The (Mis)understanding

Ganyang Malaysia! Check their identity cards...sweep them out...

Bold headlines gracing dailies in Indonesia, and Malaysia this past week.

Why?

Tarian pendet, of Bali.

Regardless of whomever gives an explanation as to why the mistake came about in the first place, Indonesians (or some of them, at least), fiercely proud of their national heritage will always put the blame on Malaysia.

It is rightly so. I would be angry too, if someone stole my cultural identity and claim it as their own. But then again, not many would take the time to find out the cause of the problems.

Or why Japan has declared Indonesian tempeh as their own, or even the Jepara and some other Indonesian heritage which has over the years slipped from their grasps due to the lack of enforcement on their own government.

So, why are Malaysians to blame? Are all Malaysians ignorant? Or simply the best target (practice) as to fuel their vent and anger against the present Indonesian government?

The slogan to 'Ganyang Malaysia' (destroy Malaysia) would do no one any good. Malaysia is a country of more than 27 million people, compared to its neighbour Indonesia with more than 220 million people.

As years go by, many forget that there are similarities between Malaysia and Indonesia are so intricate that at times, it is hard to point who is who. Except, of course when there are clear boundaries (such as Tarian Pendet etc.).

Actually, you don't even have to go far to see where culture starts. Just look at the inter-marriage between an Indonesian and a Malaysian. Posessing both identities (Malaysian and Indonesian) how can you say one is better than the other? How can the children of these couple say that my father is better than my mother? Or how can the children even claim that, "hey look!since we were born on Malaysian soil, we should forget our roots?!"

That would be denying one culture that exists in their very own blood.

Many are dissatisfied that Malaysia, a very small country, with ties to the British Commonwealth can reach an amazing height of success. Back when former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad envisioned the idea of the Petronas Twin Towers people thought he was bonkers. Who ever heard of a Malaysia having the best of anything? Yet, he (Tun) proved critics wrong, and today it is the symbolic icon of Malaysia. Heck, even French 'Spiderman', Alain Robert Philippe finally managed to climb the pinacle of the towers after his third attempt! (To add to his growing collection of successfull tallest buildings around the world climb).

What Indonesia needs, even as a huge country that can go on its own against China (huge population), India or even the United States are leaders that care enough to do more for the country than just "oh, I'll get back to you on that one, I'll have to discuss whether what we're doing is right".

A few months back, the pornography bill was drafted and accepted by the Indonesian Cabinet. Most affected were artisans and the like, especially in Bali. Where sculpturing, painting and moulding the human art form (nude, breasts, etc) comes naturally. It embodies the rich human spirit, and art as it is should have no limits. However, no one listened and maybe Bali's art has been stifled, I am unsure of this as yet.

With no one to listen to their frustrations, hence when the Tarian Pendet of Bali,furor arose out of obscurity, many Indonesians began to smell blood. Even the culture and tourism Minister, Jero Wacik began to issue statements without checking his facts. News reports, also prompted the frenzy and it has escalated since then.

Such a huge loss that a country, highly respected (where even President Obama spent his childhood) cannot do the simple thing of ensuring that the people's needs are attended to. So many things are swept under the 'green' carpet in Jakarta, that when mis (understandings) occur, it is whipped into a frenzy and treated like crime number one.

And, when the people in power do not listen to its' people, this is what you get: sweeping of Malaysians, etc...

It is unwise to tell Indonesians how to run their own country, just as how Malaysians would be ups in arms if the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.."follow our rules or else.." But, it is even worse if the Indonesians in power do not listen to their own countrymen to protect what's left of their country's heritage.

This issue will never die, as long as there are Malaysians in Indonesia and there are Indonesians in Malaysia, regardless of whether they are friends ...or foe.

Colours of Malaysia

Colours of Malaysia, the country’s premier cultural event is ready to dazzle and entertain with spectacular traditional performances, colourful parades as well as exquisite arts and crafts.

