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This book gives ample clues to the Chinese mind. It traces the roots of Chinese outlook, clarifies reasons behind rituals, offers for close inspection the value of ‘face’, the need for the arts and helps give understanding to the Chinese conduct of business. For many millions of overseas Chinese, whose forefathers came and settled in an adopted land, Chinese culture or tradition remains merely a "practice," a mode of life or behavior. They have little or no understanding of what these traditions mean or how they came about.

In this book, the author records for the benefit of present and future generations a wide spectrum of traditional Chinese cultural practices and beliefs, emphasizing throughout how and why they developed, and how these have evolved over time. This is truly a record of the author’s knowledge of a lifetime. He has lived and grown up under the shadow of Chinese Culture. China developed an unbroken culture for thousands of years and, although many elements of Chinese culture today were not found in ancient times, and many elements of ancient times are not found today, Chinese culture is the better and richer for it.

A culture will be poor and backward if it is rigid and unwilling to absorb the good and practical from other cultures. Chinese culture is rich and enduring precisely because of its practical wisdom and absorbing power. This book should prove to be of great interest to Chinese searching for ways to maintain their cultural roots in the contemporary world. For others who want to understand Chinese culture, it takes them through from the days of yore when Chinese culture was molded to contemporary practices and beliefs. ... Read more

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In this anthropological study, the author argues persuasively that an imported Islamic orientation toward gender is working at cross purposes in Malaysia with the indigenous value system: adat. She shows how the Islamic overlay has upset the traditional Malay sexual equilibrium and how native cultural mores are now being reasserted. ... Read more

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This volume collects together and reprints four classic books written in the 1950s by Dr Leon Comber: "Chinese Ancestral Worship"; "Chinese Festivals in Malaya" (with Dorothy Lo); "Chinese Magic & Superstition in Malaya"; and "Chinese Temples in Singapore". These books on Chinese life and customs were reprinted many times but have long been out of print. Written for the layperson, the style is simple and unpretentious, yet Comber meticulously presents a veritable cornucopia of a culture still relevant and extant in modern Southeast Asia. Completely reset and attractively designed this new publication portrays the rich heritage of the overseas Chinese community's roots and practices. Those interested in the Chinese communities of Southeast Asia and their traditional practices and customs will find it a ready source of information and knowledge. Completely reset and attractively designed this new publication addresses the rich heritage of the overseas Chinese community's roots and practices, and for those reading about or visiting Southeast will find it a ready source of information and knowledge of ancient and classic Chinese culture in all its glory. ... Read more

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The Tamils can be defined in terms of the people who speak Tamil as their mother tongue. The Tamil language is a member of the Dravidian/South Indian family of languages. The four southernmost states of India - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh - are predominantly linguistically Dravidian, each state is carved out on the basis of predominance of the four major Dravidian languages. South India and Sri Lanka have been homelands of the Tamils from the beginning of recorded history. The region roughly covered by the modern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala is identified as ancient "tamizakam" up to about 10th century AD. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Tamils migrated to some British colonies in search of employment and thus there are substantial Tamil populations in Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji and South Africa. These volumes provide an extended introduction to the Tamils by discussing all the important facets that make them so vibrant a society. They are arranged thematically and provide a glimpse into Tamil history, culture, politics, language, literature and social progress. ... Read more

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This collection of five studies on the Malay psyche examines the emotions of courtship and early marriage, the state of mind of the silat performer and the trance dance, and the little understood phenomena of latah and amok. A comprehensive analysis of some of the more basic and recondite aspects of the Malay mind, culture, and world view, this groundbreaking study forms an invaluable foundation for further research in this field. ... Read more

