PEOPLE'S MUSEUM
THE MALAYS: HISTORY
As the origin and ruler of the state, the Malays survived by involving in agricultural-based work such as tapping rubber, fisherman, farming and undergoing a simple and easy life. When you are in Melaka, you will find that the Malay villages are well set off among the coconut trees. The uniqueness of these wooden houses lie on the varieties of patterned and colourful tiles stairs. In early 1200s, the Land Commissioner, Mr. JF Morten had helped the people to develop Morten Village or Kampung Baru. The women wore loosen clothes and sarongs or tight-fitting Kebaya.
Meanwhile, the men wore uncollared shirt or known as Baju Melayu, loosen pants and kain samping. During wedding ceremonies, religious festivals or special occasions, the kain samping is replaced with kain songket. The Malays converted Islam in the 15th century.
Today, they practise the Malay cultures and Islamic religion. They are Islamic believers who appreciate commandments stated in Al-Quran. They have Arabic names, marry following the Islamic law, pray five times a day and do not eat pork. The children are taught al-Quran and most of them can memorize Quranic verses before entering primary school. At present, many Malays have made great achievements in public sectors and economic
THE MALAYS: DISHES
Historically, the Malay community has elements originated from Sumatrans, Javanese, Thailand, Sulawesi and Polynesia. Incidentally, Malay dishes have displayed great culinary quality from these countries.
The ingredients used in Malay dishes are coconut milk-based, chillies and prawn paste. It is said that, Malay dishes can give excitement at the dining table as they not only recognized for their delicious tastes but its spiciness and the use of various spices.
The desserts delighted by the Malays are porridge-like dishes (bubur) and traditional cakes. Bubur pulut hitam (sweetened black rice porridge), bubur kacang (sweetened green beans porridge) , pengat pisang (banana cooked in sweetened coconut milk) and bubur cacar (consists of yam slices, sweet potatoes and wheat flour slices) are among the eminent desserts. In addition, the Malays’ traditional cakes are glutinous rice-based and sweet potatoes. They are dodol (made of glutinous rice flour mixed with coconut milk and sugar), wajik (made of glutinous rice, coconut milk and sugar ), kuih koci (glutinous rice flour with sweetened coconut filling and wrapped with banana leaves), bahulu (wheat flour mixed with beaten eggs and sugar) and onde-onde (glutinous rice flour stuffed with sugar palm, boiled in hot water and layered with coconut).
Traditionally, the stone mortar (lesung batu) is a must-have cooking utensil that was used by our forefathers and at present. The sambal belacan is tastier when using the stone mortar compared to using the electrical blender.
THE CHINESE : HISTORY
In the 19th century, the Chinese had migrated to Melaka leaving the cruel Manchu government in China. They had to work hard to construct the railway track, mining tins and set up a new settlement, which at the same time getting involved in gambling activity and smoking opium. They hoped to bring home a great wealth.
The various Chinese groups like Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew and Hainan, still practice their ceremonial heritage such as culture, food and language, besides doing craftsmanship or certain businesses. The Chinese traditional festivals are celebrated with family and religious values which are instilled in every family member’s mind. These Chinese traditions can be witnessed anywhere in Melaka. At Hang Lekir street, you can find the undertaker making the Chinese traditional coffin. In fact, if you are lucky you could witness the funeral procession carried out at the living hall. Antique and souvenir shops selling porcelain and attractive accessories can be found at Hang Jebat Street or Jonker Walk, one of the famous streets not only in Melaka but throughout Malaysia. The street housed imported liquor shops, saloon, clogs shops, coffin shops, Chinese herbal pharmacies, temple signage making shops tamped by commercial shops and a handful of antique shops.