There will be a flurry of activities throughout the country, as well as marvellous food fiestas. There will be a chance to sample mouth-watering delights such as Lemang Periuk Kera dan Opor Daging (Pahang), Kek Lapis (Sarawak), Nasi Kerabu (Kelantan), Nasi Dagang (Terengganu) and much more.

There will be many dishes to sample, traditional handicrafts on display (and buy!) such as tenun Pahang, tekat Perak, bakul Sia (Melaka), songket and even exquisite Sarawak pottery.

Locals as well as visitors will delight in the many unique cultural performances such as Kuda Kepang (Johor), Ulek Mayang (Terengganu), and Mak Yong (Kelantan). These are some of Malaysia’s rich cultural influences, reflected in Malaysia’s multi-cultural society.

Colours of Malaysia, with its humble beginnings in 1999 started as an ensemble of street performances introduced by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. Its main aim is to highlight and promote the rich cultural influences and heritage of the country through music, songs, and dance.

This year’s Colours of Malaysia 2009, with the theme “Malaysia Welcomes the World”, will showcase the best of Malaysian cultural extravaganza. This auspicious event will be graced by the King, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah.

Make sure to head your way to the national-level launching of the event at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur this 21st March, 2009. See you there!

Maaf

Maaf.

Aku harus pejam mataku sebentar.

Kesakitan ini telah melumpuhkan jiwaku.

Aku hanya mahu rehat sebentar,

Lari dari realiti dunia yang kasar dan bongkak.

Aku mahu temui diriku...

Semula.

Maaf.

Aku harus pejam mataku.

*pix by author

memories

*sob..sob...sob..*

silent echoes scream around the dimly lit room

small palms grasps nervously across her tear-strewn face

she peers cautiously through the slits of her fingers.

fear courses through her veins, beating wildly like the torrent monsoon rain.

hunched in the corner, she knows she is safe.

no one will touch her here.

NO ONE WILL TOUCH HER HERE...

Irshad Manji, Moral Courage Project.

These are the following questions that she asks on her website, http://www.irshadmanji.com/moral-courage-project.

* I disagree with my community about...
* If I say what I think, the worst that can happen is...
* If I say what I think, the best that can happen is...
* Should I say what I think? I've decided that...

And these are my answers:

I disagree with my community about women’s rights. Since I live in a patriarchic society, women almost always take the back seat. ‘Equal opportunity’ employment probably only exists on paper, as men are deemed better qualified regardless whether they have the right qualifications for jobs.

Men and women have been trained from young that men are leaders in families and societies, hence women only step forward and play a significant role if :

a) a divorce occurs and she has to be the sole-bread winner, only then does she learn that she has rights?
b) why do women have to ‘be like men’ when it comes to dealing with other people? In business, for example, they do not have to adopt ‘the mannerisms’ of men to be firm in business. In Islam, prophet Muhammad’s wife, Khadijah, was a shrewd business woman and she was successful in her own right.
c) The Quran outlines that men can take up to four wives, provided that he be fair to all of them. What I really despise is that Muslim men, who have never religiously followed the teachings of the Quran, suddenly show an insurmountable interest in this ‘clause’ to take a second, third and even fourth wife. Despicable!

If I say what I think? People would think I am crazy, and probably only the women (and some men) would agree with me on this. That regardless of what ever hype that people are saying women have equal rights to men, sadly, after prophet muhammad’s death I don’t think that is true. If it were, there would probably never be any women’s organisations defending women’s rights! (especially abuse cases against women)

If I say what I think? Other people may comment on my views, and give me more insight on how the other parts of the world live their daily lives, and how Islam is important in each aspect of life.

Should I say what I think?

Well, I have decided I am going to post this on my blog, www.likaumelanau.blogspot.com, because, enlightenment (and action) is the key to a better tomorrow.

Telabau Likau (Speaking Melanau)

Kaow likau inau?

Apak kow likau Mukah, mak kow likau KL.

