Saturday, August 6, 2011

A random note on Malaysians

So Rocky and I went jogging today :-p (This line has nothing to do with my post, im just happy ive started jogging :-D )
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If you dont know already, I'm a 3rd generation Indian living in Malaysia, which makes me and the 2 generations before me automatically Malaysians. When people from outside look at us, they think wheat skinned, small eyed people are Malaysians ( People refused to recognize me as a M'sian when i was studying in Bangalore- that requires a post all for itself though!)
Well, no, to make it simple, the tagline four our country is 'Malaysia Truly Asia'- i dont quite know what the original interpretation was, but the way i see it, Malaysia is a country where you find all Asians residing in (as legal citizens) You'll find Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli (Indigenous people) and all other Asians here.

A multiracial society sure has its share of ups and downs. Even in a country where everyone belongs to the same race, there is division in caste and community, so im pretty sure you can imagine how much drama a nation filled with Rojak (mixture of this, that and everything) has.


We love each other. We loathe each other. A lot can be said about the pet peeves we have, on the other races, and negative stereotypes attached. But why focus on the bad when there is so much goodness around? There are many qualities in the other Malaysians that i admire,


I admire the manner in which the Malays are respectful to elders. When they are young they are taught to bow and kiss the hands of elders.


I admire how friendly the Chinese are. Whenever im out jogging, they smile, and spare a few minutes chit-chatting before we run off in our paths.


I admire how helpful the Indians are. If they consider you a friend (which isn't too difficult, a few smiles would do) they'd do anything for you. Emotional fools you may say, but that's how we roll :-p


The Orang Asli's have a lot to teach us all about patience, acceptance and living harmoniously! The moment you step into Sabah/Sarawak, you are treated as one of them. (After all, they've given the M-C-I their' land and are now living like visitor)


Again, this may not apply to everyone. There are some rotten apples but we need to let go of our Ego and embrace our differences  to continue living in harmony. I love my country and even with its scars and holes, i'll proudly call myself a Malaysian.


This is a video I love, depicting Malaysia in all true senses! Its funny, sensitive and Truly Malaysia :-)




5 comments:

  1. Nice perspective abut ur land and its people.

    Infact i being a filmbuff was searching for good "malaysian" films last week. You got any pointers in malay films, pitch me up...

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  2. Thank you! :)
    its a beautiful place indeed.

    You can try watching Talentime, sepet and the others by Yasmin Ahmad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yasmin_Ahmad)
    Also, Appalam (a local tamil feature movie by Afdlin Shauki) is a very nice and funny movie!
    Do let me know if you liked them! :)

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  3. Gr8,, infact i did find this movie Sepet thro Wiki too.. Aftr a long struggle to get this film online, i will see and let u knw abut them.

    And thanks for the Tamil film...Appalam .. will see it once i see Sepet...

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  4. I saw the film Sepet, great movie, equally good climax, thanks..

    Read my review here..

    http://filmbulb.blogspot.com/2011/08/sepet-malaysian-2004.html

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  5. nice!!! seems to be must visit place :)

    ReplyDelete

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