Jonker Street Café is a blend of an art shop and Nyonya cuisine restaurant that has been preserved accordance to the original Nyonya architecture. Wah Aik the shoe maker still produces and sells attractive satin embroided shoes suitable for Chinese foot-bounded females or sam chuin kam lin. Tokong Street or Temple Street which is also known as Unity Street (Jalan Perpaduan), houses the religious buildings for all the three races side by side. This scenario continues for decades. There are hawkers surrounding the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple or Bright Cloud Temple, selling candles and sandalwood for the Buddhists’ usage. The temple was built by a Chinese man who had run away from Manchu occupation which later was taken over by the Chinese local leaders in 1645. It is the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar. A day before the celebration, the Chinese families will dine together on Chinese New Year’s eve. It is a routine for them to visit each other whereby they would give away ‘ang pow’ or a red envelope-like containing some money to give away to children and bachelors. The noise and lights produced by the fire crackers are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring joy to the celebration. On the 15th day, Chap Goh Mei is celebrated. Unmarried Chinese females will celebrate the day by throwing oranges into the open sea praying that they would get a good husband. Ching Ming or the Spirit Day falls on the 4th day, when all family members will visit the graves and clean their relatives’ graves. They will present offerings of food, lit candles , sandalwood and papers on the graves. The grave yards are in Bukit Cina and the Chinese Grave Yard in Jelutong. Wesak Day is celebrated by the Buddhists between the month of May and June. The believers will gather at Sek Kian Eenh Buddhist Temple at Gajah Berang Street. They will be entertained with light entertainment, acrobatics and decorated cars parade.
THE CHINESE : CUISINE
The main ingredients for Chinese cuisine are soy-based (bean curd cakes, taucu and soy sauce ), mushrooms, lily flower, grains and others. These ingredients are mixed with spices used by the Malays, like cinnamon and others.
Most of the Chinese cuisine derive from China for instance, yong tau foo, char koay teow, dim sum and others. These dishes are delighted by them since the 18th decade. Lok lok is the only Chinese dish that is still being sold and favoured by the locals.
Normally, the Chinese use the wok when cooking and use the chopsticks when eating. It is considered as rude when licking the end of the chopsticks and putting them on the rice bowls. Instead, the chopsticks are placed at the said place.
THE INDIANS : HISTORY
The Indians migrated to Malay Madagascar in the 2nd decade and referred it as Suryana Dwina or Golden Peninsular. Most of the Indians in Melaka came from Sothern India. Initially, they worked and lived in rubber estates. However, at present they indulge in various jobs namely goldsmith, clothing, groceries, merchants and money lenders.
The cultural influence brought by these Indian Southerners have great impact in the Malaysians’ cultures. Some of the influences are colourful silk saree, singing and dancing scenes in Tamil films in television, Indian Weekly Magazines, influence of Hindu beliefs which are being inculcated as part of Malaysians’ life. In addition, they also introduced their delicious cuisine like banana leaves curry whereby rice, vegetables, fish curry and meat are placed on banana leaves.
The Sri Poyyatha Vinagar Moorthi temple which was built by the Indians in Melaka in 1780s, was decorated with small statues of gods, religious figures and the red statue of cows; the Hindus’ sacred animal. The temple was built to respect the God of Vinayagar, who is powerful in defeating any obstacle that preventing the success of businessmen, to be wealthy as well as those who are getting married. At Hang Jebat Street, there exists Nattukottai money lenders who carry out traditional trade by sitting on the floor behind a small table. Thaipusam is the day when the Hindus celebrate the God of Muruga. The believers gather at Sri Subramanian Devasthan temple in Batu Berendam to appease their wishes and cleanse their sins by carrying ‘kawadi’. However, the believers who do this act are beyond consciousness level. Normally, Thaipusam is celebrated with the parade of its believers, family members and friends in the evening.
THE INDIANS : CUISINE
The Indian cuisines are well-known for its diversity of tastes incited from the existence of spices like chillies, clove, cinnamon, cumin and mustard. The bread made of kneaded dough is their favourite food ranging from tosai, chapatti, naan and roti canai. Banana leaves dishes which referred to the food being placed on banana leaves, is an enthralling eating experience . You should try the mouthwatering Indian Muslims’ dishes such as briyani rice, roti canai and fried noodles. Other Indian dishes are kurma, chicken tandoori and fish-head curry.
THE BABA NYONYA : HISTORY
Apart from being known as Baba Nyonya, they are also referred as Peranakan race. The existence of Baba and Nyonya is due to the intermarriage between the immigrants from the mainland of China and the locals. Similarly, their way of life is comparable with the Malay communities’ life. They also use the Malay language as their official spoken language, wear batik sarong or pelikat as well as performing wedding ceremony similar to the Malay marital ceremony that is complemented with the giving of dowry inclusive of tepak sirih.
According to Robert Queek, the 9th generation of Melaka Baba Nyonya, the Peranakan and the Malays differ in religious aspect as they remain steadfast to their religion namely Buddhist.
