The Influence of The Tour on My Perception of Malaysia

Three Highlights learnt in the tour

The first highlight learnt in this tour is about the different types of coffins used for the funeral in the ancient time. This highlight is exhibited in the Prehistory Gallery. There are four different types of coffins such as Dongson Burial, Stone Slab Burials, Log coffin Burial in Sabah and Jar Burial. These different types of coffins found in different area in Malaysia. It is interesting to know that how the ancient people used different ways to bury the body in such a limited space like the Jar Burial which is quite difficult for us to believe it. Another example is The Dongson Burial. It was found in several sites such as Banting and Kelang. From this highlight, we know that how the way of burial evolving from time to time and these have enhanced our knowledge about different funeral style during prehistory time.

The second highlight is the education system that is exhibited in the Malaysia Today gallery. This highlight showed different education system that had been implemented in Malaysia throughout the history. For example, there are Pondok education, English education, Malay education, Chinese education, Tamil education and Higher education. These are implemented before Malaysia become independent and these education systems are design for different people. The purpose of those education systems is to preserve their own heritage and encourage people to have their education according to their own needs.

The third hightlight is the Currency system. The Malay state already started using the currency system before the arrival for western power. At first, they used the copper to make the currency. The, the Sultan Muzaffar Shah implemented the currency made by tin and some states are using the currency with the currency look like an animal. Besides, they also will be using the Europe currency when dealing with the businessman from the western country such as Spanish, Dutch ans so on. They used those currency to do their trade and business.

One Exhibited Element that I interested

The element that I interested is the Golden Flower. It was made of gold and was a special gift that sent by the Sultans of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Patani to the King of Siam as a symbol of friendship. Then, in the 14th century, the Golden Flower send with accompanied by four spears with glided shafts, a keris encrusted with precious stones, a spittoon, a tobacco box, a bouquet of betel leaves and two rings. Then, the King of Siam will return the gifts which have the same value to them.

I am interested of this because I have only seen it in the history book and I can finally see the real one in the museum. I also would like to know more stories behind this element. This element also showed us that how the people make a magnificent craftwork which the Golden Flower look exactly like the real flower. They are specialist in doing craftwork even though they have no machine to help them to do work.

I also can see more detail and clearly during the tour in the museum. The tour guide also explains extra things and stories about the element other than the things in the books. For example, like why they sent Golden Flower as a symbol instead of the other things.

How did my perception of Malaysia change after tour?

At first, I think that born as a Malaysian, it has nothing special. However, after the tour, I realized that Malaysia is a special country which has many different cultures and different races but still are able to live in peace. I realized that united we stand, divided we fall. For example, Malaysian united and fulfill their responsibility in the 2018 election and leads to the success that they desired. Malaysian always united when facing issues.

Since I had not been through the tough time before Malaysia becomes independent country, I felt that it is just history and the process to seek independence is easy. After I saw the process of seeking for independent, I felt that it is actually quite difficult for Malaysia to seek independent from British. But, our heroes still manage to seek independent from British successfully. So, as a Malaysian, I should be appreciate, precious and satisfied to live in this harmony country.

I also have more understanding to the process of forming Malaysia which is important for all the Malaysian to know and preserve our heritage.