is important to be

ready early.

● Try to schedule appointments as early as possible. Malaysian executives are extremely

busy. Many travel frequently, especially to conferences in their area of specialization.

● English is the language of many business transactions and correspondence. However, the

English spoken often has native inflections, syntax, and grammar, which can easily lead

to misunderstandings.

● Bahasa Malaysia is the official language of Malaysia. Although most government officials

will speak some English, they may prefer to hold meetings in their native tongue. Fortunately,

an English-speaking translator is usually close at hand.

● All official correspondence with government officials must be in Bahasa Malaysia. You

may accompany this correspondence with an English translation, if you wish.

● Unlike in nearby Singapore (which has mandated Mandarin Chinese as the official Chinese

dialect), Malaysian Chinese often speak mutually unintelligible dialects of Chinese.

As a result, the only spoken language a Cantonese-speaking Chinese may have in common

with a Hakka-speaking Chinese is English. Similarly, the different linguistic groups

within the Indian community often speak English between themselves. English is seen as

a unifying force in Malaysia.

● Although lunch has generally been reduced to a single hour (from two hours), Muslims

may take a two-hour break on Fridays to attend a mosque.

● Executives often work far longer days than their subordinates do. The Chinese, especially,

have reputations as workaholics.

● Holidays in Malaysia vary from state to state. The heavily Muslim states do not celebrate

any non-Islamic holidays (including Easter, Christmas, and Western New Year’s Day).

● Malaysians usually write the day first, then the month, then the year (e.g., December 3,

2010, is written 3.12.10 or 3/12/10).

● Malaysia is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (G.M.T. +8), making it thirteen

hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T. +13).

 

Cultural Note

Although most Malays are Muslim, not all of Malaysia follows the traditional Islamic work week pattern (Friday is the Islamic holy day, so the traditional Muslim “weekend” is Thursday and Friday). The Malaysian capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is in the state of Selangor, where the work week is Monday through Friday. 

 

Negotiating

● Malaysians prefer to do business with persons they know and like. Establishing this personal relationship will take time, but it is vital for success.

● The pace of business negotiations in Malaysia is slower than in the West. Be patient; it

would be unusual to complete a complicated business deal in only one visit. Expect to

take several trips over a period of months. Indeed, little will happen at the first meeting

except getting acquainted.

● Courtesy is the single most important attribute for successful relationships in Malaysia.

This civility in no way hinders the determination of Malaysian businesspeople to get

their own way.

● Standards of polite behavior vary widely between cultures. Many Malaysians will ask you

highly personal questions (such as “Why aren’t you married?” or “How much do you

earn?”) without realizing that westerners find such questions intrusive. Simply smile and

change the topic—and be aware that you, too, will unknowingly violate local standards

of polite behavior.

● Because courtesy requires that a Malaysian not disagree openly, the word “no” is rarely

heard. A polite but insincere “yes” is simply a technique to avoid giving offense. In Malaysia,

“yes” can mean anything from “I agree” to “maybe” to “I hope you can tell from my

lack of enthusiasm that I really mean ‘no.’”

● “Yes” really means “no” when there are any qualifications attached. “Yes, but . . .” probably

means “no.” “It might be difficult” is a distinct “no.”

● A clear way to indicate “no” is to suck in air through the teeth. This sound always indicates

a problem.

● When it comes to making a decision, a “yes” often comes more quickly than a “no.” This

is because a way must be found to deliver the “no” politely. The “no” may even be delivered

through a third party.

● Because Malaysians (especially the Chinese) often consult astrologers, signing a contract

may be delayed until an “auspicious” day arrives.

● In Malaysia, as in Indonesia and much of Asia, people who lose their temper are considered

unable to control themselves. Such individuals are not trusted or respected.

● Be cautious in asking Malaysian Chinese a question. English speakers would give a negative answer to the question “Isn’t my order ready yet?” by responding “no” (meaning, “No, it’s not ready”). The Chinese pattern is the opposite: “yes” (meaning, “Yes, it is not ready”).

● Malaysians of all ethnic groups are comfortable with silence. A silent pause allows time

for thought; it does not necessarily signal either acceptance or rejection. Westerners often

find such pauses uncomfortable.

