In the spirit of Malaysia's independence day on 31st of Aug, I thought I reflected on the coolest aspects of Malaysian life that may make us unique from the rest of the world. Some of tongue-in-cheek and some are serious but all very real. Let's see if you have any opinion.
1. FOOD
This is not disputed. Food may not always be great but the variety would knock your socks off. We have all kinds of food, from ethnic tribes to fusion. You can find food anywhere and best of all, anytime. In the urban areas, you can wake up at 3am and still find food. It is very difficult to describe the true essence of our food. You just gotta see it for yourselves. In fact our food is SOOO good, the Singaporeans want to claim it for their own. So, so sad for them and great for us!!!
2. Personal choice
We can decide what we want to do. Don't want to follow the law, then don't. Park wherever you want, bribe whoever you want, stop a taxi wherever you want. Enforcement is low and "negotiable".
3. Self pride
Up until about 20 years ago, we were very dependent on foreigner talent and opinion. We always thought we were inferior to them but our PM gave us pride and we now speak louder, straighter and depend more on our own in the skilled work areas.
4. Melting pot
Just like in the 20s and 30s, we had an influx of labourers from China and India to work in the tin mines and rubber estates. They now form 2 of the 3 major races in Malaysia and are mainstays of our economy. Now we see the same with Indonesians, Nepalis, Bangladeshis who take on manual labour work and crime. Jalan Silang in Kota Raya is like Little Nepal.
5. Enforcement
For lighter crimes, we can "negotiate" with our officers. Bribe is such an ugly word. In some countries, when you offer "negotiable bonds", they prosecute you further. Here, officers will ask to "negotiate" and even if they threaten to take you in for "negotiating" you can "negotiate" that too.
6. Tourism
We have some of the most beautiful places to visit that will blow your mind off. Our culture is colourful and vibrant and visitors will have a great time deciding if you want to go back to nature or stay in the city. Even then, you can decide if you like the highlands or the sea. If you can't decide, do both! Best is, you can do this cheaply.
7. National Car
Most car companies survive by coming up with better cars, more efficiently. Better designs, better promotions and customer focus. Proton on the other hand depends on Government bailouts, design that hasn't changed since 1994, really crappy cars (check out the Proton Juara, go ahead, google it), levying heavy taxes on foreign cars so that they cost twice as much and really efficient production as much as the car breaks down the moment it leave the plant.
8. Mamak and Ramly burger stands
These are very visible icons of the Malaysian culture and life. Mamak actually refers to people of Indian descent and are Muslims. I think in Tamil it also means brother-in-law. However, these folks operate outlets that sell coffee, tea, roti canai, nasi lemak, maggi mee goreng, sup kambing and most importantly they are open 24 hours. The burger stand sells really creative combinations of burger and hot dog that will knock out McD's anytime at half the price and hygiene.
9. Real hospitality
Malaysians are generally very hospitable and polite folks. If you ask for help, 9 out of 10 folks will help you and hear you out. I was once on a bus and was short of 20 cents for my fare. The bus conductor who was a REAL ass (yes we have them too) wanted me to get down and walk the rest of the 5km. This girl sitting in front of me, turned back and gave the 20 cents. She didn't have to, no guilt, no eye contact but she did it, smiled at me and continued reading her book. People are generally nice and you can feel safe anywhere in the city without fear of getting lost or starved.
10. Our Government
Like most govt, ours is a good source of entertainment. They say the stupidest things and they do they most blatant of stupid, stuff of imbeciles. Like letting key opposition witness fall off their office building after being interrogated and then showing apathy and seen covering up evidence. Framing opposition leaders for sodomy, of all things. Allowing corrupt leaders back into the govt like convicted former chief ministers of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Blowing up alleged key politician's mistresses when a simple bullet to the head would suffice. Electing community leader who are caught on tape committing adultery in a hotel room...like some wrinkled up porno star. Say they want to improve our public school system but send these same politicians then go ahead and send their own kids to private schools. Etc, etc. What a bundle of laughs!!!
All the same, which country doesn't have their own idiosyncrasies. It is a great place to visit and there is always something to do. So come on down and enjoy our food, our culture, our tourist spots, our broken down cars and our funny government. Happy 53 years old Malaysia!!
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