Arabisation of Malay culture?

Arabisation of Malay culture?

                                         


During our trip to Malaysia, a recurring theme that seems to have been brought up a number of times was the so called ' Arabisation' of Malay culture.  Now being a Malay myself, I found this perspective rather interesting.  Are Malay's really being 'Arabised' ?  I can see why one would think so with the growing trends of hard-line religious thought that seems to be of Middle Eastern influence.  While I wont write a full blown essay about this ( Actually someone should!!) I would like to point out why some people agree and disagree with whether this ' Arabisation of Malays' is  actually occurring.  Note that these are just based on my personal observations and I am no way making proper academic argument. 

So firstly... Those who see this an actual trend that is occurring argue that... 

1.  More and more Malays are becoming more aligned with the more conservative Islam in the Middle East, thus becoming more hard-line.

2.  Many Malays prefer to wear Arab style clothing over the Malay style clothing.  Many Malays are also replacing Malay words such as Buka Puasa ( break fast),  Sembahyang ( prayer) with there arab counterparts Iftar and Solat. 

Some say that Arab culture has always had an influence
such as this mosque

Now for those who argue against Arabisation claim that Malay's have been under this influence for a long time and that Malays culture has always had these elements since the introduction of Islam to the Malay peninsula. Many claim that Malay culture has always been a unique mix of various influences.

Being a Malay myself, I can say that certain aspects of this 'Arabisation' is nothing new.  As far back as I can remember, there were always people who preferred to wear Arab style clothing as a personal choice, as well as use the arabic words for certain phrases. 

However I will agree that there has been an increase of more conservative and hard-line thinking among the Malay community. But is it really because of this 'Arabisation'? are we all just finding ways to  generalize  the issue, judging by outward appearance? What are your thoughts?