I spent the day at San Francisco café. I did some thinking.
In America (or, maybe it’s just the West), you always clean up after yourself at cafes, fast-food restaurants, etc. You go up to get your own drinks and food. But here, they always, always serve you. I was standing, waiting for the cashier to make my Americano coffee and I got the weirdest looks. Afterwards, I took my trash to throw out. And, there were no garbage bins. Anywhere.
I wonder why it was like that. Then, that got me to thinking about other things.
My father likes history a lot. I do, too. So, we started talking about the “Malay Way.” I guess, a term we coined. He told me that Malaysia was a pretty peaceful country for being an Islamic one (Oh, I forgot the term used that means the government is run by its religion).
I learned from my friends that it’s hard for non-Malays to go to the public universities here. That’s why all the Chinese and Indian (and some white) citizens must go overseas to private colleges and universities.
A tangent: the schooling system has always been kind of confusing to me. They follow the British way. High school (secondary school) is form 2 through 5 (actually, I’m not quite sure about that). But for the highest form (grade), many choose not to study in secondary school but go to “college”; it’s considered senior year. I guess it makes sense since most of the classes I took as a senior were AP courses. After finishing college, then they go to “university,” which is considered our “college.” I know… confusing.
The only difference is that non-Malays cannot go to public universities as easily as true Malays. True Malay people are of Indonesian, south-pacific origin. Any American would say, “That’s racial discrimination. It’s like saying… only white people can go to state schools.” But here, it’s a way of keeping the peace. It’s the way things are. In private ownership, 30% must also go to Malays.
My Western upbringing wants to say that it’s unfair. Many Malays are poor and uneducated. Most Chinese families have at least one Malay housekeeper because it’s cheap and gives them jobs. But still, why do they get so many advantages if the Chinese and Indian families worked so hard to make Malaysia a better country? Malaysia could’ve been as poor as Indonesia (country right below us) but it’s a lot better. Just look at Singapore- it broke away from Malaysia and it’s a mainly Chinese population. Now, Singapore is so far ahead. The exchange rate is almost equal to the dollar.
I guess the idea is similar to the affirmative action debate in the U.S. I have to consider the other side. Malaysia is very peaceful for a Muslim country. Not so much terrorist activity because the Malays are content with the laws. The 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence from Britain is actually coming up. This country is young- during my father’s childhood, Britain still controlled it.
I’ve been reading a few English Malay newspapers- they’re written very entertainingly. I saw this article, “Emulate KL’s approach.” KL is Kuala Lumper, Malaysia’s capital. In it, National University of Singapore’s associate professor said that Malaysian leaders focused very well on taking care of the needs and grievances of the people and their practical approach in handling terrorism threats was very sensible.
But, she also said Malaysia should speak out more on issues.
I guess Malays must feel like the Chinese population is taking over their country. Still, the Hakka (my origin, a tribe from China, “wanderers”) have come to Malaysia a long time ago.
I saw another article on Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan. I guess he recently praised Malaysia for being “a relatively peaceful country despite its cultural differences and different faiths.”
“It has managed the ethnic mix better than any other society that I can think of. The Malaysia society, which celebrates both unity and diversity, is a message that should be shared with the rest of the world.”
But, he also said that he wished the majority would speak up. “I think Malaysia has a voice and should use it more often.”
I think sometimes Malaysia likes peace and unchanging ways a little too much, though. Is it an advantage or disadvantage? It’s harmonious over here. But I also see so many negative aspects. For one... the BATHROOMS! You have to pay money to use a bathroom that is so smelly, and wet, and dirty (Muslims don't believe in toilet paper. They use water to wash themselves after each bathroom visit.) And there's a lot of crime- especially murders and rape. Well, that’s another entry.
So, sorry for this political rant. What do I know? I’m just a teenager in this foreign nation. Not a diplomat or international affairs major. I read this other interesting article… I’ll save it for later, though! Too much thinking for one day.
The weekend is coming up- more stuffs to experience!
The New York Times: "Myanmar — the name the junta gave to Burma — has been ruled by military dictatorship for 46 years, increasingly isolated and struggling under economic sanctions by the United States and Europe. Last September, the junta crushed peaceful protest marches by Buddhist monks."