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Chapters: Miss Tourism International, Miss Malaysia, List of Miss Tourism International Countries, Miss Tourism International 2009, Miss Tourism International 2008, Manasvi Mamgai, Unduk Ngadau, Miss Tourism International 1995, Miss Tourism International 1994. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 46. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Miss Malaysia represents Malaysia in two of the major international pageants. Additionally Miss Malaysia Model of the World and Miss Malaysia Tourism is fast becoming popular and giving the other two pageants a run for their money as far as attracting quality contestants is concerned. Miss Universe is a beauty pageant run by the New York-based partnership between NBC and Donald Trump. Miss World is a beauty pageant created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951 and since 2000, Morley's wife, Julia Morley, co-chairs the pageant. Miss Model of The World ever since its establishment in 1988 has been successfully held for the 20th year. 2009 was the 6th consecutive year for Ipoh City to host the Miss Malaysia Model of The World. The selection of Miss Malaysia Model of the World 2009 was among the most exciting and glamorous events held in Perak State this year. The Miss Malaysia Model of the World final is the ONLY National-scale beauty pageant held in Perak. The winners of the national pageants are selected at different competitions as each is owned by a different organization. Usually, the Miss Malaysia Universe pageant is held earlier to coincide with the Miss Universe pageant and the Miss Malaysia World pageant later on in the year. The winner of these contests holds the title of Miss Malaysia Universe or Miss Malaysia World for a one year term. Former titleholders of Miss Malaysia Universe includes Levy Li,Elaine Daly, Andrea Fonseka, Dato' Anna Lin...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=1881017 ... Read more

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"Cultural Dimensions - Malaysia" is written for the experienced traveler or expatriate who is heading for Malaysia and wants to understand how their own cultural background will interact with Malaysian cultural values, norms, beliefs etc. As an example, consider the following passage on the critical role of 'Face' in Malaysia.

Its difficult for an American to understand the Asian concept of Face because we have no equivalent in our culture. The reason why a clear understanding of FACE is vital for American business people is because we don’t really have an equivalent concept, so it is difficult for us to understand what face even is, much less how to influence our Asian friends, neighbors and associates in positive ways using our knowledge of FACE.

“Faces” are, in fact, interdependent, with individuals enjoying “face” through association (whether within families, work groups or even national groups) with high status persons, gaining face when one group member gains it and losing it the same way. An individual’s loss of face can be the cut that unravels the complicated, carefully woven fabric of social relationships, the guanxi, upon which his success in society depends.

Chinese speak of a person having either a thick or a thin skin on their face, referring to how easily their face is compromised by the actions of people upon whom their face is dependent. A Chinese with a thick skin on their face is not easily affected by minor instances of loss of face; a person with a thin skin on their face is likely to become upset over even small matters.

One good way to think of FACE is to think of the actual face - the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and all of the associated organs which taken together with touch are our entire human connection with the world. Now think of losing one or more of these organs - this would be the same as a severe loss of FACE. Now think of losing all your sense organs - but not losing your life. This would be the same as complete loss of FACE. So, in one sense “Face” is quite literal. To lose Face is to have jeopardized or to lose some or all of the ways one relates to others.

One of the most damaging reputations any person can have is that he BU GEI MIANZI (does not give “face”), i. e., embarrasses the people he deals with and causes them to lose“FACE.” Conversely, a person who is proficient in the art of “GIVING FACE” not only enhances his own “FACE” but ensures the most effective possible professional and personal relations with the Chinese he deals with.

Losing FACE is much more intense than suffering embarrassment or shame. In extreme cases it can be like losing all the senses, losing one’s place in life. Complete loss of Face is like full exile. You become a non-person, even to family and close friends. You can’t speak or be spoken to; you can’t be heard or seen. You are just not present.

Keep in mind that gaining Face in among Chinese people enhances what is most precious, the nurturing bonds which comprise one’s whole identity. When a person gains Face by the act of another, there is no gift more appreciated or significant. Keep in mind that regardless of the business or technical concerns of your Chinese and Malaysian associates and colleagues, it is very likely that on a deeply personal level nothing you can offer them is more important than for their FACE to be enhanced by the act of dealing with you.

