Dear Thelma...

27.4.2010

Malaysian Indian, Indian Malaysian or Malaysian?
Dear Thelma,

I am confused. I am at a crossroads. I was born in Malaysia some almost half a century ago in a government hospital to two Malaysian parents whose parents were also born in Malaysia. My parents and grandparents contributed in their own way (albeit their low status in the rung of the social ladder) to put Malaysia on the world map so at least some Americans now know that there is not a void space between Thailand and Singapore; and Himalaya and Malaya is not interchangeable; or Malaya is not a female equivalent of He-Malaya!

I started my primary education with Malaysian Language as the medium of instruction even though other countries in the region were keeping up with the Joneses and emphasized on the English Language because our leaders told us that it would unite the people and stop internal squabbling. All my subjects from Standard 1 to Upper Six were taught in Bahasa Malaysia, even though we did not have enough reference books at the higher levels and we had to translate (in our head) what we read in English before writing it on our examination papers. I only learned my mother tongue from my mother (duh!) and the POL classes. I obtained a distinction in Bahasa Malaysia at ‘O’ levels. I speak the Malay Language, English, more than smattering of Hockkien and Cantonese dialects (also swear in these dialects as well) and Hindi/Punjabi. I can understand the Malay in its different dialects – Apo nak dikato (Negri); also a Malay song by the local group, Blues Gang; Hangpa pi sana ‘ngan sapa? (Northern); Kecek Kelantan gak gewek (Kelantan); Makang ikang (Terengganu), etcetera. I have many Malaysian friends of various ethnic and religious backgrounds. I also rejoice during their merry making cultural and religious events.

I furthered my studies at a Malaysian university, spent 2 years living and dining amongst people of Kelantan. I started working with the Malaysian Ministry of Health (12 years altogether), serving people of all races in various states in Malaysia. I pay my dues as a responsible citizen by paying hefty taxes regularly and vote in the General Elections. I know the lyrics of the Malaysian anthem (Negara Ku) by hard and stand at attention when the Jalur Gemilang is hoist or Negara Ku is played. I cheer my Malaysian team whenever they are competing even though they are losing. When I am overseas and foreigners asked me whether I am Indian, I proudly tell them I am Malaysian. That reminds of the 80s’ song by ‘Men at Work’ titled ‘Down Under’…

Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four and full of muscle
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
And he said,
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder?
You better run, you better take cover." (Yeahhh!...

But now, my Deputy Prime Minister (and Prime Minister) say I am Indian first then only I am Malaysian. How can I call myself Indian when I have not set foot on Indian soil and have no plans to do so either? I am sure the Indian Government has no interest in me too. Maybe they and their people may want our economic support via the well orchestrated guise of temples. Thelma, I am going ravaging mad. I need an answer now. Please help me fast. I can hear the paramedics entering my house to strap the straight jacket on me!

FG.

Dear FG,

I will see you in person in the psychiatry ward after you are more lucid with your insight intact and after the doctors have medicated, stabilized and rehabilitated you. You see, I do not want to lose my publication licence. Please fight your own battles as I have been fighting mine.

Thelma.