The Malaysian Identity

We were discussing about Shirley Lim's Joss and Gold and we came accross the nationalism theme - of course lah, it's the main theme! Prof. Q, he's not from Msia, neither is he a Singaporean - but I won't tell you his citizenship or nationality, don't want you to be bias when judging what he has said in class (nevertheless, *if I can use such word*- he's an Asian). He had taught in NUS for a few years and has been teaching in Malaysia for seven years, last year, he was a visiting professor at a university in the U.S., not sure which one. He feels that Shirley Lim is trying to tell us that in Malaysia (1960's-70's) the multiracial people are not attached to the national identity but rather to their ethnic and cultural identity. Malays are malays, chinese are chinese, indians are indians, NOT MALAYSIANS! When Li An (the central character) moves to Singapore, ethnic identity is not the main identity of a person, but he's rather considered as a Singaporean. Prof. Q thinks that national identity exists in Singapore but not so much emphasized in Malaysia. I'm not trying to provoke anyone, but open your eyes and look around, how many people REALLY consider themselves as Malaysians and not just malays, chinese or indians - be honest to yourself!Actually, there's a survey done on nationalism - people were asked how do they identify themselves. 90% answered that they're malay, chinese and indians, only 7% said they're Malaysians. The rest tu di bawah section OTHERS hehehe. Perhaps, the scenario has changed a bit in this 30 years - but how can we be sure of that. Did you watch Malaysian Idol? I like watching all this singing competition, I find it quite entertaining - seeing people singing their hearts out without realising that they're singing off tune, and watching those who are born to be singers, talented people with great voice. But, Malaysia Idol does not live up to its name. What I saw on T.V and what I get from it is that the judges in a way is trying to find a star among the Malaysians who have brushed aside their Malaysian identity. They want superstar that could represent Malaysia in the World Idol but the superstar must have international quality as well as identity i.e. generally they must appear to be as "westernized" as possible. If they fail to do so, they'll be considered as the same as Bintang RTM and Akademi Fantasia stars - to them these stars would only shine because the common Malaysians seemed to believe they're shinning and glittering throughout the night and day (and of course that is not what I believe to be so - all stars shine lah in their own course and way!) Funny rite, how they called the reality show as MALAYSIAN idol when it has "little" attachment to the Malaysian identity and multiracial culture. What do you think? I know that I'm a malaysian, how about you? I'm not asking you to forgo your cultural and ethnic identity, but it must co-exist with your national identity. And how do you define the national identity of a Malaysian - that is up to you to decide...Goodnight everybody!

- I wonder why didn't Fauziah Latiff kick Paul Moss's butt when he said something against Bintang RTM - Jee herself IS a Bintang RTM - once you're a Bintang RTM, you'll always be one!! So, can't you do some justice towards the people who brought you to the entertainment limelight? I'm a fan of Fauziah Latiff but that doesn't mean I worship her and see her as a perfect being - please Jee, go kick Paul's a**!!