To Jawi or Not to Jawi?

By Johan Ishak
www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

TO JAWI OR NOT TO JAWI? That is the question many are unnecessarily questioning when there are loads of other issues worth thinking about. The fact that this article is written is already a waste of time. An article about mathematics, coding, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, civic or even e-Games would have been a better subject in the context of contemporary needs of our society. So, why question Jawi?

There needs to be a clear comprehension about what Jawi represents. Historically, considering its Arabic origin, it is probably fair to assume its close relationship with Islam. That is true because the use of Jawi in this land is dated way back to the 1400 or even earlier when the Muslim Arab traders came over for both, trade and spreading Islam. However, that strong perception is critically defined by virtue of time frame. Had we gone deep into history, the Jawi characters had even existed before Islam came into existence. Arabic is a branch of Aramaic, that is also the source of Hebrew. So, we can also easily say that this is an act of Jewish indoctrination (Pun intended). But, why do we associate it religiously? After all, isn't the numbering system of 1 to 9 came from Arabic as well? So, why question Jawi?

The sense of cultural identity can be defined by many aspects. Although linguistic or literature are not the only factors, they are indeed a common set of factors that many have accepted in identifying a particular nation. If you speak Japanese, you are most likely from Japan. If you speak Hokkien, you are most likely the decendents of the people of Fu-Chian. The Muslims, Christians and Jews of Turkey all speak and write Turkish. The Chinese in Thailand speak and write in Siamese. However, when you can speak French, you can either be French, Canadian, Swiss, Polynesian or even Tunisian. If you can speak Spanish, you can come from any country from the entire continent of South America except for Brazil. Really, Jawi isn't a big deal. So, why question Jawi?

In this day and age, art is forgotten quite pervasively. Ancient civilisations grew quite naturally because of how art was embraced. Art contributes to the diversity of cuture and Jawi is an art. The diversity of cultural elements is what makes culture, a culture. So, why not celebrate this diversity? Does writing in Roman makes us less Malaysian? If it does, why don't we question our irreversable use of Roman alphabets? If it doesn't (make us less Malaysian), why do we question Jawi that actually makes us more Malaysian in the context of national history? So, why question Jawi?

The emotional attachment one has to his or her origin often provides the basis to agree or disagree to certain policies. A Malay is likely to support Jawi and a non-Malay is likely to reject Jawi. The ability of how such emotional attachment can be disregarded is actually the measurement of tolerance. Like it or not, we are a multilingual, multireligion, multiethnic and multicultural society. Accepting a cultural heritage of this land like Jawi is also an act of tolerance. If, as a nation, we can accept the diversity of schooling methods that include Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (vernacular schools), convent schools or even legally operated Tahfiz or Sekolah Agama (Islamic Schools), then accepting Jawi that is a mere extension of that variation should not be a problem. So, why question Jawi?

The issue of overloading kids with many subjects to learn is probably the lamest excuse ever. Parents have been pressuring kids with so many expectations since the 80's. How many of us have been forced to learn piano, golf, ballet, Tae Kwan Do, Kumon, English 1119 and the numerous tuitions. They not only cost money but also time. Infact, they also contribute to the stress level of our youth. Don't we always say that the Youth is the best stage in life to absorb knowledge most effectively and efficiently? What happened to that confidence? Suddenly Jawi erases all that high expectations? So, why question Jawi?

But seriously, why? (... question Jawi)

Salina, Sebuah Refleksi Pilu Masyarakat Melayu Selepas Perang Dunia Ke-2

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

Judul: Salina
Penulis: A. Samad Said
Genre: Kemasyarakatan
KK. 893 - 1476 5106
Penerbit: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
Tahun: 1961

"... Salina dipersembahkan oleh penulisnya dengan cara yang serba moden. Ia mengemukakan persoalan-persoalan baru dan sikap yang berterus terang untuk membongkar latar keburukan yang tersembunyi dalam masyarakat pekan-pekan besar .... "  - Pengarah Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka 1987

ALINA merupakan judul buku yang sudah lama saya simpan di dalam hati untuk membacanya. Mungkin hasrat ini muncul dari kekecohan dunia kesusasteraan itu sendiri. Kekecohan dunia sastera di Malaysia ini, pada fikiran saya, cuma hangat di zaman 60an, 70an dan 80an (dan mungkin sebahagian permulaan 90an). Kemudiannya ianya dimakan oleh arus moden Internet yang berleluasa di kalangan anak-anak muda di mana minat membaca buku secara konvensional hilang ditelan zaman - khususnya novel Bahasa Melayu. Sebagai langkah untuk menuaikan semangat kesusasteraan Melayu itu semula di dalam benak jiwa saya, saya telah memilih Salina. Salina yang ditulis oleh Sasterawan Negara, A. Samad Said, seorang penulis kegemaran saya. Sebenarnya, secara jujur, saya bukannya pembaca buku Bahasa Melayu yang kerap. Kalau hendak diperbincangkan hal A. Samad Said, sebelum ini saya hanya pernah membaca 2 buku beliau, Langit Petang dan Al-Amin dan juga sajak beliau yang dibuat lagu oleh Kopratasa, Tetamu Senja.

