BY: LYNDY NG

Most Malaysians take for granted their way of life, until foreign visitors and tourists point out to them that this country is so much better off than many other nations of the world, who may be richer in wealth.

Malaysia may not be among the top richest countries in the world, but Malaysians must be grateful and thankful that they have such a wonderfully blessed land which is why they must learn to preserve and enhance their way of life.

In the first instance, the Malaysian population make-up is unique with Malays, Chinese, Indians and “others” such as the Portuguese, Eurasians, the tribal groups in Sabah and Sarawak and also the presence of many foreigners.

This means the country is really a melting pot offering a potpourri of colourful festivals all throughout the year such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Deepavali, Christmas, Pesta Kemaatan and the harvest festival of Gawai.

Besides this, Malaysians speak a cacophony of languages and dialects, and although Bahasa Malaysia is respected as the national language, English is widely used which is welcoming news for millions of tourists and visitors annually to Malaysia.

But the most obvious Malaysian pastime is eating and drinking, where you have many 24-hour restaurants and eateries, and a very wide range of gastronomical delights from fine dining to the ubiquitous stalls selling hawker fare.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher