Malaysia Day Special: Multicultural families have 'the best of both worlds'

Norzalifa and Kalam, pictured with their third daughter (left), enjoying some outdoor activities at Taman Layang Layang, Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Norzalifa Zainal Abidin

For Major Kalam Pie and Norzalifa Zainal Abidin, both 52, being part of a multicultural family is like having the best of both worlds.

Kalam, who served in the Royal Malaysian Air Force and is currently a licensed nature guide, is half Semelai and half Minangkabau, while his wife, Norzalifa, a lecturer at the International Islamic University Malaysia, is Malay.