Malaysia is a fabulous mix of cultures and ethic groups – one of these is the Minangkabau. From their origins in Sumatra a group settled in the hinterlands of Malacca on the Malay Peninsula, in what is now the state of Negeri Sembilan. They are known for their strong Islamic faith, their philosophy of nature as a teacher, their delicious food, distinctive style of architecture, and perhaps most of all, as one of the biggest matrilineal groups in the world, for their traditions. Women, not men, inherit property. Men support principally not their wives, but their mothers and sisters. Women are guardians of their heritage: “the locks on the chest of culture”. And, renowned for their outspokenness, Minangkabau women have a multitude of sayings, thus making sure they always get the last word:

“Water won’t break, even if you chop it”. “Got sugar, got ants”. “Sitting alone is crowded, sitting together is spacious”. And (my favourite)  “the sleeping cat is still alert”. You have been warned…