Peninsula in southeast Asia

Answer:

MALAYA

Hint:

This historical region was once part of British Malaya and shares its name with a language widely spoken in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Explanation:

The clue "Peninsula in southeast Asia" directly refers to the Malay Peninsula, historically known as Malaya. This region includes parts of modern-day Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, with "Malaya" being the name used before Malaysia’s formation in 1963. The answer is straightforward—no wordplay or hidden meanings—just a geographic term tied to the area’s colonial and pre-independence identity.

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