Sing When You're Whining

Why do Malaysians whine a lot?

Why do we always play victim at the slightest hint of discomfort?

Why do we constantly feel the need to espouse what ails our miniscule, insignificant lives and cry for attention?

Could it be the incessant whining defines who we are? Strong possibility, that one.

Most nations are defined by a particular feature prevalent in the dominant race. For example, the English are known for their dry humour (hence British humour), the Scots for their fiery passion for chasing ultimately doomed causes (think Braveheart, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Scottish football team), and Irish for their love for song and drink. The Germans are renowned for efficiency, as are the Japanese; the French for romance and passion. Closer to home, the Thais are famously (or infamously) laid back and utterly trusting on destiny and karma and all that metaphysical permutations, while the Filipinos display substantial talent in music.

Which brings us back home. We portray this misguided image of being friendly, relaxed and warm. Right. Anyone who has lived in Malaysia for more than a year will tell you about the appalling lack of manners, the distinct I've-got-something-shoved-up-my-arse attitude throughout the day, and the increasing sense of xenophobia prevalent in our country. Sad, but true.

Then, but of course, one would find dozens of Malaysians rising up indignantly to such put-downs and claiming they were the fairest of them all. People with too much time on their hands will start giving their unwanted two cents' worth in the newspapers. I think the most prominent of the indignant whiners would be Bulbir Singh, the CAP and various other Malaysia-loving Malaysians. I've always thought that Malaysians love the sound of their trumpets, looks like they also have a penchant for spewing out garbage-in-print.

I mean, does America really care if some misguided Malaysians protest for the liberation of Palestine or the evils of Israel (popular rallying topic)? Does clogging up the roads with masses of sweaty bodies walking side-by-side really help reduce petroleum prices in Wall Street? These are the same people who drive even to the back of their houses, yet complain at the slightest mention of petrol. And how many people out there can't stop complaining about their jobs, though they may be earning tonnes of money, with a suitably impressive title to follow? And the anti-smokers and their hypocrisy? Ranting about wanting clean air, yet oblivious to their equally damaging littering and indiscriminate use of plastic. Get a fuckin' life, mates. Mamaks have always been smoking areas; either get a mask or get lost, twats.

This is probably the only country where people are more bothered about their personal comforts and wants, than more pressing issues like human rights, environmental pollution, corruption and crimes. Hey, I'd be blisfully content too if I paid very little for petrol, roti canai, milo and fish. Who cares if civil liberties are being curtailed...

CNY Malaysia

Think ang pows, firecrackers, lion dances and mahjong tiles.

Yep, 'tis the Chinese New Year season, or Lunar month. Gong Xi Fa Ci and all that. I reckon this is THE Chinese celebration of the year. CNY is always a big thing in Malaysia, socio-politics aside. This is probably the only time one would find KL practically empty. Deserted malls, clear roads and hiked up food prices – all indicators that CNY has come-a-calling.

And during this period of time, I'm always faced with the same dilemma. Do I go or do I stay? Do I head off for a holiday retreat, or do I remain in KL to enjoy the peaceful bliss. CNY always seems to herald long holiday weekends, and 2008 is no different. The downside is it is technically the super-peak holiday season, hence the congested highways and expressways, and exorbitant hotel rates. Similarly, being in KL would mean boredom as almost every entertainment outlet would be near empty, all Chinese hawker stalls closed and only a handful departmental stores operating. Hmmm…decisions, decisions.

An interesting fact I found out from the Net. Indonesia only recognised CNY as a public holiday in 2001. After years of discrimination against the sizeable Chinese community there, the Indonesian government under Gus Dur acknowledged Chinese existence allowing them to celebrate the biggest event in their calendar. Guess human decency and tolerance does exist after all.

Makes me wonder why can't Malaysians just fucking accept, accept each other and live in relative peace. Not tolerate, but accept. In this day and age where the mind's the limit, there remain inferior people, mischievous bigots and malicious hypocrites who are adamantly steadfast in their pursuit of racial and religious policies based on discrimination. At a time when we should be celebrating our unique differences, we continue to take two steps backwards by harping on creed and faith. This country does not comprise a single race, or two or three races. It's a potpourri of 14 or 15 races, living under one big umbrella that's Malaysia.

Ah well, one can always hope, right?

(Image from www.extrospection.com)