Baba Nyonya also differs than the Chinese. Despite sharing similar appearance just like any other Chinese, they practise diversity of special cultures that are not practised by the local Chinese. Among the vital culture is Piara Abu ceremony that is performing prayers for the dead. They also celebrate New Eve; the special year that is celebrated in the fifth month of the Chinese calendar. New Eve is a festive day for Baba Nyonya society and subsequently they need to serve Nasi Tahun. The night before New Eve, they will hold prayers to welcome the beginning of the year.
The distinctiveness of Baba Nyonya society reclined in their speech. Generally, most of them are fluent in Bahasa Melayu, thus, it is the official medium of instruction. Consequently, this basic communication allows them to practice a similar culture to the Malays. They enjoy Dondang Sayang, Keroncong and Pantun. In fact, these are accepted as part of their cultural heritage. They dressed respectively to the Malays. They wear kebaya, Java batik sarong and accessories like brooches alike the attires worn by the Malay women. Meanwhile, the men wear Cok Chun that is comparable to Baju Melayu adorned with ceongsam-button like.
THE BABA NYONYA : CUISINE
Nyonya dishes, which are a mixture of Chinese and Malay cuisines, are savoured by many people. Most of their dishes contain spices and prawn paste. Some juices extracted from certain grains and fruits are added into the dishes to enhance its scrumptiousness. Their famous dishes are otak-otak, chicken cooked with keluak, duck soup, laksa lemak, banana flower, Siamese noodles and turmeric rice. The desserts comprise of sago with palm sugar and kuih koci.
THE CHETTIARS : HISTORY
The arrival of the Indians society to the Malay land in the 17th, 18th and 19th century for trading activities became more unique as some of them got married to the locals.
This intermarriage had produced a new generation called the Chettiars. Initially, they only lived in a village known as Kampung Keling (Keling Village). Thus, the government is inspired to locate the Chettiars in an area occupied by the majority of them. As such, Kampung Tujuh or known as Kampung Gajah Berang (Gajah Berang Village) is developed as Chettiars’ settlement.
The Chettiars practise a lifestyle that comprises a blend of Malays and Indians’ cultural heritage. The blend of these cultures made the Chettiars an exceptional community. They effusively use Malay Language mixed with Tamil Language but at present the English Language is more amicable as the official spoken language. According to Ramsamy Pillay, the 3rd Chettiar generation, they still preserve the Indian cultures. In the meantime, they have their own cultural heritage that is not correlated to any of the races. Among them are welcoming new born babies ceremony, hair trimming ceremony and Bhogi ceremony or performing prayers for the dead. Mathuponggol is bathing and adorning cows’ ceremony while Kamiponggol is a special ceremony for the females whereby they are gathered and asked to cook rice or prepare milk as well as doing the same chores done by married women. This ceremony is prone to the choosing of future brides.
Simultaneously, the Malays’ attire had a great influence among the Chettiars. The females wear Baju Kebaya and sarong and the official attire for the men is Baju Melayu Telok Belanga. They are eminent for their Tauchi food, Pulut Tekah and other Melaka traditional dishes.
THE PORTUGUESE : HISTORY
The Portuguese community exists from the inheritance of intermarriage of the local women with the Portuguese officers when the Portuguese Navy Armada led by AlFonso de Albuquerque invaded Melaka in 1511. Their incursion in Melaka had made Melaka a unique state that has an array of cultures, races and heritage.
Most of the Portuguese community are Christians and they still practise their traditional heritage. One of the festivals that they celebrate is De Sa Pedro Fiesta that is an event to revel all the Portuguese fishermen. Normally, they will enjoy themselves in the morning while holding The Blessing of The Boat ceremony. During the event, boats will be decorated with small flags, candles and pictures of St. Peter. These boats will be blessed by a priest so as to wish for great wealth. In addition, during the event all the Portugueses will clad new colourful garments.
The Malay influences can be witnessed in their way of life especially in clothings and food. Their official language is Cristao yet they are more comfortable communicating in English and Malay languages.
