Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c13.51

v2.c13.51

Wallace describes the Malay as follows : “In character he is impassive. He exhibits a reserve, diffidence and even bashfulness, which is in some degree attractive, and leads observers to think that the ferocious and blood-thirsty qualities imputed to the race are grossly exaggerated. He is not demonstrative. His feelings, of surprise or fear, are never openly manifested, and are probably not strongly felt. He is slow and deliberate in speech. High-class Malays are exceedingly polite, and have all the quiet ease and dignity of well-bred Europeans. Yet all this is compatible with a reckless cruelty and contempt for human life, which is the dark side of their character.”