GENEEAL FEATUEES OF MALAYSIA 2ii 



he may have come expressly to inquire into. In the 

 more civilised parts, where the rules of the Koran are 

 observed with greater strictness, botli women and 

 children are timid, and shrink from the unexpected 

 sight of a European. In the society of the male sex 

 they are silent, and in general quiet and submissive. 

 When alone the Malay is gloomy and taciturn, never 

 either singing or talking to himself. But when paddling 

 together in canoes they will occasionally chant a 

 monotonous, wailing song. They seldom offend each 

 other, nor are they prone to wrangling over money 

 matters, scarcely venturing even to claim what is law- 

 fully their own. Coarse horse-play is especially repug- 

 nant to them, the Malay being extremely sensitive on 

 all points of etiquette and of encroachments on his 

 personal freedom. The upper classes are exceedingly 

 courteous, comporting themselves with all the quiet 

 dignity of a well-educated European. Yet this outward 

 refinement, strange to say, co-exists in them with the 

 most pitiless cruelty and contempt of human life, traits 

 which belong to the dark side of their character. Herein 

 lies the explanation of the many diametrically opposed 

 judgments which have been given us by various travellers 

 of their mental characteristics. 



Some tell us that these dwellers by the sea are ever 

 hospitable and trustworthy, quiet and extremely indoleni , 

 but with an insatiable passion for gambling, which all 

 prohibitive measures have failed to suppress. Other 

 accounts describe them as impulsive, without self-control, 

 little to be relied upon, and of fickle disposition. Im- 

 provident, lazy, and averse to work, they would gladly 

 assume the role of superior beings whose lofty aspirations 

 and sense of freedom are degraded by the menial occupa- 

 tions necessary to secure a livelihood. They are, how- 



