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{{Short description|Ethnic group in Malaysia}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Malaysians of Tamil origin <br> {{lang|ta|மலேசியத் தமிழர்கள்}}
| group = Malaysians of Tamil origin
| native_name = {{lang|ta|மலேசியத் தமிழர்கள்}}
| image = [[File:Image taken from page 101 of 'Camping and Tramping in Malaya fifteen years' pioneering in the native states of the Malay peninsula' (11294289496).jpg|200px]]
| image =
| caption = A group of Tamil people in [[British Malaya]], 1898.
| poptime = '''1,743,922'''
| population = Approximately 1,971,000<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/18211/MY|title=Tamil (Hindu traditions) in Malaysia|last1=Project|first1=Joshua}}</ref>
<small>(>90% of Malaysian Indians)</small>
| popplace = [[Peninsular Malaysia]]
| popplace = {{flag|Malaysia}} ([[Peninsular Malaysia]])<br />{{flag|Singapore}}
| langs = [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malaysian English|English]] and [[Malaysian language|Malaysian]]
| langs = [[Malaysian Tamil]], [[Malaysian English|English]] and [[Malaysian language|Malay]]
| rels = [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], [[Buddhism]], [[Islam]]
| rels = [[Hinduism]], [[Christianity]], [[Buddhism]], [[Islam]]
| related = [[Tamil people|Tamil]], [[Tamil Muslim]], [[Indian Singaporeans]], [[Sri Lankan Tamil]], [[Dravidian people| Dravidians]]
| related = [[Tamils|Tamil]], [[Tamil Muslim]], [[Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka|Indian Tamils]], [[Myanmar Tamils]], [[Indian Singaporeans]], [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Sri Lankan Tamil]], [[Malaysian Malayali]], [[Telugu Malaysians]], [[Dravidian people|Dravidians]]
}}
}}

{{Tamils}}
The '''Tamil Malaysians''' resp. '''Malaysian Tamils''' consists of people of full or partial [[Tamil people|Tamil]] descent who were born in or immigrated to [[Malaysia]]. They make up over 90% of the Malaysian Indian populations in Malaysia. Although bulk of the migration happened during the [[British Empire|British colonial period]] there were established Tamil communities spanning a millennium.<ref name=rj>[http://www.transcomm.ox.ac.uk/working%20papers/ravijain.pdf Culture and economy:Tamils in the plantation sector 1998-99] (April 2000)</ref><ref>
'''Tamil Malaysians''', also known as '''Malaysian Tamilar''', are people of full or partial [[Tamils|Tamil]] descent who were born in or immigrated to [[Malaysia]] from [[Tamil Nadu]], India and the Tamil regions of north-east [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Sri Lanka]]. The majority of 1.8–2 million people 80% of the Malaysian Indian populations in Malaysia were from [[Tamils|Indian Tamil]] ethnic groups from [[Tamil Nadu]] and [[Sri Lanka]]. The bulk of Tamil Malaysian migration began during the [[British Raj]], when [[British Empire|Britain]] facilitated the migration of Indian workers to work in plantations. There are, however, some established Tamil communities from before British colonialism.<ref name=rj>[http://www.transcomm.ox.ac.uk/working%20papers/ravijain.pdf Culture and economy:Tamils in the plantation sector 1998-99] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324005548/http://www.transcomm.ox.ac.uk/working%20papers/ravijain.pdf |date=2017-03-24 }} (April 2000)</ref><ref>
[http://www.mediaasiaconference.humanities.curtin.edu.au/pdf/Amira%20Firdaus.pdf Ethnic identity and News Media preference in Malaysia] (November 2006)</ref>
[http://www.mediaasiaconference.humanities.curtin.edu.au/pdf/Amira%20Firdaus.pdf Ethnic identity and News Media preference in Malaysia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828221938/http://mediaasiaconference.humanities.curtin.edu.au/pdf/Amira%20Firdaus.pdf |date=2007-08-28 }} (November 2006)</ref>