For an American to say or do anything which separates a Malaysian/Chinese counterpart from this source of personal identity is painful and frightening in ways which as a westerner you can never fully comprehend. Nevertheless developing an appreciation of the importance of Face, and avoiding trivializing it by making inappropriate comparisons with western ego-centered concepts, will be one of the most important things you can do to make your stay in Malaysia a success.
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Michael Likosky examines the continuities and discontinuities between colonial and present-day high tech transnational legal orders. His concern is specifically with the colonial characteristics of the legal order which underpins the global high tech economy. He distinguishes the democratic and human rights rhetoric of this economy from a reality wherein the legal order is often used to reproduce colonial-type relationships. Just as in the colonial period, the expansion of trans-border commerce overlaps with democratic demands and human rights in complex, multifaceted and paradoxical ways. Through a case study looking at Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor, a high tech national development plan and foreign direct investment scheme, he examines how the transnational leaders of the high tech economy along with the Malaysian political elite react when human rights problems threaten to derail commercial plans. ... Read more

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This book provides a brief but clear outline regarding the life, cultural values and the natural environment of the Semelai, a people whose ancestors have lived for many centuries in Tasek Bera, in the heartland of Pahang on the Malay Peninsula. Little information is known about them until recently, especially in regard to the manner in which they have sustained themselves as custodians of the great swamp forest around which they lived. ... Read more

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This book is based on a study to determine andidentify audience?s perceptions and awareness ongender role stereotypes in advertisements. Thedegree and frequency levels of gender rolestereotypes in Malaysian television?s advertisementswere tabulated. Gender role stereotypes have not been fully andextensively explored in Malaysia. This isdissipative as advertising is a very powerful genrein persuading and manipulating the audience. ... Read more

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This book embodies the current trends towards inter- and intra-disciplinary studies specifically within the areas of Literature, Linguistics, and Translation. It is a collection of original and insightful essays by Malaysian academics, reflecting state-of-the-art research, and seen through traditional and modern lenses of conceptualising reality or spaces within the fields mentioned. The uniqueness of this book lies in its attempts to provide textual and theoretical readings from a variety of positions and perspectives. The multi-disciplinary approach taken will appeal to readers from diverse backgrounds, particularly with the contemporary emphasis on and celebration of heterogeneity in all its forms within a global context. ... Read more

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The Malay Dilemma Revisited is a critical and balanced analysis of MalaysiaÂ’s preferential race policy and its impact on the nationÂ’s delicate race dynamics and economy. Unlike AmericaÂ’s affirmative action, MalaysiaÂ’s version is far more aggressive and pervasive and has been remarkably successful in creating a sizable and stable Bumiputra (indigenous group) middle class. The price tag is significant: distortion of freemarket dynamics and consequent inefficiency. Perversely, the policy impairs rather than strengthens BumiputrasÂ’ ability to compete.

Customer Reviews (2)

The truth being exposed at last
The author is a straight shooter, from neutral perspective unclouded by political biasness. Credit was given to those who deserve it (even to Mahathir, so no, this is not blind fury anti-Mahathir book) and vice versa. Unlike most literature on Malay politics and social issues, this one wasn't written with the intention to please any party.

Brilliant refutation on the points put forward by Dr Mahathir in his book "The Malay Dilemma" - The problem is not with the people ...(read it find out more...)

Explains accurately the evolution and factors that shapes the psyche of the Malay people and the root cause of the problems they are facing. The mistakes that the governement had done which the Malay people had to endure. The author supports his arguments (like the "Sultan syndrome") accurately by drawing from his own experiences with certain government officials.

This book is both enlightening and entertaining. The best book I have read pertaining to the issues of the Malay people. A must read to all Malaysians, especially the government officials.

Timely Critique of Malaysia's Socio-economic Dilemma
Thrilled to find a book that is so well written and reader friendly.This timely book not only highlights Malaysia's race relations and the shortcomings of its economic policies, but also offers refreshinglycommonsensical solutions.One wonders why Malaysian leaders have notthought of them.

This book is obviously a response to the original"The Malay Dilemma," written by Mahathir Mohammad in 1970. Mahathir is now Malaysia's present Prime Minister and this book takes acritical look at his social and economic policies.

I particularlylike the chapter that compares and contrasts Malaysia's race problems tothat of America and that of the English/French conflict in Canada. Although the book focuses primarily on race relations in Malaysia, theauthor's perspectives and analyses could well apply to other multiculturalnations.

This book is a must read for those interested in racerelations generally, and for students of Southeast Asian Studies. ... Read more

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Sabah. Sabah (disambiguation), North Borneo dispute, State Seats Representatives, 12th Malaysian General Election, Demographics of Malaysia, Politics of Malaysia, Malayan Emergency, Malaysia, Borneo, North Borneo Chartered Company, Japanese occupation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak. ... Read more