TEMPLE AND ITS ROLE IN SUSTAINING THE IDENTITY OF THE SIAMESE COMMUNITY IN PERLIS, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Siamese in northern Malaysia in the post-colonial era is set up and learned in mainly two ways on the areas where Siamese residing is an issue of a dispute between the land either used to be occupied by Siam as a Siamese protectorate of Malaya or being a part of Malaysian peninsular.  The paper examines Buddhist temples' role in Perlis and Klong Yao, a music tradition, in between religious and profane performances. Klong Yao was positioned in Perlis as a part of music serving at temple events.  Presently, the Siamese are ultimately successful in revealing an image of performing identity and establishing a Siamese uniqueness through the aid of Buddhist temples.  Monks and Siamese uphold the values of tradition.  Additionally, the timeline of Klong Yao's performance in Perlis shows that Klong Yao is dedicated to serving religious events and is sustained by the temple.  Sacred and profane gab has been seamlessly merged through Klong Yao performance.