The Semai are a semisedentary people living in the center of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, known especially for their nonviolence[citation needed]. They speak Semai, a Mon-Khmer language. The Senai belong to the Senoi ethnic group.The Semai are horticulturalists who have a gift economy. They are among the indigenous peoples of Malaysia (see Orang Asli) who have been pushed into the hills and mountains by later, more technologically powerful incoming peoples. They have no police and no government per se. According to Dentan, adults appear to be controlled primarily by public opinion. The Semai themselves say “There is no authority here but embarrassment.” Although popular and verbally facile individuals are influential in public affairs, the Semai have no formal leaders.