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Arts and culture in Malaysia

Arts and culture

Wayang kulit Wayang kulitThe puppets used in shadow play, an ancient art that originated in Malaysia, inspired by ancient Hindu writings Fotosearch / Age Fotostock

Malaysia is a cosmopolitan country where many religious co-exist: Islam, Buddhism, Hindu, Christianity, Taoism and traditional Chinese faiths. The country's arts and culture have, therefore, been influenced by the East, India, China and Europe. This ethnic diversity is found in all areas, from the originally Indian art of puppets to Chinese cuisine. Rice and noodles are the staple elements and are found in every dish. The spices (pepper, saffron, curry, etc.) are a result of Eastern influences and are the signature of Malaysian cuisine. Malaysia is thus a country with a rich culture, where a "tolerant" version of Islam is combined with various legends and Hindu, Buddhist and animist traditions.

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Our expert Malaysia

Neil Kreeger Section editor

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