● Age and seniority are highly respected. If you are part of a delegation, line up so that the

most important persons will be introduced first. If you are introducing two people, state the

name of the most important person first (e.g., “President Smith, this is Engineer Wong”).

● Business cards should be printed (preferably embossed) in English. The majority of

Malaysian businesspeople are ethnic Chinese, so you may wish to have the reverse side

of some of your cards translated into Chinese (gold ink is the most prestigious color for

Chinese characters). Your business card should contain as much information as possible.

● The exchange of business cards is a formal ceremony in Malaysia. After introductions are

made, the visiting businessperson should offer his or her card. Make sure you give a card to

each person present. Present your card either with both hands or with your right hand (with

the left hand lightly supporting your right). Give your card to the recipient with the print

facing him or her (so the recipient can read it). He or she will receive the card with both

hands, then study the card for a few moments before carefully putting it away in a pocket.

You should do the same when a card is presented to you. Never put a card in your back

pocket (where many men carry their wallets). Do not write on someone’s business card.

● Topics to avoid in conversation include any criticism of Malaysian ways, religion, bureaucracy,

or politics. Also, avoid any discussion of sex or the roles of the sexes.

● Good topics for discussion include tourism, travel, plans for the future, organizational

success (talking about personal success is considered bombastic), and food (while

remaining complimentary to the local cuisine).

 

Cultural Note

Speak in quiet, gentle tones. Always remain calm. Leave plenty of time for someone to respond to a statement you make; people in Malaysia do not jump on the end of one another’s sentences. They often leave a respectful pause (as long as ten seconds) before responding. Westerners often assume that they have agreement and resume talking before

a Malaysian has the chance to respond.

 

Business Entertaining

● Take advantage of any invitations to social events. Establishing successful business relationships hinges on establishing strong social relationships.

● Food is vitally important in Malaysian culture. Indeed, the standard Chinese greeting

literally means “Have you eaten?”

● Invitations to social events may not come immediately. Be patient and let the Malaysians

make the first invitation. You cannot successfully host a social event until you have been

a guest at a Malaysian event.

● Respond to written invitations in writing.

● Generally, spouses may be invited to dinners but not to lunch. However, no business will

be discussed at an event where spouses are present.

 

Cultural Note

Among all ethnic groups, kissing in public (even a quick peck on a cheek) is considered unacceptable. Only the most fashionable and cosmopolitan of Malaysians will give even a quick kiss in greeting.

 

Protocol

Greetings

● Malaysia has three major ethnic groups, each with its own traditions: Malay, Chinese,

and Indian.

● With younger or foreign-educated Malaysians, a handshake is the most common form

of greeting. The standard Malaysian handshake is more of a handclasp; it is rather gentle

and lasts for some ten or twelve seconds. (By contrast, most North American handshakes

last for only three or four seconds.) Often, both hands will be used.

● In Malaysia, westernized women may shake hands with both men and women. Malaysian

businessmen usually wait for a woman to offer her hand. It is perfectly acceptable for

a woman to simply nod upon an introduction rather than offering her hand. A woman

should offer her hand only upon greetings; too-frequent handshaking is easily misinterpreted

as an amorous advance. (Among themselves, men tend to shake hands both on

greeting and on departure.)

● Ethnic Malays are generally Muslim. Traditionally, there is no physical contact between

Muslim men and women. (Indeed, if a religious Muslim male is touched by a woman, he

must ritually cleanse himself before he prays again.) Because of this, women should not

offer to shake hands with Malay men, nor should men offer to shake hands with Malay

women. Of course, if a westernized Malay offers to shake hands, do so.

● The traditional Malay greeting is the salaam, which is akin to a handshake without the

grip. Both parties stretch out one or both hands, touch each other’s hand(s) lightly, then

bring their hand(s) back to rest over their heart. This greeting is done only between

people of the same sex: from man to man or from woman to woman. However, if cloth

(such as a scarf or shawl) prevents actual skin-to-skin contact, then a Malay man and

woman may engage in the salaam.

● Among Malaysian Chinese, the traditional greeting is a bow. However, most now

shake hands or combine a bow with a handshake. Chinese men are likely to be comfortable

shaking hands with a woman—more so than men from other ethnic groups

of Malaysia.

