Something From the Closet

Here's a lil something about us which I've typed about ages ago, while I was still serving the NS. I think it's still relevant, and usable now, and we should really take a moment to just reflect in ourselves, and ask ourselves what else we can do to improve on the current situation.

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Sunday, November 21, 2004
The Malay Reality Hurts!



Earlier I had a very interesting discussion with Rudy about the mentality of the Malays and why we feel suppressed.
Is the community to be blamed? or ourselves?

It's a common understanding and stereotype that the Malays are, well lazy. They're not hungry for success and incapable of improvement.

Before I start, let me get some things clear. These are my views, and I do not represent anyone else's. I am in no way responsible for how this information is used. If u guys disagree with me, fuck it and write a comment. If you refuse to accept mt thoughts as true or justified, just go put a finger up your bottom and take a deep whiff of it. Stop being in denial. Reality Hurts. Again, these are my views.

Malays, like any other race, Chinese, Indian, White, Black, whatever, have a set of morals, and values. Some of these values are universal, like loving your faily and respecting the elderly. Others are based largely on religion. With over 85% of Malays in SouthEast Asia, mainly in Singapore and Malaysia being Muslim, some of these values and teachings are based on the teachings of Islam.

One of them is kesyukuran and alah kadar, or the attitude to be thankful for what the Creator has given us. This teaches us to live in moderation in all aspects of life, and Not to be too lavish in our lifestyle. There really is no need for a BMW if a Toyota is enough. A 40 room mansion is definitely too much for a family of 5, or even 5 families (assuming each has 4 members).
Sadly, this attitude is prevalent in some, if not most Malays, in most aspects of life, especially in fields of success. Everyone wants to be successful. But how successful do we want to be? For us, it usually means moderately successful. Being moderately successful is enough and we must also be thankful for this moderate success as there are surely others less successful than us. *shit thinking.* Not hungry for success we are.
Especially in a meritocratic Nation like Singapore, and increasingly Malaysia as well, being mediocre surely won't bring success. A diploma is good enough, some say. Skills are more important than paper qualifications, others say. This still remains a debatable issue.

This attitude breed laziness, and does not help in dislodging the stereotype that Malays are lazy.

Which brings us to the next issue. Malays feel that they're suppressed. They feel that the society, and Govt even, are depriving Malays the oppurtunity to succeed, no matter how hard they try, just because of being Malay. An unjustified accusation which, also, is debatable and definitely no one, especially an influential public figure, would dare to admit its validity.
The Singapore Govt has policies that are in place to help the Malays, most of which are in the lower income bracket of society. HOPE, or Home Ownership PLus Education aims at preparing young (under 35) couples who are also lowly educated (lessthan 2 O Levels) for a family, providing retraining courses and priority to public housing.

On top of that, there are 2 malay Self help groups, Mendaki and AMP, more than what's available for the other races. Get more govt funding..

There's more to that than what i mentioned. Chances and opportunities are available. But sadly, the Malays have yet to capitalise on them.

I'm stressed out.

I'm worried too.

By Nakalboi
01.34am

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If you're in a situation, where you want to improve yourself, but you don't know what to do, or where to go, call this number. 6245 5710 or contact your nearest CDC.