Kononnya Salina sudah diterjemah ke dalam 38 bahasa, saya pun tidak pasti. Ini menarik perhatian saya akan apa gempaknya penulisan A. Samad Said ini? Jenuh saya ke kedai-kedai buku sekeliling Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor namun tak dijumpai juga buku ini. Kononnya Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka sudah berhenti percetakan buku ini kerana permintaan yang rendah. Kalau buku ini tersangatlah gempak untuk waktunya, mengapa pula tidak dicetak lagi untuk kegunaan akademik universiti sehabis kurang pun? Di dalam kehampaan itu, akhirnya terjumpa kegembiraan kerana pada tahun 2014 percetakan baru telah diadakan tetapi di dalam Bahasa Inggeris. Telah saya beli 1 naskah dan membacanya. Agak ganjil jika mahu dimenifestasikan ida-idea A. Samad Said di dalam Bahasa Inggeris kerana nilai kesusasteraan Melayunya hilang. Pada satu petang 2014 yang indah, di pesta buku Kolumpo Kita Punya di Dataran Merdeka, ada pula buku Salina Second Hand di dalam Bahasa Melayu yang dijual. Maka saya beli. Maka saya baca.

 

Gaya bahasanya merupakan satu penulisan kontemporari untuk zamannya iaitu 60an di Tanah Melayu dan Singapura. Jika tidak di'Context'kan penilaian ini mengikut zaman yang diterbitkan, mungkin pembaca-pembaca muda tidak dapat merasakan keindahan buku ini kerana bahasanya masih boleh dianggap lama dan tidak moden (jika di dalam tahun 2015). Apabila dinilai mengikut zamannya, ada pelbagai aspek yang membolehkan Salina dikategorikan sebagai penulisan kontemporari - (1) Gaya bahasa yang bersahaja untuk mewujudkan suasana realiti perbualan masyarakat terutamanya masyarakat Melayu di Singapura. (2) Pembinaan plot cerita yang dramatis yang melibatkan pembaca penusuk ke dalam karakter-karakter di dalam cerita ini dengan penimbulan rasa ingin tahu. (3) Kejujuran perbincangan isu-isu semasa yang Taboo tetapi masih berpandukan gaya bahasa Melayu yang tidak biadap.

 

Apakah kejujuran yang dimaksudkan oleh penulisan buku Salina ini? Salina merupakan satu refleksi masyarakat Melayu Singapura di zaman pra-kemerdekaan selepas Perang Dunia ke-2. Ia menceritakan kehidupan manusia yang penuh dengan kesusahan kemiskinan yang terjebak di dalam gelombang dosa dengan terpaksanya. Peperangan amat memilukan - kematian ahli-ahli keluarga dan sahabat handai; dan juga kehilangan harta, amat menghancurkan kewarasan insan-insan Melayu. Mereka ini harus meredah pelbagai konflik kehidupan. Mereka ini hilang pedoman dan hilang gah untuk terus memperjuangkan nilai-nilai murni. Mereka mengikut arus pemodenan yang bersulamkan kemiskinan. Di dalam mengharungi cabaran-cabaran hidup, mereka terus sahaja meredah apa yang patut demi Survival, walaupun ianya mempergadaikan agama, nyawa, bangsa, pendidikan dan harga diri. Begitulah tahap Desperation masyarakat apabila dibelenggu kemiskinan. 

 

Salina tidak ketinggalan di dalam kesusahan hidup ini. Habis keluarganya luput dimakan perang. Dia tinggal di Kampung Kambing yang amat hina kemiskinannya kerana suasana yang tidak terjaga dan penempatannya haram. Untuk terus hidup, Salina perlu lupakan segala perancangan untuk belajar dan melibatkan diri di dalam apa jua pekerjaan yang mendatangkan wang yang secukupnya untuk terus hidup. Salina menjadi pelacur! Apakan daya Salina tidak termampu untuk pekerjaan yang lain kerana tahap pendidikan yang rendah yang tidak dapat diterimai masyarakat Singapura yang hanya menerima pendidikan Inggeris. Insan-insan yang sewaktu dengannya juga sama - terutamanya Melayu. Mereka bekerja di kelab-kelab malam, sebagai kelasi, askar dan juga buruh-buruh kasar. Di dalam pembentukan sosial masyarakat Melayu yang negatif ini, nilai-nilai agama juga merosot. Melayu menjadi pemabuk, perogol dan tidak menghiraukan pendidikan ataupun politik setempat. Malah mereka menjadi bodoh dan sombong tanpa menyedari keperluan untuk memperkasakan bangsa mereka sendiri terutamanya selepas hancur dilanda peperangan.  

