The most important thing to observe about Malaysia is the varied mixture of cultures that, nevertheless, are coexisting in a stable manner. This doesn't mean the cultures agree upon every single thing, but it is generally accepted that Malaysians have learnt to respect and live successfully with the diversity in its society. Malaysians are proud of their country and it's successes, however, they still mostly identify themselves first with their ethnic background and secondly as Malaysian.

The three main cultures within the society are the Malays (59% of the population), the Chinese (32%) and the Indians (9%). There are the Dayaks, Kadazans, Kenyahs, Meanaus and Muruts. The Chinese traditionally held the economic power in Malaysia, but many years ago following a period of race riots, the government implemented policy to positively encourage the raising of living standards within the less privileged section of Malaysian society. The Chinese viewed these programmes as discrimination against them, nevertheless, it has generally been regarded as successful with Malays and other groups, attaining greater economic balance within the society.