Branyo Dance is a popular dance whereby the female dancers will wear kebaya and sarongs while the male dancers will put on a more western attires. The dance is accompanied by the violin and rebana as well as musical rhythms and body movement that is similar to Tarian Ronggeng (Ronggeng Dance). During the dance, Cristao language is used. The dance is akin to Dondang Sayang and Berpantun which are practised by the Malays. This dance is synonymous to the Portuguese older generations. The male dancers will clad in bolero, a kind of coat adorned with ruffles or laces, embroided with flower motif, maflas and scarf and complemented with black tight slacks sewn with laces on each side. On the other hand, the female dancers will dress in long skirts complemented with ruffles and laced blouses. The music is hard and groovy; originated from Portugal in the 16th century.
THE PORTUGUESE : DISHES
The Portuguese dishes reflect the amalgamation of splendid spices, herbs, lemon grass and onions. To enhance the flavours, vinegar, lime juice, tamarind and sour fruits are appended into the dishes. The famous dish is the spicy Devil Curry that comprises the mixture of spices which is suitable to add chicken or beef. Karing-karing Fretu is a snack made of fried fish and tarnished with onions. Seafood like spicy grilled fish wrapped with banana leaves is also one of their favourites.
THE ORANG ASLI “TEMUAN” : HISTORY
The term Orang Asli which is introduced in Bahasa Melayu in 1950s referred to the small community lived in the rurals and sub-areas of Melaka. Apparently, the elements of mysteries and the unknown are commonly related to their existence. The magical as well as their prominent ritual practice made them being referred as the primitives.
In reality, this point of view is erroneous. In terms of modern technology they may be far apart and poor yet they own a unique characteristics of life by helping each other and being close to the natures.
These Orang Asli live comfortably in rural areas independent to the external world trades while upholding their own way of life and cultures. This society does not experience any fatal health difficulties and unbound from any political influences compared to the rest of the societies.
Coincidentally, the Orang Asli have adjusted themselves to the changes and new surroundings while sustaining their unique life values from any distant infleunces. In encountering external elements and future challenges, they are aware of the importance of preserving their own identity among the societies in Melaka.
THE THE SIKHS / PUNJAB : HISTORY
In Malaysia, the Sikh community is the sub-community of the Indian ethnic which is estimated to be around 70,000 and originated from Northern Indian territory. Their religion is founded by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) is widely spread to the South Eastern region. Malaysia and Singapore are the two countries that are the focused early settlement of the Sikh minority during the Biritish colonial in the Malay Land. There were four factors related to the migration of the Sikhs from Punjab to Malaysia.
The relocation of Sikhs political prisoners from India to the Straits was the prime factor of the beginning of the Sikh’s diasporal in the Federation of Malaya. Most of the Sikhs are uneasy with this fact as they are not well-verse with the study of history. It was believed that two Sikhs political prisoners had arrived in the Straits in 1850. They were Nihal Singh (generally known as Bhai Maharaj singh) and Kharak Singh who had been exiled for their involvements in British resistence in 1840s. Bhai Maharaj singh deceased on 5th July 1856 at Outram Road Prison, Singapore. Their arrivals had led to other Sikh prisoners relocation. On 8th May 1873, the prisoners from India were relocated to Andaman. In contrast, Sikh prisoners who had completed their imprisonment period did not return to India. Indeed, they chose to stay in the Straits.
The centre of the Sikh’s settlements in the Federation of Malaya was at police quarters and tin mining areas. The Sikh community who joined Melaka Sikh Group (MSG) had built their gurdwara (praying temple) for their soul contentment and to unite the Sikhs. The early Gurdwara was built in Malaysia to satisfy a certain category of employment. The first Gurdwara built in Malaysia was set up by the Sikh policemen near the police quarters.
Then, the migration of the Sikh community was also influenced by personal factors as the British officers who worked in Punjab and allied territory anticipated to get the Sikhs to work in the Federation of Malaya. Consequently, they were attracted to the place and diversity of employment sectors available here. They were involved in security sectors such as police, security services in various government sectors and technical officers at railway stations.
Their bravery was proven as they had served not only in India but served in British military in China, Burma and other British territories. Their success in China could be seen when Tienstin Treaty was signed and several Sikh squads were given the ‘Honour of War’.
Generally, their arrival to the Federation of Malaya was of temporary basis that was to collect as much money to bring home. However, much later, their perspective towards life changed when they wanted a better life than in Punjab. Even though they had lived in Malaysia, they still preserved good family ties with their relatives in India. Their contributions in the security force in the Federation of Malaya and presently in Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM) should be reviewed by Malaysian societies. Their unique features in keeping their Sikh identity when serving the security force was a legacy of historical assette.
