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1994
Malaysia South East Asia
Bec2004-09-20 18:13:32
Displayed times (last time: )
Georgetown
Georgetown, also called Penang for the name of the island it is on, was first settled by the British 1876 but has now been taken over by hardworking Chinese immigrants who pragmatic materialism gave them an edge in business matters over the more idealistic Muslim Malays.
I took this picture from a pedestrian overpass over Penang Road which is one of the main commercial avenues in the city centre.
Naturally, I stayed in a Chinese Hotel where I had a large room for 7.40$.
I had a most enlightening conversation in the restaurant with the Chinese hotel manager and a Malay journalist who both calmly expressed their feelings about the delicate situation of Malaysia where the Chinese minority (25%) has taken control of the economy while the Malay majority (60%) has maintained its hold on political power. Both have good reason to be frustrated, the Malays feel invaded and the Chinese feel rejected but they have managed to live together harmoniously since Singapore opted out of the Federation.
Contrary to most predominantly Islamic countries, religious tolerance is remarkable in Malaysia where Chinese Temples are everywhere to be seen along with the occasional Hindu Temple.
Kuala Lumpur
The British occupation of Malaysia has left unmistakable traces such as this cricket field and the Moorish inspired Secretariat offices now called the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Increasing numbers of modern skyscrapers now reflect the new reality of Malaysia's rapidly growing economy.
The Friday Mosque (Masjid Jame), marks the spot where tin prospectors founded the city at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak Rivers in 1860. They called it Kuala Lumpur meaning "Muddy Estuary".
The Malaysian Parliament Building is located in the hills west of the city not far from this "National Monument" which you cannot avoid visiting if you take a guided
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See photographs from:
Malaysia Gallery
