Contesting Malayness: The Quest for the Elusive Melayu

By: Md. Salleh YaaparThe term Melayu is ancient and was first noted by Ptolemy as early as the second century CA. In current, everyday usage a Malay is someone who speaks the Malay language, practices Malay customs, and in most cases, follows the Muslim faith. The term, however, is more complex and elusive than what is usually understood. Who then are the Malays? What ...