Essay 1 - Muhammad Daanish Haikal - 2024786195

FACULTY OF ART AND DESIGN
UiTM KAMPUS PUNCAK ALAM

42300 KUALA SELANGOR
SELANGOR
CTH408
(CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY)
ESSAY I
Name Muhammad Daanish Haikal Bin Mohd Taufik

UiTM matric 2024786195
Program no CAAD234
Group CAAD2341A
Question Set 1(b)
1
The concept of the term "Malay" contains a wide and diverse meaning that includes aspects
of history, culture and religion. The term "Malay" does not only refer to a specific ethnic group but
also reflects the process of history and cultural evolution. The world of the Malay culture covers
the cultures of the communities in the Malay Region/Archipelago (It’s covers the thousands islands
in Indonesia, Philippines, Malay Peninsular, Borneo Island, Singapore, Indochina/Vietnam). The
Malays developed through extensive trade and cultural exchange. The region's strategic position
along a major maritime route facilitated different influences, especially from Sanskrit, Arabic, and
Chinese, which enriched the Malay language and culture. Basically, the word of Malay and its
culture came from the Asia country such as Indonesia, Philippines, Malay Peninsula, Singapore
and many more. However, there are also opinions and theories by a few scholars such as Prof
Van Der Tuuk, Hollander, Prof. Omar Amir Hussein and Harun Aminurrashid.
Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk
https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Neubronner_van_der_Tuuk
According to Prof Van Der Tuuk, he said that in Indonesian language, Malay means
‘someone who crosses, transition or migrate’. This shows that the original Malay community is a
group that often moves and experiences changes in terms of residence and culture. The Malay
community is also believed to practice the beliefs of animism and dynamism. They were then
2
exposed to Hindu-Buddhist influence through interactions with traders and the influence of Indian
kingdoms such as the Srivijaya and Majapahit Kingdoms. Finally, with the arrival of Arab traders
and the spread of Islam, the Malay community turned to Islam which became the dominant religion
in the region.
J. J. De Hollander
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:J.J._de_Hollander.jpg
Next, according to Hollander. ‘Melayu’ is derived from the Minangkabau word which is
‘layo’ (run out) or‘traveller/ voyager / navigator. He defines the term based on the assumption that
the Malay people are known for their voyages from one place to another. This maritime nature and
their reputation as skilled navigators and explorers were central to their identity, shaping their
cultural and historical development as a seafaring people who traveled extensively across
Southeast Asia.
Furthermore, Professor Omar Amir Hussein also interest in the ancient history of the
original name of the Malays by studying a place that was a gathering of Persian Islamic
missionaries, or Muhalayuh people, who settled in Sumatra. They were responsible for spreading
3
Islam to the people of the Nusantara during the spread of Islam in this region. This began in the
late 1970s when there was an Islamic revival in the area. The preaching or dakwah movement grew
throughout Southeast Asia. Generally, this movement aimed to establish a strong Islamic identity
among Muslims. As a result, Islam began to take on a greater role in public life, marked by the
increased use of the hijab among Muslim women. Economic prowess led to moderate affluence,
which translated into more religious investments such as hajj and Islamic literature. Professor
Omar discovered that the word 'Melayu' originates from the Persian language, 'Muhalayuh', which
means 'Ulama / Religious Teacher'. This is because there is a possibility that the term "Orang
Muhalayuh" refers to the Islamic missionaries from Persia during the spread to Southeast Asia.
Not only that, but he is also supported by Professor Naquib Al-Attas, who believes that the term
Melayu only emerged after the spread of Islamic Civilization in the Nusantara. Therefore, he
coined the slogan “Melayu itu Islam dan Islam itu Melayu” (Malay is Islam and Islam is Malay)
in the context of the Nusantara.
Harun Aminurrashid
https://biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg/vol-3/issue2/jul-2007/harun-aminurrashid/
Lastly, Harun Aminurrashid. In his book ‘Kajian Sejarah Bahasa Melayu ‘Singapura’
(1966) he said that the word ‘Melayu’ is derived from Sanskrit language (India) ‘Malai’ which
means ‘hill ground / high land’ because the Indians who came to the region especially the Malay
4
Peninsular found the hilly and mountainous land known as ‘Malaya’ or ‘Malai’. He also researched
from the ‘Seriwijaya Kingdom’ book authored by Dr. Slametmuljana. “Malay name and Malay
come from the same word which is word Sanskrit means hill. The word grows in two different
places. North of the Strait of Malacca, the word retained its original form 'Malaya'; south of the
strait, the word underwent a phonetic change to become 'Melayu'. In the Orissa region, there is still
a mountain called Malayagiri, and near the tip of Comorin, there is another mountain called
Malayam. This form is clearly derived from the Sanskrit word Malaya. In Tamil, the word Malaya
became Malai, which also means 'hill'. It has been a common practice for migrants to name their
new place of residence after their previous home, especially if there are similarities between the
old and new locations. Thus, the Malay Peninsula was called 'Malaya' by migrants from India, who
found many hills in the area. This region is indeed full of hills. However, the indigenous people
called themselves the Malay people because they were mostly descendants of people from the
south side of the Strait of Malacca."
In conclusion, the origins of the Malays are closely related to their maritime heritage,
language evolution, and cultural adaptation. Various theories and scientific views that have been
mentioned above by Prof. Van Der Tuuk, Hollander, Prof. Omar Amir Hussein and Harun
Aminurrashid have shown the complex Malay history. The origin story has underlined the dynamic
nature of Malay identity, rooted in a combination of indigenous traditions and external influences.
Today's Malays are encouraged to preserve their cultural heritage, embrace diversity, leverage their
maritime heritage for economic and cultural growth, and foster strong community bonds. By
valuing education and innovation, Malays can continue to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing
world, honoring their past while building a vibrant future.
5
References
Grijns, C. D. (1996). Van der Tuuk and the study of Malay. Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land-en
Volkenkunde, 152(3), 353.
Malaycivilization. (n.d.). https://www.malaycivilization.com.my/
https://www.scribd.com/document/661965498/Professer-Omar-Amir-Hussien
Hussein, I. (1966). The study of traditional Malay literature. Journal of the Malaysian Branch of
the Royal Asiatic Society, 39(2 (210), 1-22.

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FACULTY OF ART AND DESIGN

UiTM KAMPUS PUNCAK ALAM

Name Muhammad Daanish Haikal Bin Mohd Taufik

Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk

Malaycivilization. (n.d.). https://www.malaycivilization.com.my/

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