Salina terjerat di dalam kehidupan yang tidak adil ini. Bukannya dia meminta untuk menjadi sebegini, tetapi keadaan memaksa. Salina, dan juga insan-insan Melayu muda yang lain turut menyalahkan keadaan. Kenapa miskin? Kerana terpaksa menjadi miskin? Kerana hilang punca. Kerana peperangan. Kerana tidak cukup pendidikan Inggeris. Kerana terpaksa, mereka melakukan apa jua pekerjaan yang patut (untuk hidup). Kemiskinan ini terus berleluasa. Malah anak-anak muda yang dilahirkan selepas peperangan juga melalui dilema hidup kemiskinan ini (mempergadaikan apa yang murni - moral, agama, pendidikan). Akhirnya Salina mengerti bahawa kesemua kehancuran ini dibuatnya sendiri dan bukan keadaan yang perlu dipersalahkan. Biarkan mereka ini hancur di Kampung Kambing, aku (Salina) mahu bebaskan diri dari kehidupan yang tidak bermakna ini - Salina terus menukar hidupnya - Dia ke Kuala Lumpur.

Begitulah separa-sinopsis dari saya yang dapat sedikit sebanyak menampakkan perisa buku Salina oleh A. Samad Said ini untuk mereka yang ingin menuaikan semula semangat kesusasteraan Melayu di dalam jiwanya. Bacalah buku Salina ini. Ianya senang dibaca kerana tidak terlalu keterlampauan sastera klasik Melayunya dan intipati ceritanya amat menarik kerana Sublime Taboo masyarakat yang tentunya wujud secara realiti - jika tidak sekarang, sekurang-kurangnya releven di zaman buku ini diterbitkan (60an). Untuk mengakhiri ulasan buku ini, ingin saya ekstrakkan satu perenggan dari buku Salina ini, seperti di bawah, di mana A. Samad Said menyelitkan mesej yang Sarcastic kerana ianya amat sesuai dengan keadaan penerimaan (atau ketidak-terimaan) sastera Melayu di masa kini - yang mungkin akan luput ditelan zaman - :

         Perenggan dari Bab ke-22

     "Kalau endak tunggukan kesempatan, pendeknya sampai mati pun awak tak akan cuba membaca buku-buku Melayulah. Hilmy belajar Orang Putih, baca sajalah buku Orang Putih banyak-banyak; kenallah orang lain banyak-banyak. Nanti kalau orang tanya Hilmy tentang penulis-penulis Melayu, Hilmy kata tak ada sajalah? Kata saja buku-buku Melayu tak ada mutunya, atau katakan sajalah orang-orang Melayu ni malas endah tulis cerita. Atau sesekali nanti bila ada orang tanya: awak kenal Tun Seri Lanang tak? Hah, gelengkan sajalah kepala tu - bilang tak tau. Atau katakan sajalah Tun Seri Lanang tak ada dalam masyarakat Melayu, ya? Dan kalau orang tanya pulak: awak kenal Harun Aminurrashid? Entah. Kenal Abdullah Sidik? Entah. Kenal Keris Mas? Kenal Tongkat Warrant? Entah. Kenal Hamzah? Entah. Kenal Jymy Asmara? Entah. Ai, main entah sajalah. Dan kalau orang tanya awak orang apa? Melayu! Habis tak tau nama pengarang-pengarang Melayu? Hendak geleng-geleng kepala saja? Nak taruh muka di mana?"

* kopihangtuah

| mcmlxxv:viii:xxix |

The Disparity Debate

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

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All characters, names, entities and/or incidents in this composition are fiction and they have no relation to any real individuals or entities nor are they real life events other than some historical facts that are used to put things into perspective for the flow of the fictional story telling.
  

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THE DISPARITY DEBATE

You cannot not consider the well being of majority population. Or else, majority has no meaning and they are marginalised like a minority. Minority in Malaysia, whilst discriminated from certain benefits, they are not deprived of making a living.... and almost all make good living. Having said that, Malays have also abused that privilege. Sadly that needs to be addressed fast.

ISPARITY in the pool of wealth and level playing field has been the key word in many debates around town. Two good friends, one a Malay, and the other a Chinese, struggle to accept each other's views when comprehending Government policies surrounding their people. They grew up respecting each other from the football fields all the way to becoming best men for each other's wedding. As they grew to understand the meaning of it all, they wish they can just deal with the football field they used to play on. Never did they thought, initially, that there is a more sensitive and complex field that they have to explore - the quest for level playing field. Whatever that means. In the end, they risk destroying a friendship debating that subject matter especially when the two actually have differing opinions. Riziad and William decided to meet at a mamak place to catch up for old time sake. The former has been living in Malaysia and the latter now has migrated to the United Kingdom.