==Precolonial period==
==Precolonial period==
{{Main|Indian Malaysian|Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions in Malaysia}}
{{Main|Malaysian Indians|Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions in Malaysia}}
[[File:KITLV - 80012 - Kleingrothe, C.J. - Medan - Tamil woman, probably in Malaysia - circa 1910.tif|thumb|upright|left|Tamil woman in the [[Malay Peninsula]], circa 1910.]]
The relation between Tamils and Malaysia is older than 2000 years. The ancient Tamil literature [[Paṭṭiṉappālai]] refers today's Malaysia as Kalagam (Tamil: காழகம்).<ref>திருநாவுக்கரசு, க.த., தென்கிழக்காசிய நாடுகளில் தமிழ்ப்பண்பாடு, p. 294.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.ulakaththamizh.org/JOTSpdf/061035052.pdf|title=Pathinenmaelkanakku|first=Uruttirangannanar|work=Paṭṭiṉappālai (பட்டினப் பாலை)|year=100 BCE – 100 CE|location=Tamil Nadu|pages=294|language=Tamil|format=PDF}}</ref>
Relations between Tamils and, what is now, Malaysia have existed for more than 2000 years. The ancient Tamil poetic work [[Paṭṭiṉappālai]] refers to the territory of modern Malaysia as ''Kaalagam'' (Tamil: காழகம்).<ref>திருநாவுக்கரசு, க.த., தென்கிழக்காசிய நாடுகளில் தமிழ்ப்பண்பாடு, p. 294.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.ulakaththamizh.org/JOTSpdf/061035052.pdf|title=Pathinenmaelkanakku|author=Uruttirangannanar|work=Paṭṭiṉappālai (பட்டினப் பாலை)|location=Tamil Nadu|pages=294|language=ta}}</ref>


Tamil literature from 10th and 11th century referring the today's [[Kedah]] as Kadaram (Tamil: கடாரம்)
Tamil literature from the 10th and 11th centuries refers to the modern Malaysian state of [[Kedah]] as ''Kadaram'' (Tamil: கடாரம்).


Prior to [[British Malaya|British colonization]], [[Tamil people|Tamils]] had been conspicuous in the [[archipelago]] much earlier, especially since the period of the powerful [[South India]] kingdom of the [[Cholas]] in the 11th century. The [[Pallava dynasty]] of [[Tamil Nadu]] spread Indian culture and the Indian script to Malaysia.<ref>Prehistory of the Indo-Malaysian Archipelago by Peter Bellwood p.137</ref> The Tamil emperor [[Rajendra Chola I]] of the [[Chola dynasty]] invaded Malaysia in the 11th century.<ref>Studies in Southeast Asian Art: Essays in Honor of Stanley J. O'Connor by Stanley J. O'Connor,Nora A. Taylor p.196</ref>
Prior to [[British Malaya|British colonization]], [[Tamils]] had been conspicuous in the [[archipelago]] much earlier, especially since the period of the powerful [[South India]]n kingdom of the [[Cholas]] in the 11th century. The [[Pallava dynasty]] of [[Tamil Nadu]] spread Tamil culture and the Tamil script to Malaysia.<ref>Prehistory of the Indo-Malaysian Archipelago by Peter Bellwood p.137</ref> The Tamil emperor [[Rajendra Chola I]] of the [[Chola dynasty]] invaded [[Srivijaya]] in the 11th century.<ref>Studies in Southeast Asian Art: Essays in Honor of Stanley J. O'Connor by Stanley J. O'Connor,Nora A. Taylor p.196</ref>


The [[Malay Peninsula]] experienced strong south Indian culture in the 11th century and south Indian merchant guilds were established in several locations.<ref>Southeast Asia: From Prehistory to History by Ian Glover p.247</ref> By that time, [[Tamil people|Tamils]] were among the important trading peoples of maritime Asia. Although bulk of these immigrants to [[South East Asia]] had assimilated with the majority [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]] ethnic group, some communities such as the [[Chitty|Malacca Chittys]] are remnants of the earlier migration history.<ref name=Sneddon2003>{{cite book | last = Sneddon| first = James|title = The Indonesian Language: Its history and role in modern society| year = 2003| publisher = University of South Wales Press Ltd| location = Sydney| pages = 73}}</ref>
The [[Malay Peninsula]] had a strong Tamil culture in the 11th century, and Tamil merchant guilds were established in several locations.<ref>Southeast Asia: From Prehistory to History by Ian Glover p.247</ref> By that time, [[Tamils]] were among the important trading peoples of maritime Asia. Although the bulk of these immigrants to [[Southeast Asia|South East Asia]] had assimilated with the majority [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]] ethnic group, some communities such as the [[Chitty|Malacca Chittys]] are remnants of these earlier Tamil migrants.<ref name=Sneddon2003>{{cite book | last = Sneddon| first = James|title = The Indonesian Language: Its history and role in modern society| year = 2003| publisher = University of South Wales Press Ltd| location = Sydney| pages = 73}}</ref>


