ABSTRACT
Malaysia is a tropical country located in the heart of Southeast Asia. It comprises the southern tip of peninsular Malaysia and the western and northern sections of Borneo, and covers approximately 330,000 km2. This strategic position enticed traders from major powers that dominated the region throughout its history. Malaysia was described in both legend and literature of India, China, Greece, and Rome as a golden land of mineral and forest riches (suvarnabumi in Sanskrit and the Golden Chersonese in ancient Greek). In fact, Chinese, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and British communities have survived into the present and bear testimony to Malaysia’s leading role as a trading center centuries ago (Deva, 2004).