     "Hey! Rizzy. What is this fuss about abolishing the Bumi quotas? Everytime I come home for holidays I hear stupid issues like this. I don't understand. I thought civilised world would understand that discriminations such as ethnic quotas make no sense at all."

     "Yo! Adrian. You haven't met me for dog ages and this is the first thing you ask me. At least we catch up on how each other's families are doing. How's the wife and kids doing?"

     "So, so sorry Rizzy. You know me. I have always have strong opinions about these things. That was the main reason why I migrated to the U.K. That is still the reason by the way. Anyways, Marion is doing good. The kids are schooling now although they are growing into bloody Brits rather than Chinese. I fear one day they will forget the good values that we inherited from the oriental region. How are yours?"

     "Great actually. Sabrina is working hard. She may have the same fear as yours but the only difference is that hers revolve around the confusion that our kids may have especially when they see one set of Malay grand parents who are Muslims and the other set Christian Chinese. Mix marriages are complex,.... but we'll manage it. We have been managing it anyway. So far so good."

     "That is good to hear,.. errrrrr,.. apart from the confusion thing. So back to my query earlier. What has been happening?"

     "Well, like you, many other non-Bumis are questioning the Malay quota system."

     "What about you? What is your opinion? Since you are a Malay intertwined into a mix marriage. you should be pretty confused yourself."

     "On the contrary, I am quite focused, although occasionally I do get into debates with my Chinese wife. In my mind it is clear. The disparity in the socio economic landscape of the country is too deep. 20% of the nation owns 80% of its assets. Quota makes no sense if viewed from equal rights perspective but from sociology point of view, it is one of the tools to balance the society. If not, the Malays will remain at the bottom of sthe ociety ladder, forever. Not sure whether a comparison is fair but South Africa's affirmative actions to develop the Blacks is also along the same wave length I think."

     "When you say Malay you mean the extended Bumiputera clans as well?"

     "Oh yes. Sorry. I know Malay is a subset of Bumiputera but when I explain things, do take the two to have the same meaning as I use them interchangeably."

     "You do realise that South Africa is not a good example? They were fighting a form of discrimination whereas the Malay rights is based on descrimination. Am I wrong here Bro?"

     "Well, this is tricky. My referene to South Africa is more on the affirmative actions. I am a product of the quota because I got a scholarship to go and study in Melbourne and from thereon, opportunity got better until I am at where I am now. My father was just a Government servant. Not poor but not rich either to send kids overseas. Other poor Malays whose kids got scholarship enjoy the same opportunity. True there are also many poor Chinese and Indians but so very small when compared to the Malays. In fact, there were also some non-Bumis who got scholarship in my batch."

     "Rizzy, you are one of the best ambassadors for the Malays out there. I think it's absolutely right that you articulate your arguments on quotas that is about helping to achieve balance. My only comment is that we must recognise that there is a cost to achieving this. If  the country plans to be truly a multiracial country for all its citizens, quotas stand in way of that. The question we have to answer is whether or not by trying to help the Malays, the country as a whole will be affected?"

     "Defending the quota system is just like the Chinese and Indians refusing to drop their Chinese and Indian schools to be replaced with national schools. No?"

     "Well, is anybody stopping Malay kids from schooling in the Chinese and Indian schools?"

     "Well, no, but we are talking about assimilation right? Whilst multiracial is the description of the country's demography, you cannot ignore that Bumis make up 70% of the population. So, if 70% of the population is poor and continue to be poor while 30% is rich and continue to be rich... wallah... imbalance.... disparity. If this continues, it will not be healthy. The country will not improve. Balancing does result in certain components being sacrificed in the equation. The urgent need for socio economic balance is probably stronger than the multiracial quest. If no balancing, multiracial may be compromised in a more negative ways don't you think? Study South Africa to see how neglecting majority can cause pain. The world is unfair yes. The best we can do is make it work even in fthe ace of unfairness. Just like the concept of handicap in golf."

     "Not sure about your examples here. Let's see how South Africa is doing after 20 years before we judge. Also regarding golf handicap, that would be like saying the Malay race is permanently disadvantaged? If you can run, but then fall, having a crutch helps you back to health and running. If you have crutches from birth, you will never run. Who gives a handicap to the Americans, Australians and Europeans? How have they managed success without a handicap? And more tellingly, what evidence is there that the handicap is helping Malays? How is it that despite all the affirmative actions, the split of wealth and what not, has not materially changed since independence? We now have elite Malays which we have always had since the old days of the Sultans, but the country as a whole has not changed? If the objective of the policy is to help level the playing field and it still isn't level after 50 over years, shouldn't we be evaluating whether this strategy is working? I'm not even arguing for the other races. If I was a Malay, I would be asking my leaders why they continue to pursue a strategy that has not change the fate of the majority?"