==Colonial period==
==Colonial period==
[[File:KITLV - 80018 - Kleingrothe, C.J. - Medan - Tamil girl, probably in Malaysia - circa 1910.tif|thumb|right|upright|A Tamil girl in the [[Malay Peninsula]], circa 1910.]]
During the British colonial era, [[Great Britain|Britain]] facilitated the migration of Indian workers to work in plantations. The overwhelming majority of migrants from India were ethnic [[Tamil people|Tamil]] and from the [[Madras Presidency]] of [[British Empire|British]].
During the British colonial era, [[Great Britain|Britain]] facilitated the migration of Indian workers to work in plantations. The overwhelming majority of migrants from India were ethnic [[Tamils|Tamil]] and from the [[Madras Presidency]] now [[Tamil Nadu]] of the [[British Empire]].


Many of those migrants from Tamil Nadu settled permanently in Malaysia and became shopkeepers and entrepreneurs.
The [[Sri Lankan Tamils]], also known locally as Ceylonese Tamils, were employed principally in the civil and professional services.


Tamil Indian freedom fighters [[Maruthu_Pandiyar]] relatives and 72 Soldiers got deported to [[Penang]] in the year 1802 by Madras Presidency Government (British India Government). <ref>சிவகங்கைச் சரித்திர அம்மானை. Madras Government Oriental Manuscripts Series No: 34</ref>
Tamil Indian freedom fighters [[Maruthu Pandiyar]] relatives and 72 soldiers were deported to [[Penang]] in the year 1802 by the Madras Presidency Government (British India Government).<ref>சிவகங்கைச் சரித்திர அம்மானை. Madras Government Oriental Manuscripts Series No: 34</ref>


== Siam Burma Death Railway==
== Siam Burma Death Railway==
During the WWII Japanese army used more than 120,000 Tamils in the construction of 415 KM railway between [[Siam-Burma_Death_Railway_(film)|Siam and Burma]] to transport them army supplies. During this project half of them (around 60,000) were perished.
[[File:Malaysian Tamils.jpg|thumb|left|Malaysian Tamils during the construction of Death railway between June 1942 to October 1943.]]

{{Main | Burma Railway}}

During the Second World War, the Japanese army used more than 120,000 Tamils in the construction of a 415km railway between [[Siam-Burma Death Railway (film)|Siam and Burma]] to transport army supplies. During this project, it was initially believed that half of them (around 60,000) perished.

However, recent research revealed that at least 150,000 Indian Tamils were killed during the duration of the Siam railway project. They fell victim to snake bites and insect bites, diseases like cholera, malaria & [[Thiamine deficiency|beriberi]], massacre, torture, rape, committed suicide, etc. as they were unable to bear the burden.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-real-kwai-killed-over-150-lakh-tamils/article9037199.ece | title = The real Kwai killed over 1.50 lakh Tamils | work = The Hindu | access-date = Sep 21, 2016 | date = Aug 27, 2016 }}</ref>

In order to wipe out cholera, Japanese forces launched huge massacres against the Indians, killing massive numbers of the Tamils daily. Handfuls of Tamils also died weekly from overwork.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GnY-AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA158|title=The Railway Man: A POW's Searing Account of War, Brutality and Forgiveness by Eric Lomax| page=158|isbn=9780393344073|last1=Lomax|first1=Eric|date=11 April 2014|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company }}</ref> <ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jKOWt4jYW34C&pg=PA161|title=The Thailand-Burma Railway, 1942-1946: Asian labour|isbn=9780415309547|last1=Kratoska|first1=Paul H.|year=2006|publisher=Taylor & Francis }}</ref>