Tapi, gak lebok telabau KL....


Akow apah tika,kerja gak KL lau itu. Tapi, ien lah. Akow kena telabau jumik-jumik....heheheheh

* What race are you?

(My dad is a Melanau from Mukah, and my mum is from Kuala Lumpur.

At home, we speak in Malay.

I am the eldest, working in KL at the moment. But then, I know how to speak Melanau a bit....)

Very rojak!

I remember going back to my dad's kampong in Mukah, covering the parliamentary elections at the time. This was in 2004.

The editor of the newspaper had tasked me with the job of interviewing the locals, hence I had to (or at least try) to speak Melanau.

Still struggling to speak the language, I was all ready with pen, paper and trusted sony tape recorder.

Walking towards the Mukah waterfront, where the best seafood in town is sold, I walked to the first stall.

An old lady, sorry, I really forgot her name (this was years ago) came up and chatted with me. I was with my friend, Jessica of Utusan Sarawak from the Mukah office at the time.

"Um akow bak interview kaow, kenakah. Telabau hal pembangunan gak Mukah itow...Akow (Aiyoh, what's the word)...?" I started to speak, but stuttered. (* I would like to interview you, if it's possible. About development in Mukah..I...)

The old lady looked gracefully at me and smiled, grinning her pearly white teeth.

"Go ahead and ask me questions in English, I can answer them as best as I can," she said. I 'll call her nenek, grandma, for short. ( I think she's related to me somehow, well that's another long story).

I nearly dropped from my wooden stool, when she spoke... English! Ah, music to my ears...

"Did you know, that we used to sit for the HSC (Higher School Certificate)? It was all in English," she beamed. I think nenek was nearly 62 years old.

I smiled, embarassed, but glad at the revelation.

"Back then, English was widely spoken by everyone. Ask anyone, old enough, they would be able to understand you. Some may not even know Malay,only Melanau, but ask them in English and they will be able to answer you well," nenek enthused.

"Today's young people, though are different. The language is all mixed up, not many know the Melanau language. You must learn the language well," she smiled, and shook my hands.

"Kirim salam gak apak now... (*Send my regards to your dad)," she smiled again, as we bid farewell to each other.

Khatijah and Rahim

Khatijah burrows herself deep under the mound of pebbles. The water surrounding her criss-crossed shell, is cooling. She blinks rapidly, trying to scramble away.

I grab Kat by the shell and put her in another compartment. It is time for breakfast.

She eats turtle pellets, green, strong-odoured food. She chomps them willingly as she scours the water for more food.

This is my pet turtle, Khatijah (named after the famous Malaysian singer, Khatijah Ibrahim) and her friend, Rahim (my mum named him). Sometimes, I like to call them Rahimah and Rahim (after the famous Singaporean songstress, Rahimah Rahim).

They were swimming in a plastic bag the day I found them at the night market at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR). It was drizzling, so it was difficult to see clearly, but I had ambitions of owning pet turtles so my mum and I stopped by the make-shift stall.

"Mari, mari...murah-murah..Ini kura-kura saya boleh bagi diskaun..."(Come, come...cheap..cheap. These turtles, I give you discount for them..."),said the old man, grabbing some more white plastic bags.

There were pairs of turtles swimmimng in all of them! The clear plastic bags had a little bit of water and two turtles each. He stacked them neatly all in one blue basket. There were also Siamese fighting fishes in the other plastic bags.

"Mum, we buy these...I'll pay you. I didn't bring enough money...," I said.

As she handed one crisp RM 10 note, and one RM 5 note, the seller handed over Khatijah and Rahim. He also included a small pet home, and some food.

"Thank you..."

I think, it's three months now that Kat and Rahim are with me. They are fed daily, morning and night.

Rahim keeps his eyes shut, though, most of the time. Maybe he's scared? Kat keeps scrambling all over the place.

Now that they're in a bigger home, Kat buries herself under the mound of pebbles, all the time.