     "No, not forever. There will be a time when handicap is lowered just the same as how golf works. When you get better you'll lose the handicap slowly. That is already happening. Don't you know that there are no more quotas in equity holding? the Government had already abolished the 30% Bumi quota for shareholding of companies. What is left now is, I think, quotas in land property ownership and education. Abolishing the 30% is a huge significant reduction of handicap don't you think? It is happening so non-Bumis should not press matter too much because you will just create anger. Yes so far there has been not much change and hence, the method should be changed. That is very true. That is what is happening. We stopped 30% quota but now doing it differently via appointing professional Malays to handle special funds to invest in various companies. The Government has created so many of those funds already. The non-Bumis are free to even own 100% of whatever Government-linked companies."

     "But, Rizzy ..... "

     "No, no, no. I am not done Bro. Just a bit more. You praised the Westerners earlier didn't you? Well, don't even get me started on the Europeans. Study the history. They are the culprits. American whites reduced Red Indians to an insignificant level. Australian whites killed 100% of the Tasmanian Aboriginals and the Europeans..... well the Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish and British are all world's biggest robbers world wide historically. The British in particular was the one who pushed Malays to remain in 'kampungs' and deprived them the wealth in their own land and brought in Chinese into towns for mining and Indians into plantation estates. After hundreds of years, the Chinese in towns developed personal wealth tremendously. So talking about handicap, those are what I call their stolen handicap. You cannot leave history out my friend. So in the case of South Africa, you'd rather prefer Apartheid back in rather than wait 20 years to see the result of Black management? That sounds like the white robber's ideology I mentioned above. Modern thinking without reference to history is illogical bro. Have a think ya."

     "Rizzy, you are a reasonable guy but allow me my comments."

     "Go ahead Bro. Say your stuff."

     "Ok. Lots of colonial countries wish that they had developed differently or had an alternate history. The truth is that Malaya could not have avoided interaction with the Portuguese, Dutch or English. That is as much part of history as when the Srivijaya came and colonised the true Orang Asli of Malaya. All history is relative and it does us no good to pretend we are victims and that absent that, things would have been different. The Malay rulers then and as they are now, sold out the country and each other for personal profit while keeping their key constituents happy and ignorant. The British got the power they did by encouraging rivalries and negotiation. The Malay nation no doubt suffered but at the time, rulers did deals they thought were good. And Malaya actually benefitted ultimately. Lots of countries were colonised including the most famous of all, the United States. And their progress since independence has been very different. No one can deny the tragedy of what happened to the Indigenous peoples of the world but do you really think that their lives could have somehow been lived in a parallel universe away from other countries? Now this is my turn to stop you. Let me go on. Allow me a few more points."

     "Go ahead Bro. Say your stuff,.... again."

     "Regarding your comments about the Chinese, there have been Chinese in Malaysia since Hang Li Po in the 15th century. Islam arrived in the 12th century. Before that, Malaya was predominantly Hindu. So everything is relative. Regarding South Africa, independence is great, but great crimes are still being committed there. Rich leaders are continuing to rob their own people. Yes that is better than apartheid, but let's see in 20 years when everything has been sold or stolen. Let's see. And regarding Islam in Malaysia, some historians think that it came to Peninsula Malaysia in the 15th century after Hang Li Po. So if one wanted to, one could say the Chinese have been in Malaysia as long as Islam has."

     "Ehh? Why suddenly about Islam? I thought we were talking about Malay rights? Whether Hindu or Islam when Hang Li Po arrives is irrelevant. Agree that this is all relative but relative or not relative disparity still exists. My reference to history is not meant to figure out who is who and who arrives first etcetera. It is meant to give a perspective to the issue of disparity. That is the key word of my arguments. It's quite a convenience for colonialists to say, Oh! We are sorry we should have not done it. They need to undo damage as much as they can. An example would be USA and France who now give financial support to the Federated States of Miconesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianna Islands. Why? Because for years they had used those Northern Pacific Islands for their nucklear tests. They were and still are, obliged to make amends with the people of those islands. The Malays established the first effective Governments in the Nusantara just like the Normandy established first effective Government on the British Isles. So, the Malays are not, in absolute term, visitors like the Chinese. However, if you must put it relatively onto the long chronological time line, it is quite a grey area for any conclusive determination. You might as well say that the Eskimos are also visitors as they came from Northern China."

     "This is all getting to messy Rizzy."