● Many Malay Indians are Hindu. Most Hindus avoid public contact between men and

women, although not as assiduously as observant Muslims. Men may shake hands with

men and women with women, but only westernized Hindus will shake hands with the

opposite sex. Malaysian Indians may also be Sikhs or Christians or Muslims; all avoid

public contact between the sexes.

● The traditional Indian greeting involves a slight bow with the palms of the hands together

(as if praying). This greeting, called the namaste, will generally be used only by older,

traditional Hindus. However, it is also an acceptable alternative to a handshake when a

Western businesswoman greets an Indian man.

● Just as the British greeting “How do you do?” is rhetorical, Malaysians have many rhetorical greetings. Chinese greetings often involve food. “Have you eaten?” or “Have you

taken food?” are rhetorical greetings; answer “yes,” even if you are hungry. Similarly, a

typical Malaysian greeting when meeting on the street is “Where are you going?” This

is also rhetorical; “For a walk” or “Nowhere of importance” are perfectly acceptable

answers—indeed, the latter is the English equivalent of the traditional Malay response.

You are not expected to reveal your itinerary.

 

Titles/Forms of A ddress

● Addressing Malaysians properly is a complex affair, especially for westerners unfamiliar

with the naming patterns of Malaysian ethnic groups. Take your time over an introduction,

which will probably involve business cards. Repeat the title and name of the

person and ask if you are pronouncing them correctly. This often invites an explanation

of the history or origin of titles or names, providing you with personal information that

may be useful.

● Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with nine royal houses. With so many royals, international

business visitors are likely to encounter one sooner or later. Titles and means of

address vary; ask a native how a particular royal should be addressed.

● Never be overly-familiar with a business contact. Most executives you meet should be

addressed with a title and their name. If a person does not have a professional title (such

as Engineer, Doctor, or Teacher), a westerner may use “Mr.” or “Madam/Mrs./Miss” plus

the name. However, be aware that you may be omitting other titles that are important

both to the person and to your understanding of that person.

The traditional Malay forms of Mr., Mrs., or Miss are:

Mr. = Encik (which may be abbreviated as “En”)

Mrs. or Madame = Puan

Miss (an unmarried woman) = Cik

These are used in front of an individual’s name (e.g., Mr. Ahmadi would be properly

addressed as Encik Ahmadi.) Although there is no Malay equivalent for “Ms.,” the current

trend is to use Puan for any adult female.

● There are additional titles that may be used once you become closer to your Malaysian

associates. One title which is important in business circles is Tuan, which is conferred

when a man is in a respected position of authority.

● When you ask Malaysian associates about their titles and names, explain about yours

as well. They may be equally unsure as to which of your names is your surname. Follow

their lead as to the degree of formality. Don’t tell a Malaysian “just call me Tony” when

you are calling him Dr. Gupta.

● Each of the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia has different naming patterns. For

further information on the proper titles and forms of address for Muslims, Indians, and

Chinese.

 

Gestures

● Aside from handshakes, there is no public contact between the sexes in Malaysia. Do

not kiss or hug a person of the opposite sex in public—even if you are husband and wife.

On the other hand, contact between people of the same sex is permitted. Men may hold

hands with men or even walk with their arms around each other; this is interpreted as

nothing except friendship.

● Among both Muslims and Hindus, the left hand is considered unclean. Eat with your

right hand only. Where possible, do not touch anything or anyone with your left hand if

you can use your right hand instead. Accept gifts and hold cash in the right hand. (Obviously,

when both hands are needed, use them both.)

● The foot is also considered unclean. Do not move anything with your feet, and do not

touch anything with your feet.

● Do not show the soles of your feet (or shoes). This restriction determines how one sits:

You can cross your legs at the knee, but do not place one ankle on your knee. However,

any form of leg crossing is ostentatiously casual in Malaysia; never cross your legs in the

presence of Malaysian royalty.

● Do not prop your feet up on anything not intended for feet, such as a desk.

● It is impolite to point at anyone with the forefinger. Malays use a forefinger only to point at animals. Even pointing with two fingers is impolite among many Indians. When you must indicate something or someone, use the entire right hand (palm out). You can also point with your right thumb, as long as all four fingers are curled down. (Make sure all your fingers are curled—older Malays would interpret a fist with the thumb and little finger extended as an insult.)

● Pounding one fist into the palm of the other hand is considered obscene.