==Language==
==Language==
Tamil is an educational language in Malaysia, with more than 500 [[Tamil primary schools in Malaysia|Tamil medium schools]]. According to Harold Schiffman, an American researcher into Malaysian Tamils, compared to Singapore, language maintenance is favorable in Malaysia. However, he notes some Tamils are shifting to English and Malay.<ref name=hs>
Tamil is an educational language in Malaysia, with more than 500 [[Tamil primary schools in Malaysia|Tamil medium schools]]. According to Harold Schiffman, an American researcher into Malaysian Tamils, compared to Singapore, language maintenance is favourable in Malaysia. However, he notes some Tamils are shifting to English and Malay.<ref name=hs>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| last = Schiffman
| last = Schiffman
| first = Harold
| first = Harold
| authorlink =
| title = Malaysian Tamils and Tamil Linguistic Culture
| title = Malaysian Tamils and Tamil Linguistic Culture
| work =
| publisher = [[University of Pennsylvania]]
| publisher = [[University of Pennsylvania]]
| date = 1998-12-31
| date = 1998-12-31
| url =http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/messeas/maltamil/MALAYSIA.html
| url =
| access-date = 2007-08-27 }}</ref> Although most Tamil students still go to publicly funded schools that teach primary subjects in [[Tamil language]] there are moves to shift to the [[Malay language]]. Tamil groups have objected to this policy.<ref name=mk>
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/messeas/maltamil/MALAYSIA.html
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-08-27 }}</ref> Although most Tamil students still go to publicly funded schools that teach primary subjects in [[Tamil language]] there are moves to shift to [[Malay language]]. Tamil groups have seriously objected to this policy.<ref name=mk>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| last = Tong
| last = Tong
| first = YS
| first = YS
| authorlink =
| title = Tamil groups object to language-switch policy
| title = Tamil groups object to language-switch policy
| work =
| publisher = [[Malaysiakini]]
| publisher = [[Malaysiakini]]
| date = 2006-12-23
| date = 2006-12-23
| url = http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/14044
| url = http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/14044
| access-date = 2007-08-27 }}</ref>
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate = 2007-08-27 }}</ref>


==Economic condition==
==Economic condition==


Malaysian Tamils have had an opportunity to integrate with the expanding economy of Malaysia since 1970 under the [[New Economic Policy]] (NEP). Although the bulk of them still remain as workers in the [[plantation]] sector in [[rubber]] and [[palm oil]] estates at those times very many have moved out as [[blue collar]] and [[White-collar worker|white collar]] workers in the expanding industrial sector. They are also found in civil service, professional sector, media and finance. One of Malaysia's wealthiest men [[Ananda Krishnan]] is a Malaysian Tamil of Sri Lankan origin. Overall it is one of the dynamic communities compared to other [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian diaspora]] groups such as in [[Fiji]], [[Guyana]] and [[Trinidad and Tobago]].<ref name=rj/>
Malaysian Tamils had the opportunity to integrate with the expanding economy of Malaysia since 1970 under the [[Malaysian New Economic Policy|New Economic Policy]] (NEP). Although the bulk of them still remain as workers in the [[plantation]] sector in [[rubber]] and [[palm oil]] estates at those times very many have moved out as [[blue collar]] and [[White-collar worker|white collar]] workers in the expanding industrial sector. They are also found in civil service, professional sector, media and finance. One of Malaysia's wealthiest men [[Ananda Krishnan]] is of Malaysian Tamil origin. Overall it is one of the most dynamic Indian communities compared to other [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|Indian diaspora]] groups such as in [[Fiji]], [[Guyana]] and [[Trinidad and Tobago]].<ref name=rj/>


==Political condition==
==Political condition==


The Malaysian political process is based on a cooperative political alliance of three major political parties, each representing an ethnic community. [[Malaysian Indian Congress]] (MIC) represents the interests of the [[Malaysian Indian]] community at the [[Central government|federal]] level. Due to overwhelming natural presence, Malaysian Tamils have come to dominate the MIC since its inception. [[Samy Vellu]], who is the longest serving leader of a mainstream Malaysian political party, having been MIC president since October 12, 1979 is a Malaysian Tamil, as are many of the office bearers of the party.
The Malaysian political process is based on a cooperative political alliance of three major political parties, each representing an ethnic community. [[Malaysian Indian Congress]] (MIC) represents the interests of the [[Malaysian Indians|Malaysian Indian]] community at the [[Central government|federal]] level. Due to overwhelming natural presence, Malaysian Tamils have come to dominate the MIC since its inception. [[Samy Vellu]], who is the longest serving leader of a mainstream Malaysian political party, having been MIC president since October 12, 1979 is a Malaysian Tamil, as are many of the office bearers of the party.
In recent times the underclass of the Indian community have been galvanized by the [[Hindu Rights Action Force]] (HINDRAF) to fight for their rights. HINDRAF was classified as an illegal organization on 15 October 2008 and most of its top leaders have been detained under the [[Internal Security Act (Malaysia)|Internal Security Act]] (ISA).
In recent times the underclass of the Indian community have been galvanised by the [[Hindu Rights Action Force]] (HINDRAF) to fight for their rights. HINDRAF was classified as an illegal organisation on 15 October 2008 and most of its top leaders have been detained under the [[Internal Security Act (Malaysia)|Internal Security Act]] (ISA). In July 2018 Malaysian police launched a probe into P. Ramasamy's, deputy chief minister of Penang, alleged ties to [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam|LTTE]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/Malaysia-Tamil-07192018175411.html | title=Malaysian Cops Launch Probe Over Politician's Alleged Ties to Tamil Tigers |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref>