     "Let me make it even worse. Ok, I think you have a point on the Malay rulers being unfair to their own people but surely we are not pretending as victims. We are the victims of hundreds of years of economic deprivation. Tell me you agree... because, if not, something not right in your observation. If South Africa fall because they themselves detroy it, then it is their own fault. Whatever it is, Apartheid is still unacceptable. Malaya did benefit from colonialism as far as English Language proficiency and the legacy of English laws and policies are concerned but on the contrary, Malaya actually suffered socio economic disparity. There's that word again.... disparity. When the British granted independence to Malaya, there was a gentlement's agreement between the Malays and the non-Malays. The non-Malays gets citizenship but in return they do not deny Bumi privileges. Now why would the Chinese and the Indians accept a racists agreement? Well, because the Chinese had to decide whether they wanted to go back to mainland China or remain in Malaya. Same with the Indians... Malaya or India? For the Chinese, the negotiation was led by Tun Tan Cheng Lok, a Chiang Kai Sek General, if I am not mistaken. He dared not go back to China or stayed in Taiwan because of the close proximity to Chairman Mao's army who was hunting them down. So it was an option worth taking. Whether or not Tan did it as a representation on behalf of Chinese who came hundreds of years earlier or not I am not sure but the gentlemen's agreement took place. Is it legal? Well.... it has been immortalised in the constitution..... at least for now."

     "Rizzy, you are right about the deal struck at independence. My point was more what is best for Malaysia going forward. If you think quotas have helped or hurt the Malay interest, I think it has hurt the average Malays but disproportionately helped the elite Malays. Perhaps a policy that gives handicap points to poor people worth considering so that if applied honestly the Malays will get the most share if indeed the Malays are the majority of the poor. That way the poor non-Malays will also get some share albeit smaller representation, or proportionately in accordance with the percentage of the individual ethnic group over the total population representation. Discrimination on race in neither fair nor equitable. And more importantly, it's not right. But that swings both ways. Discrimination enshrined in the constitution is still discrimination. And bad deals struck 50 years ago that hurt one group and fail to help the intended group cannot be sustainable in the long term."

     "But when you address that, you ignore the disparity. So, how?"

     "I agree with you that the world is not fair, but I think most people of any race would agree that if someone becomes successful because they are talented or hard working or both, that is fair, even though hard work and talent are randomly distributed. If a person is born with talent or wealth but then does not strive to fulfill their potential cannot blame the world that they are not successful. So equality of opportunity is important but let us not confuse that with equality of outcome. I agree with you that the deal was struck to try and balance out the interests of all parties. And for the Malays, I can see why it is important that they have the opportunity to close the gap. But 50 years later, gap is still so wide. So, yes we need to address it. But perhaps it is time for a new way? Because 50 years of the same thing is not going to change the result. Only a fool does the same thing twice and expect a different result, as Einstein says. For my part, I want very much for the Malays to succeed because there can be no Malaysian success without it. But run this experiment. If status quo continues and non-Malays continue to leave - not for China or India by the way, and that is another irony on why there are so many Malaysians fleeing to other ex-colonies if colonisation is to be blamed - and Malaysia becomes 100% Bumi, what then? Will the country be better or worse off? Those policies will lose their meaning because they will be only 1 group. How will the people who are used to having a handicap behave when they confront a level playing field? Perhaps the truth is that we are focused on the wrong playing field? The world is an unfair playing field. Shielding your citizens from it is like not letting your child out to play. Yes they stay safe. But when they leave the house as an adult eventually they will have to learn to deal with the world. Perhaps after 50 years of training wheels people will forget how to ride a bike?"

     "Ehhh.... why are you repeating Bro? I thought I'd already mentioned that they are doing a different method now where the 30% quota for equity is dropped and now using professional Malays to run investment houses? The irony is, the British shielded the Malays from having to deal with the economy. And for that same reason, now the Malays needed to be shielded again so that they can establish their presence in the economy. It is a paradox that eventually identifies disparity as the main issue."

     "I think the 30% ownership cap is not that meaningful. That helps rich folks. It doesn't help the masses of Malaysians, Bumi or not, who won't or can't own businesses any how."

