Introduction: History and Culture

Malaysia, a country situated in Southeast Asia, is composed of two distinct non-contiguous regions: West Malaysia and East Malaysia(Sabah and Sarawak), with the latter occupying the northern part of the island of Borneo. In the West Malaysia shares borders with Thailand to the north, the South China Sea to the east, Singapore to the south, and the Strait of Malacca to the west. The Malaysian nation comprises three major federal territories that were established for different purposes: Kuala Lumpur serves as the national capital city, Putrajaya functions as the administrative center of the federal government, and Labuan operates as an offshore finance center.

Its population of around 34.7 million is multi-ethnic, with Bumiputera (Malay) (62%), Chinese (21%), Indians (6%), and foreigners (10%). Islam is the official religion, but other faiths like Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Chinese folk religions coexist. 

Economically, Malaysia has transitioned from exporting raw materials to a diversified, export-oriented manufacturing hub focused on electronics, machinery, automobiles, chemicals, and nurturing small-medium enterprises. It promotes foreign investment, privatization, and exports manufactured goods alongside commodities like palm oil and rubber. 

Politically, Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy with 13 states, a ceremonial monarch (Yang di-Pertuan Agong), a bicameral parliament, and state legislative assemblies. Each state possesses its own constitution, legislative assembly, and executive council led by a chief minister and accountable to the state legislative assembly. The federal and state constitutions mandate parliamentary and state legislative elections at least once every five years.

Culturally, Muslim festivals like Hari Raya Puasa ("Holiday of Fasting"), or Aidilfitri (ʿĪd al-Fiṭr), celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, while Hari Raya Haji ("Holiday of the Pilgrimage") marks the Islamic pilgrimage, while other religious celebrations are also observed through open house traditions and the National Day on August 31.  

Internationally, Malaysia is a member of numerous multilateral organizations including the United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),  World Trade Organization (WTO), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)