Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa

I make a maiden visit to the Pidato Perdana Toastmasters Club. It is a refreshing experience listening to speeches in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language of Malaysia.

The members who are Malays and non-Malays use the club to practise and improve their public speaking skills in Bahasa Malaysia. I'm pleased to note that many of the speakers at the meeting are articulate and eloquent. They also have a delightful sense of humour. Some can even pick entertaining words and phrases at the drop of a hat. I have certainly enhanced my vocabulary in one sitting.

The club president, Ms Sandy Tan, makes a remarkable impression with her opening and closing speeches. Her original and imaginative pantun (Malay poetry) captivates the audience:

Dari Palembang lari ke Melaka
Parameswara singgah di Pulau Singa
Jikalau tuan sudah lama mengembara
Singgah sajalah di Kelab Pidato Perdana.

Puteri Hang Li Po merentas Laut Cina
Mendirikan rumah di bumi Melaka
Jikapun negeri puan masih ada
Jadikanlah kami sebagai keluarga kedua.

Three cheers for Pidato Perdana Toastmasters Club!

You say sorry, I'll be happy

I know that Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time to seek forgiveness, but does it have to happen like this?

After visiting an open house, I happily got into my car and began to drive home. As I was approaching a small junction, I noticed a small car being driven on a road on my left. Naturally, I expected it to stop at the junction and wait for me to pass first before it moved out. But, unbelievably, the motorist continued to drive out of the junction and straight on a collision course with my car.

I swerved violently to the right. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles behind. The near collision scared me out of my wit. After regaining my composure, I sad red. I gave chase and wanted to honk the driver dead.

Then, I noticed the rogue driver stuck his right hand out of the window and gestured “I’m sorry”. He slowed down and allowed me to overtake him. I gave him my most menacing glare. He was a young Malay guy and with him was another young Malay lad. Both of them made eye contact with me and the driver gestured again: “I’m sorry”.

His readiness to say sorry neutralized my anger. He did the right thing. He knew he was wrong and he was quick to say sorry. That is honourable.

When I was in school, people around me used to say that the Malays were one of the most polite people on this planet. Much has changed since then with economic progress and financial wealth. But, during this month of Hari Raya celebration, I'm glad that two Malay youths prove that they will keep the refined Malay politeness alive.