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
{{columns-list|colwidth=35em|
{{dynamic list}}
This is a list of notable Tamil Malaysians. Entries on this list have a linked current article which verifies that they identify themselves as Tamil Malaysian, and whose ethnic origins lie in either [[Tamil Nadu]] (India), or [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Sri Lanka]].
* [[V. T. Sambanthan]], one of the founding Fathers of Malaysia

* [[S.A. Ganapathy]], Trade Unionist and Malaya Freedom Fighter
{{Columns-list|colwidth=35em|
* [[P.Veerasenan]], Trade Unionist and Malaya Freedom Fighter
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
* [[R. G. Balan]], Malaya Freedom Fighter
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* [[Sybil Kathigasu]], Malaysian Freedom Fighter
* [[David Arumugam]], singer
* [[P. Uthayakumar]], Lawyer and Human Rights activist
* [[Loganathan Arumugam]], singer
* [[Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy]], Lawyer and Human Rights activist
* [[R. Arumugam]], Malaysian football player
* [[Ananda Krishnan]], Businessman
* [[G. Gnanalingam]], Businessman
* [[R. G. Balan]], Malaya freedom fighter
* [[Sabrina Beneett]], Miss Universe Malaysia 2014
* [[Vinod Sekhar]], Businessman
* [[S. A. Ganapathy]], trade unionist and Malaya freedom fighter
* [[DavidAnanth.com|David Ananth,]] Businessman
* [[G. Gnanalingam]], businessman
* [[S. Vanajah]], Finalist of the Malaysian Space program (Angkasawan program)
* [[Punch Gunalan]], Malaysian badminton player
* [[Ka. Kaliaperumal]], distinguished Tamil-language poet and author
* [[Sybil Kathigasu]], Malaysian freedom fighter
* [[Ananda Krishnan]], businessman (Sri Lankan Tamil)
*[[Kalai Mathee]], Professor and Research Scientist, First Malaysian women to be inducted into as a Fellow of the [[American Academy of Microbiology]] in 2021<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2021|title=65 Fellows Elected into the American Academy of Microbiology|url=https://asm.org/Press-Releases/2021/February/65-Fellows-Elected-into-the-American-Academy-of-Mi|access-date=2021-12-14|website=ASM.org|language=en}}</ref>
* [[M. Kulasegaran]], lawyer and the incumbent minister of [[Minister of Human Resources (Malaysia)|Human Resources]]
* [[M. Magendran]], first Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest
* [[V. Manickavasagam]], former Minister of Telecommunications
* [[Ramon Navaratnam]], economist and former Secretary-General of [[Ministry of Transport (Malaysia)|Ministry of Transport]]
* [[Ramasamy Palanisamy]], deputy chief minister of Penang state
* [[G. Palanivel]], former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
* [[K. Thamboosamy Pillay]], businessman; founder of [[Batu Caves]] and [[Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur|Sri Mahamariamman Temple]]
* [[Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy]], lawyer and human rights activist
* [[V. T. Sambanthan]], one of the founding fathers of Malaysia
* [[Vinod Sekhar]], businessman
* [[B. C. Shekhar]], scientist; modernized Malaysia’s natural rubber industry
* [[K. Rajagopal (footballer)|K. Rajagopal]], Malaysian football manager
* [[Shan Ratnam]], scientist, obstetrics and gynecology
* [[Subramaniam Sathasivam]], [[Ministry of Health (Malaysia)|Minister of Health]]
* [[B. Sathianathan]], Malaysian football manager
* [[Ambiga Sreenevasan]], lawyer and human rights advocate
