Our Federal Constitution defines a Malay as one who practices Islam and observes Malay culture. This column seeks to express my views as a curious observer and a keenly interested party of the above. The column question is addressed to all my Moderate Middle Malay friends and allies. See the earlier column wherein I define who they are.

I took a subject called Malay culture and beliefs in Universiti Malaya under the offering, H106. It was in my first year of university education. I surely learned to better appreciate Malay culture and beliefs. Sadly or truthfully, little was taught about Islam per se, but much of the content was premised upon the assumption that all Malays are Sunni Muslims.

For all of us, whether Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or Orang Asal, our culture defines our beliefs, values and attitudes about the world around us, and others. While this column is only focused on Malay culture, I suppose most of the questions raised could apply to any other culture, too.