Ethnic Groups

Malaysia is a multi–ethnic, multicultural and multilingual society, and the many ethnic groups in Malaysia maintain separate cultural identities. The society of Malaysia has been described as "Asia in miniature".The original culture of the area stemmed from indigenous tribes that lived there, along with the Malays who later moved there. Substantial influence exists from the Chinese and Indian cultures, dating back to when trade began in the area. Other cultures that heavily influenced that of Malaysia include Persian, Arabic, and British. The structure of the government along with the racial balanc e of power caused by the idea of a social contract has resulted in little incentive for the cultural assimilation of ethnic minorities in Malaya and Malaysia.The government has historically made little distinction between "Malay Culture" and "Malaysian Culture.

Heads from old headhunting practices in a Kadazan house in Sabah