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...