Stepping back onto Malaysian soil can be a delightful shock to the system for a Malaysian living abroad for many years.
This article will be divided into two parts on my rediscovery of Malaysia, a journey from the initial culture shock of warmth to a deeper appreciation for the essence of what truly makes this nation my tanahairku (homeland).
Part 1 dives into the initial culture shock - the overwhelming friendliness of Malaysians, the air itself humming with fragrant spices, vibrant flavours promising culinary adventures, each meal wrapping me in a warm hug - a testament to Malaysia’s rich and diverse culture that defines Malaysian cuisine, and the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur tells a story, a story waiting to be rediscovered.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I delve deeper into the heart of Malaysia. I will explore the breathtaking beauty of nature and the captivating world of batik.
Then I will embark on a journey to discover the essence of what truly makes Malaysia, Malaysia - a vibrant tapestry of heritage, diverse ethnicities, and the cherished moments shared with loved ones on the same land.
Wave of warmth
For a Malaysian returning from years abroad, especially in a country steeped in reserve, stepping back onto Malaysian soil can be a delightful shock.
Imagine stepping off a plane, the crisp Nordic air clinging to you like a second skin.
You’ve been away for years, a stranger in a land of hushed greetings and carefully maintained distance. But as you touch down in Malaysia, a wave of warmth washes over you, as palpable as the humid air itself.
Accustomed to the social norms of the colder north, where personal space and emotional restraint are paramount, Malaysia’s vibrant friendliness can be overwhelming at first.
A land of stoic charm and cool beauty in the north had left me accustomed to a certain social etiquette. Reserved greetings, personal space held sacrosanct, and a general air of quiet efficiency defined daily interactions.
Living abroad in the north instilled a sense of normalcy in the reserved nature. It is the culture and unwritten social rules to not show much emotion, not to disturb others, not stand close to each other, and to maintain a distance in the queue, on public transport, and not talk to strangers, it has become the norm in my life.
This was the world I had grown accustomed to.
The reserved nature of the Nordic culture became ingrained. Public displays of affection were infrequent, personal space was a highly valued commodity, and conversations with strangers were uncommon occurrences.
Overwhelming friendliness
Hence, stepping back into Malaysia, a nation consistently ranked among the friendliest countries in the world, was a delightful culture shock in the best way possible. The most striking difference? The palpable warmth radiating from the Malaysian people.
Accustomed to the north’s reserve, I found myself initially overwhelmed by the open smiles and friendly greetings offered by strangers on the street. Even a simple stroll through a bustling mall became an encounter with genuine warmth, a stark contrast to the unspoken rules of maintaining distance.
Malaysia explodes with life. The cacophony of a bustling street is music to the ears - the rhythmic chatter, the hawkers’ calls, and the laughter spilling from open-air restaurants. Faces beam with genuine smiles, unlike the reserved glances I’m used to.
These gestures revealed a deep well of Malaysian hospitality that extends far beyond mere politeness. In an unfortunate incident where I had a bad fall on the street, their worry wasn’t just verbal, it etched itself in the crinkling of their eyes, a silent concern that transcended words.
A kind hand reached out to help me up and voices inquired about my well-being with genuine concern. These expressions of care, genuine and unprompted, served as a powerful reminder of the deep well of hospitality that defines the Malaysian spirit.
Culinary prowess
Beyond the warmth of the people, Malaysia’s rich tapestry of cultures and religions unveiled itself anew. Witnessing people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities coming together to celebrate festivals like Hari Raya, and sharing dishes like rendang and nasi lemak, underscored the nation’s unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Food itself became an emblem of unity.
What truly makes Malaysia unique and special is its people. Here, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, religions, and ethnicities interweave, creating a beautiful sense of unity in diversity.
This richness extends far beyond social interactions and explodes onto your plate in a symphony of flavours. The Malaysians’ plates could always fill with a wide variety of food at different times, or sometimes, all at once when different races celebrate an occasion together.
Imagine waking up to the aroma of nasi lemak wafting from a nearby stall, a symphony of coconut rice, spicy sambal, and crunchy ikan bilis, the perfect breakfast fuel for a day of exploration.
This isn’t just breakfast. It’s a celebration of Malay heritage. The very air hums with the delicious cacophony of a 24-hour food culture. As the sun climbs higher, the scent of sizzling roti canai on a flattop grill might entice you for a midday snack.
And as the day cools, the fiery flavours of fried kuey teow might hit the spot for dinner, and perhaps a comforting teh tarik with maggi goreng at a late-night mamak stall caps off the day.
These dishes, representing different ethnicities, a melody from different cultures, sing in harmony on your plate, a testament to Malaysia’s beautiful unity in diversity.
At street level, the transformation is equally captivating. Open-air food stalls come alive, the aroma of sizzling satay and fragrant curries mingling with the laughter and chatter of friends and families gathered to enjoy the cool evening air.
This symphony of flavours from different races spoke volumes about the soul of Malaysia and its culinary traditions. Public holidays encompassing various celebrations served as a testament to this spirit of unity in diversity, a cornerstone of Malaysian identity.
Storied city
Kuala Lumpur itself embodied this vibrant blend of the old and the new. Stepping into the city is like stepping into a time machine. A walk through Dataran Merdeka, Sultan Abdul Samad Building (the old High Court of Malaya, the Court of Appeal, and Federal Court) the cradle of independence, resonated with history, its every stone whispering tales of struggle and triumph.
Here, the air vibrates with the echoes of a nation’s fight for freedom, a legacy etched in the very fabric of the city. Nearby, the majestic Masjid Jamek and the bustling Central Market thrummed with life, a testament to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, a testament to Malaysia’s rich Islamic heritage.
But Kuala Lumpur isn’t stuck in the past. Look up, and your jaw will drop. The sleek lines of the Petronas Twin Towers pierce the sky, a gleaming symbol of Malaysia’s unwavering progress.
The futuristic cityscape of TRX thrums with a different kind of energy, a testament to the nation’s boundless ambition. And there, dominating the skyline, stands Merdeka 118, the second-tallest building in the world, a giant metallic finger pointing towards a future filled with possibility.
Kuala Lumpur is a city where the echoes of history mingle with the roar of progress, where ancient traditions dance with cutting-edge technology.
It’s a place where the whispers of the past intertwine with the roar of the present, and where the future hums with possibility. It’s a city that tells a story not just of itself, but of a nation on the move, forever evolving, forever vibrant. - Mkini
TEOH KING MEN, a qualified lawyer, is now on the frontlines of climate action, delving into climate change and sustainability policies, researching strategies to make a real difference through effective policy and legal frameworks.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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