GENERAL FEATURES OF MALAYSIA 
23 
lie may have come expressly to inquire into. In the 
more civilised parts, where the rules of the Koran are 
observed with greater strictness, both 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 indolent, 
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- 