     "Bro, you are missing my whole point. Turn it around. If disparity continues, the majority will be poorer and poorer and reduced to nothing and when that happens, it will be like South Africa where the disparity is the cause of ethic groups not being able to coexist. Applying the handicap still allow coexistence as there is a common purpose to achieve balance. I don't have emperical evidence but did you read the result of a research done on opportunities for employment for Malays versus non-Malays? A research was done recently by Chinese professors and university guys. They sent out fake CV's out to the job market particularly to private sectors. Those CV's are practically almost the same as far as technical and qualification points are concerned. The only difference is that some in Chinese name and some in Malay. Guess what was the result? Ceteris paribus, the Chinese CV's that got called back for interview is 5 times than that of the Malay counterpart. Malays are being discriminated but people cannot see this. The Chinese controls all angles of economic ecosystem particularly the supply and distribution side. They form networks and cartel and various barriers to entry which makes it impossible for a hard working Malay to grow as a business man. This is real. You are not aware because it is hidden. Look at what happened to Malays in Singapore. You should realise that the Malays fear Malaysia will become like that. I see Malay kids get discriminated in private sector all the time Bro. Even with smart Malays around, they still cannot grow to improve the Malays socio economic status because the Chinese has established barriers to entry everywhere. So that goes against the equal opportunity you were talking about."

     "Those are valid concerns Rizzy. I appreciate that you must feel frustrated by that. This is not an easy problem to fix. But hard to see how it gets better if nothing changes."

     "Then suggest a formula. Simply blind equal opportunity is not a workable formula regardless how fair it sounds. That is the problem with oppositions. They are not suggesting workable alternative. Until workable alternative is understood, no Malay, mass or not, is willing to go down the path of letting Malaysia become Singapore where Malays are reduced to nothing. You cannot not consider the well being of majority population. Or else, majority has no meaning and they are marginalised like a minority. Minority in Malaysia, whilst discriminated from certain benefits, they are not deprived of making a living.... and almost all make good living. Having said that, Malays have also abused that privilege. Sadly that needs to be addressed fast."

     "That is not only a Malay failing. The elites continue to rob the country together, Malay, Chinese, Indian alike. And regarding Singapore, there are lots of Chinese who are upset too because that country also does not look after the needs of the masses."

     "Key word 'disparity' is all I can say.. or else I will be repeating all over again."

     "For the record, like I said before, the solution for Malaysia must be one that is good for Malays. I just really believe that the current approach is 'Makan Suap' only and is harming the very people it is supposed to help. You cannot build a nation from a people who are not encouraged to fend for themselves."

     "Then suggest a workable solution."

     "Ok,.. let's see,.... ok,... here goes,... distribute shares of all national companies to Malaysians proportionate to population. Make Government the golden shareholder with certain veto rights. Eliminate all other quotas and special Bumi privileges. Fund a special Bumi only investment vehicle whose job it is to hold assets and invest for Bumis. This fund to provide scholarships, loans and all to Bumis only. Place 50% of unsold land in a special trust with instructions not to sell with the plan that this is managed for the future of the Bumis. This levels the playing field but gives Bumis security that their future will never be at risk."

     "By virtue of the corporatisation of national entities as public listed companies and with the already abolished equity quota, this has, somewhat, been done to a certain extent. Just look at all the main infrastructure companies that the Government had corporatised over the past 50 years. The shares of those companies are available in the market and naturally, Chinese has larger share of those market floated listed shares as they have the wealth factor. I will talk about land quota later but for now, let's talk about the other quotas. The equityholding 30% quota has already been abolished a few years back. What is left is the education side. Full elimination is too drastic. If you are to change, to do it proportionately by reference to each ethnic group's representation of the population is more equitable, in my mind, that is. There are already so many fund managers or companies managed by Bumis for the Bumis. Ok, now let's go back to the land issue. Your suggestion is already in the constitution where 50% of the land is Malay reserve and the rest available to the public. 30% property ownership is necessary so that Chinese developers do not deprive Malays from buying. Quite tough, so maybe a special unit needs to be established to sell to Bumis and if after a given period those properties are still not sold, it is open for non-Bumis. So, as you can see, whilst there may be some good points in your suggestions, by enlarge, it is still some form of handicap mechanism to the Malays. So, why change?"

     "The key to the first point is wide distribution for free. This breaks up the elites and gives broad ownership so that key entities cannot be captured by special interests. And since proportionate to the population and not to wealth, you will not favour existing rich folks."

     "Oh my... you mean all 30 million population each has shares in each of the Government corporatised companies?  How the hell do you do that man? Each day people die and newborn every where. I cannot imagine how that'll work."

     "You don't actually need to distribute shares. Do it by using the Identification Cards (IC). Dividends get distributed and everyone gets a vote. If you want, you can elect a special body to vote for you, so all Bumis who want to delegate can give this right to someone. But equally they can take it back. Shares have value so people who want to sell can sell. People who want to hold can hold. But no Datuks will monopolise and if any funny business happens, you will have a lot of angry shareholders. This also solves the talent and discrimination issue. Shareholders will want the best people to increase value and manage well. You should not care who is employed if you own the thing and benefit from it. The issue now is the feeling that the success is not shared. This does not mean lazy, incompetent people are guaranteed jobs. People will have to earn it. But they will have the chance regardless of their race."