● The head is considered the seat of the soul by many Indians and Malays. Never touch

someone’s head, not even to pat the hair of a child.

● As in much of the world, to beckon someone, you hold your hand out, palm downward,

and make a scooping motion with the fingers. Beckoning someone with the palm up and

wagging one finger, as in the United States, can be construed as an insult.

● Standing tall with your hands on your hips—the “arms akimbo” position—is always

interpreted as an angry, aggressive posture.

● The comfortable standing distance between two people in Malaysia varies with each culture. In general, stand as far apart as you would if you were about to shake hands (about two to three feet). Indians tend to stand a bit further apart (three or three and a half feet).

 

Gifts

● The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency has strict laws against bribery. Avoid giving gifts

that could be interpreted as bribes.

● Gifts are exchanged between friends. Do not give a gift to anyone before you have established a personal relationship with her or him. Otherwise, the gift may have the appearance of a bribe.

● It is not the custom to unwrap a gift in the presence of the giver. To do so would suggest

that the recipient is greedy and impatient. Worse, if the gift is somehow inappropriate

or disappointing, both parties would be embarrassed. Expect the recipient to thank you

briefly, then put the still-wrapped gift aside until you have left.

● Because pork and alcohol are prohibited to observing Muslims, do not give them as

gifts to Malays. Other foods make good gifts, although meat products must be halal (the

Muslim equivalent of kosher). The prohibition against pork and alcohol also precludes

pigskin products and perfumes containing alcohol.

● Muslim Malays consider dogs unclean. Do not give toy dogs or gifts with pictures of

dogs.

● Remember that personal gifts from a man to a woman can be misinterpreted as romantic

offerings.

● Don’t wrap gifts to ethnic Malays in white paper; white is associated with funerals.

● The Chinese traditionally decline a gift three times before accepting; this prevents them

from appearing greedy. Continue to insist; once they accept the gift, say that you are

pleased that they have done so.

● Gifts of food are always appreciated by Chinese, but avoid bringing food gifts with you to

a dinner or party (unless it has been agreed upon beforehand). To bring food may imply

that your host cannot provide enough. Instead, send food as a thank-you gift afterward.

Candy or fruit baskets are good choices.

● For further information on Chinese gift-giving practices, see the chapter on China.

● Among Indians, the frangipani flower (used by Hawaiians to make leis) is used only for

funeral wreaths.

● If you give money to an Indian, make sure it is an odd number (just the opposite of

Chinese tradition). Usually this is done by adding a single dollar; for example, give $11

instead of $10.

● Observant Hindus do not eat beef or use products made from cattle. This eliminates

most leather products as gifts.

 

Dress

● Just north of the Equator, Malaysia is hot and humid all year long. Most of the lowlands

have a daytime temperature range of 75 to 95°F and humidity between 60 and 70 percent.

● Lower temperatures occur only in the mountainous areas, where businesspeople rarely

venture (except for tourism). Mountain temperatures can actually dip below freezing at

night.

● The monsoon season runs from September through December, but sudden showers

occur all year long. Many people carry an umbrella every day.

● As a foreigner, you should dress conservatively until you are sure what degree of formality

is expected. Men should wear a suit jacket and tie.

● Because of the heat and humidity, business dress in Malaysia is sometimes casual. Standard formal office wear for men is dark pants and a light-colored long-sleeved shirt and

tie, without a jacket. Businessmen may also wear a short-sleeved shirt with no tie.

● Businesswomen wear light-colored long-sleeved blouses and skirts, or business suits.

● Many Malaysian men wear an open-necked batik shirt to work. This is also popular for

casual wear. Jeans are acceptable for casual wear, but shorts should be avoided.

● In deference to Muslim and Hindu sensibilities, women should always wear garments

that cover at least their upper arms. Skirts should be knee-length or longer.

 

Cultural Note

The use of electronic gadgets has become ubiquitous in Asia. Cell phones alone have changed cultural norms. One unfortunate example is that of a Malaysian football player who terminated his engagement via a text message the morning of the wedding! The bride then had to face 1,000 guests alone at their traditional Malaysian wedding feast. The incident appalled the player’s Kedah State Football Association—and all his teammates, who had been invited to the wedding. Because he tarnished the game’s image, the player’s contract was terminated.