* [[K. Thanabalasingam]], Rear Admiral (Rtd), Royal Malaysian Navy
* [[K. Thanabalasingam]], Rear Admiral (Rtd), Royal Malaysian Navy
* [[Tun Ali of Malacca]], ancient ruler of Malacca
* [[Ramon Navaratnam]], Economist, and Former Secretary General of The Ministry of Transport
* [[Tun Fatimah]], Malaccan politician; wife of [[Mahmud Shah of Malacca]]
* [[B. C. Shekhar]], Scientist, (modernised Malaysia’s natural rubber industry)
* [[Tun Mutahir of Malacca]], 7th Bendahara of the [[Sultanate of Malacca]]
* [[Shan Ratnam]], Scientist, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
* [[P. Uthayakumar]], lawyer and human rights activist
* [[R. Arumugam]], Malaysian Football Star
* [[M. Viatilingam]], Malaysian Football player
* [[S. Vanajah]], finalist of the Malaysian space program (Angkasawan program)
* [[Dhilip Varman]], musician, singer, and lyricist
* [[P. Umaparam]], Malaysian Football player
* [[P. Dharmalingam]], Malaysian Football player
* [[M. Kuppan]], Malaysian Football Manager
* [[K. Rajagopal]], Malaysian Football Manager
* [[B. Sathianathan]], Malaysian Football Manager
* [[Thirumurugan Veeran]], Malaysian Football player
* [[Punch Gunalan]], Malaysian Badminton Star
* [[Renuga Veeran]], Australian badminton player
* [[Renuga Veeran]], Australian badminton player
* [[Nick Kyrgios]], Australian tennis player
* [[Thirumurugan Veeran]], Malaysian football player
* [[P. Veerasenan]], trade unionist and Malaya freedom fighter
* [[Ramasamy Palanisamy]], deputy chief minister of Penang state
* [[Samy Vellu]], former Minister of Works, and former Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts
* [[Subramaniam Sathasivam]], Health Minister
* [[M. Viatilingam]], Malaysian football player
* [[G. Palanivel]], Former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
* [[Samy Vellu]], Former Minister of Works, and Former Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts
* [[V. Manickavasagam]], Former Minister of Telecommunications
* [[M. Magendran]], First Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest
* [[N. Mohanadas]], Second Malaysian to conquer Mount Everest
* [[Tun Ali of Malacca]], ancient Ruler of Malacca
* [[David Arumugam]], Singer
* [[Loganathan Arumugam]], Singer
* [[Dhilip Varman]], musician, singer, lyricist
* [[Jaclyn Victor]], singer, actress
* [[Jaclyn Victor]], singer, actress
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
* [[Sabrina Beneett]], Miss Universe Malaysia 2014
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* [[Muar BALU]], Popular Journalist
* [[Ambiga Sreenevasan]], lawyer and human rights advocate
}}
}}


==See also==
==See also==

*[[Sri Lankan Tamils]]
*[[Indians in Singapore]]
*[[Tamil South Africans]]
*[[Tamil South Africans]]
*[[Tamil Canadians]]
*[[Tamil Canadians]]
*[[List of Tamils of Sri Lanka#Malaysia|List of Malaysian Tamils of Ceylonese origin]]
*[[List of Sri Lankan Tamils#Malaysia|List of Malaysian Tamils of Ceylonese origin]]
* [[Malaysian Malayali]]
*[[Tamil place names in Malaysia]]


==References==
==References==
Line 127: Line 136:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.atypon-link.com/WDG/doi/abs/10.1515/ijsl.2003.031?cookieSet=1&journalCode=ijsl Markers of ethnic identity: focus on the Malaysian Tamil community]
*[http://www.atypon-link.com/WDG/doi/abs/10.1515/ijsl.2003.031?cookieSet=1&journalCode=ijsl Markers of ethnic identity: focus on the Malaysian Tamil community]
*{{Commons category-inline}}

