 | ||
The Javanese Malaysians consists of people of full or partial Javanese descent who were born in or immigrated to Malaysia. According to Malaysian law, most of them are considered Malays by constitutional law. They form a significant part of Malaysia's population (Malaysia is home to the largest Javanese population outside Indonesia).
The majority of Javanese Malaysians originated from Central Java, via migrants from the Dutch East Indies looking for new opportunities in British Malaya. They live predominantly in the West Malaysian states of Johor, Perak and Selangor with significant minorities found in East Malaysia especially in the states of Sabah and Sarawak.
Most Malaysians of Javanese descent have assimilated into the local Malay culture, speak Malaysian language as a native tongue and first language rather than the Javanese language of their ancestors. This occurs through usual assimilation, as well as intermarriages with other ethnic groups. This qualifies them as Malays under Malaysian law. The situation is identical with the Javanese in Singapore, where they are considered Malay.