I don't want to generalise, but there is this perception that Malays are a group of people who seem to be inclined to violence.
I am a Malay too because my father is one and it says so on my birth certificate, even though on my maternal side, I’m Chinese.
I don't mean to criticise the ethnic group that I belong to. But I need to call out and say something is wrong when I see it. I take it as my responsibility (so self-righteous!).
And who else better to criticise the Malays if not a Malay himself (although technically, a half-breed!)? If anyone else from another ethnic group does so, he would be called a racist.
Now that I'm done with the disclaimers, let's refocus on the point I am trying to make.
On Tuesday, a coalition of Malay NGOs led by one Datuk Jamal Md Yunos dressed up in red and started beating themselves up in front of the Sogo shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur.
It was a sight to be seen! Men were hitting each other with pieces of wood and smashing heavy roof tiles on their heads and backs to show how strong and tough they are.
It was like a big kungfu demonstration by Shaolin monks to show off their strength and mental abilities. Alamak! Wait a minute! Shaolin monks aren't Malay!
The group's leader reportedly stated that they are anti-Bersih, referring to the Bersih 4.0 rally this weekend. (embed 4 things you need to know…)
The reason for the violent display of strength is to show that they will be ready to 'defend' themselves if any 'problems' were to arise between them and Bersih 4.0 participants.
I find it absolutely funny how this group of Malay NGOs can quickly jump to the assumption that problems would equate to violence. What would be their reasoning?
Bersih is led by a middle-aged woman and it's icons are an old lady who walks around holding flowers (aka Aunty Bersih), and an elderly man who likes to write poetry (Pak Samad).
And this makes me wonder who is leading in the game of positive perception here? The saying goes, 'fight fire with fire'. Not fight elderly people with pieces wood and huge roof tiles!
This is just one example of why I can't help but entertain the thought that Malays are inclined to violence. Remember the Low Yat incident? The first people to arrive were Malay thugs.
And whenever Malay politicians talk about fighting and preserving Malay rights, they always seem to choose a weapon (the keris) to wave around for maximum effect.
As a member of the Malay community, I would like to say "Come on lah wei!". What is wrong with you people? Can't you learn to be more dignified and refined?
Bak kata orang tua-tua, "Buat malu aje!".
Zan Azlee
Fri Aug 28 2015
A coalition of Malay NGOs dressed up in red and started beating themselves up in front of the Sogo shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur last week. - File pic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.