{{Indians in Malaysia}}
{{Indians in Malaysia}}
{{Tamil diaspora}}
{{Tamil diaspora}}
{{NRI-PIO}}
{{Indian diaspora}}
{{Sri Lankan diaspora}}
{{Sri Lankan diaspora}}
{{Ethnic groups in Malaysia}}
{{Ethnic groups in Malaysia}}
{{Portal bar|Malaysia|India|Sri Lanka|Tamil|Society}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Tamil people]]
[[Category:Tamil people]]
[[Category:Dravidian_peoples]]
[[Category:Dravidian peoples]]
[[Category:Malaysian people of Indian descent|*]]
[[Category:Malaysian people of Indian descent|*]]
[[Category:Malaysian people of Tamil descent| ]]
[[Category:Malaysian people of Tamil descent| ]]

Latest revision as of 20:43, 14 November 2024

Malaysians of Tamil origin
மலேசியத் தமிழர்கள்
A group of Tamil people in British Malaya, 1898.
Total population
Approximately 1,971,000[1]
Regions with significant populations
 Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia)
 Singapore
Languages
Malaysian Tamil, English and Malay
Religion
Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam
Related ethnic groups
Tamil, Tamil Muslim, Indian Tamils, Myanmar Tamils, Indian Singaporeans, Sri Lankan Tamil, Malaysian Malayali, Telugu Malaysians, Dravidians

Tamil Malaysians, also known as Malaysian Tamilar, are people of full or partial Tamil descent who were born in or immigrated to Malaysia from Tamil Nadu, India and the Tamil regions of north-east Sri Lanka. The majority of 1.8–2 million people 80% of the Malaysian Indian populations in Malaysia were from Indian Tamil ethnic groups from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. The bulk of Tamil Malaysian migration began during the British Raj, when Britain facilitated the migration of Indian workers to work in plantations. There are, however, some established Tamil communities from before British colonialism.[2][3]

Precolonial period

[edit]
Main articles: Malaysian Indians and Tamil and Sanskrit inscriptions in Malaysia
Tamil woman in the Malay Peninsula, circa 1910.

Relations between Tamils and, what is now, Malaysia have existed for more than 2000 years. The ancient Tamil poetic work Paṭṭiṉappālai refers to the territory of modern Malaysia as Kaalagam (Tamil: காழகம்).[4][5]

Tamil literature from the 10th and 11th centuries refers to the modern Malaysian state of Kedah as Kadaram (Tamil: கடாரம்).

Prior to British colonization, Tamils had been conspicuous in the archipelago much earlier, especially since the period of the powerful South Indian kingdom of the Cholas in the 11th century. The Pallava dynasty of Tamil Nadu spread Tamil culture and the Tamil script to Malaysia.[6] The Tamil emperor Rajendra Chola I of the Chola dynasty invaded Srivijaya in the 11th century.[7]

The Malay Peninsula had a strong Tamil culture in the 11th century, and Tamil merchant guilds were established in several locations.[8] By that time, Tamils were among the important trading peoples of maritime Asia. Although the bulk of these immigrants to South East Asia had assimilated with the majority Malay ethnic group, some communities such as the Malacca Chittys are remnants of these earlier Tamil migrants.[9]

Colonial period

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A Tamil girl in the Malay Peninsula, circa 1910.

During the British colonial era, Britain facilitated the migration of Indian workers to work in plantations. The overwhelming majority of migrants from India were ethnic Tamil and from the Madras Presidency now Tamil Nadu of the British Empire.

Many of those migrants from Tamil Nadu settled permanently in Malaysia and became shopkeepers and entrepreneurs.

Tamil Indian freedom fighters Maruthu Pandiyar relatives and 72 soldiers were deported to Penang in the year 1802 by the Madras Presidency Government (British India Government).[10]

Siam Burma Death Railway

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Malaysian Tamils during the construction of Death railway between June 1942 to October 1943.
Main article: Burma Railway

During the Second World War, the Japanese army used more than 120,000 Tamils in the construction of a 415km railway between Siam and Burma to transport army supplies. During this project, it was initially believed that half of them (around 60,000) perished.

However, recent research revealed that at least 150,000 Indian Tamils were killed during the duration of the Siam railway project. They fell victim to snake bites and insect bites, diseases like cholera, malaria & beriberi, massacre, torture, rape, committed suicide, etc. as they were unable to bear the burden.[11]

In order to wipe out cholera, Japanese forces launched huge massacres against the Indians, killing massive numbers of the Tamils daily. Handfuls of Tamils also died weekly from overwork.[12] [13]

Language

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Tamil is an educational language in Malaysia, with more than 500 Tamil medium schools. According to Harold Schiffman, an American researcher into Malaysian Tamils, compared to Singapore, language maintenance is favourable in Malaysia. However, he notes some Tamils are shifting to English and Malay.[14] Although most Tamil students still go to publicly funded schools that teach primary subjects in Tamil language there are moves to shift to the Malay language. Tamil groups have objected to this policy.[15]

Economic condition

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Malaysian Tamils had the opportunity to integrate with the expanding economy of Malaysia since 1970 under the New Economic Policy (NEP). Although the bulk of them still remain as workers in the plantation sector in rubber and palm oil estates at those times very many have moved out as blue collar and white collar workers in the expanding industrial sector. They are also found in civil service, professional sector, media and finance. One of Malaysia's wealthiest men Ananda Krishnan is of Malaysian Tamil origin. Overall it is one of the most dynamic Indian communities compared to other Indian diaspora groups such as in Fiji, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.[2]

Political condition

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The Malaysian political process is based on a cooperative political alliance of three major political parties, each representing an ethnic community. Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) represents the interests of the Malaysian Indian community at the federal level. Due to overwhelming natural presence, Malaysian Tamils have come to dominate the MIC since its inception. Samy Vellu, who is the longest serving leader of a mainstream Malaysian political party, having been MIC president since October 12, 1979 is a Malaysian Tamil, as are many of the office bearers of the party. In recent times the underclass of the Indian community have been galvanised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) to fight for their rights. HINDRAF was classified as an illegal organisation on 15 October 2008 and most of its top leaders have been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA). In July 2018 Malaysian police launched a probe into P. Ramasamy's, deputy chief minister of Penang, alleged ties to LTTE.[16]

Notable people

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This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

This is a list of notable Tamil Malaysians. Entries on this list have a linked current article which verifies that they identify themselves as Tamil Malaysian, and whose ethnic origins lie in either Tamil Nadu (India), or Sri Lanka.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Project, Joshua. "Tamil (Hindu traditions) in Malaysia".
  2. ^ a b Culture and economy:Tamils in the plantation sector 1998-99 Archived 2017-03-24 at the Wayback Machine (April 2000)
  3. ^ Ethnic identity and News Media preference in Malaysia Archived 2007-08-28 at the Wayback Machine (November 2006)
  4. ^ திருநாவுக்கரசு, க.த., தென்கிழக்காசிய நாடுகளில் தமிழ்ப்பண்பாடு, p. 294.
  5. ^ Uruttirangannanar. Pathinenmaelkanakku (PDF) (in Tamil). Tamil Nadu. p. 294. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Prehistory of the Indo-Malaysian Archipelago by Peter Bellwood p.137
  7. ^ Studies in Southeast Asian Art: Essays in Honor of Stanley J. O'Connor by Stanley J. O'Connor,Nora A. Taylor p.196
  8. ^ Southeast Asia: From Prehistory to History by Ian Glover p.247
  9. ^ Sneddon, James (2003). The Indonesian Language: Its history and role in modern society. Sydney: University of South Wales Press Ltd. p. 73.
  10. ^ சிவகங்கைச் சரித்திர அம்மானை. Madras Government Oriental Manuscripts Series No: 34
  11. ^ "The real Kwai killed over 1.50 lakh Tamils". The Hindu. Aug 27, 2016. Retrieved Sep 21, 2016.
  12. ^ Lomax, Eric (11 April 2014). The Railway Man: A POW's Searing Account of War, Brutality and Forgiveness by Eric Lomax. W. W. Norton & Company. p. 158. ISBN 9780393344073.
  13. ^ Kratoska, Paul H. (2006). The Thailand-Burma Railway, 1942-1946: Asian labour. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9780415309547.
  14. ^ Schiffman, Harold (1998-12-31). "Malaysian Tamils and Tamil Linguistic Culture". University of Pennsylvania. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
  15. ^ Tong, YS (2006-12-23). "Tamil groups object to language-switch policy". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2007-08-27.
  16. ^ "Malaysian Cops Launch Probe Over Politician's Alleged Ties to Tamil Tigers". Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  17. ^ "65 Fellows Elected into the American Academy of Microbiology". ASM.org. February 16, 2021. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
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