     "Errrrr... man.. this is regressive. The whole purpose of having electoral candidates is so that people can have representatives in parliament. Might as well get the Government to own via the Ministry of Finance and that the companies report to parliament. Why have 30 million IC holders trying to vote? That is like doing general elections every year for matters of Annual General Meeting type transactions. Bro.... that is really impracticable. Rather than dividends being paid back, it might as well be used for further development for the country. That way it can complement income tax or even allow reduction in income tax rates or even downplay the goods and services taxes. This is already in practice Bro. For example, the national infrastructure and oil and gas corporations are now, on annual basis, paying dividends to its shareholder who is the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry takes that as national income. From there, it goes into the national budget tabled at the parliament. From there also, it influences fiscal policies that includes taxation policies. So Bro, you are just using a regressed approach. The whole purpose of the existing structure is to address the havoc nature of what you are suggesting. I cannot see practicality. Imagine if we are to do what you had suggested, the parliament will be redundant and chaos will take place. What you probably should have suggested is that all companies that were earlier corporatised need to be returned back to the Government so that via parliamentary representation, it belongs to citizens rather than some rich Dato' owning majority and controls those entities. But then, doing that would mean we are going back to the rejected ideas of communism and socialists that prohibits capitalism. That will discourage development and the quality of life. So you are suggesting a centralised approach rather than a decentralised one? Very democratic rather than republican. This means a big government rather than a small government. Aren't the non-Malays very much oppose a big government approach? So you see..... when you tweak and twist.... it uncovers paradox that concludes logical state of mind to remain with status quo."

     William remained silent. He is probably trying to make sense of how to counter argue. Without hesitation, Riziad continued with a pinch of courtesy, "One good suggestion from you is the public to select management. But how do you ask 30 million IC holders to choose who the CEO's of Government companies should be?"

     "Use the member of parliament to vote?"

     "Yeahhh,...  but, if the ruling party majority members of parliment vote to delegate to the minister of relevant ministries to choose the CEO's.... then the ministers will do so.... which is the existing model anyway."

     "Hmmm,... well,.... one thing is for sure, I am for small Government and equality. But given your concerns, I don't see how we can get there without a big non-market intervention that protects the Malay interest. I guess that is why I don't live in Malaysia anymore. Because you are right that it is hard to see how we can do that between two reasonable people, let alone the masses."

     "We are back to square one?"

     "No. We are back to mamak discussions! Save for later outings man. Too hard to discuss finer points tonight. You should go back to your family. It is quite late now. I have to head back to my Dad's. Got some poker session to convene. Hahahahaha...."

     "Do remember our points of discussion. Document this discussion if you have the memory for it. We can use it for future study. Who knows you will be back home for good in the future to take up politics?"

     "If I come back, I won't need it because I will do it with you! A truly non-racial party is the future. As long as I cannot convince you we are all the same and that you need no special protection, there will be no progress."
     "Well, as long as your methods do not address the socio economic disparity, I will not be convinced."

     "So be it."

     "So be it."

     "Ok, Bro, good night. I will see you again before I fly back to London."

     "Yes Sir. I will call you If I have any work trips to London. We can continue our debate in London, a more neutral ground. Cheers"
 
     "Cheers."  

* * * * *

* kopihangtuah




| mcmlxxv:viii:xxix |

Emily of Emerald Hill : The Journey of a Courageous Nyonya

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Title: Emily of Emerald Hill

Type: Monologue Play
Genre: Drama
Year: April 2014
Length: 3 hours
Scriptwriter: Stella Kon
Association with: Chin San Sooi
Main Cast: Pearlly Chua






The splendour of the life of a rich Chinese family in Singapore during the British colonial days was appropriately portrayed

MILY is an epitome Nyonya lady that underwent all traditional male chauvinistic life during the 1950's. It was set in Singapore. Her character is profound that one can only relate to the lives of their grandmothers over half century ago particularly for the Peranakan stock. The creator, Stella, had magnificently wrote the play that not only achieve the highest level of performing art capability but also relate back to reality. A reality of life that everyone can compare to, for which, most of the sentiments that are apparent in those years, still exist today (in somewhat different perspectives). Whilst predominantly in English, the intertwining of Malay made it a lot more genuine and honest in its delivery. The splendour of the life of a rich Chinese family in Singapore during the British colonial days was appropriately portrayed by the use of elaborate antique oriental furniture in the virtual mansion of Emerald Hill, the richness of cultural touch in batik and kebayas as well as the composition of the household dignified by servants and butlers.

This is a monologue play. I was not so sure (initially) what it meant although literally I did suspect it is a one-man show,.... well, one-woman show. It is! It is a one-woman show. I had a somewhat awkward expectation anticipating what one single woman can do to entertain me for 3 hours (Don't be cheeky you bastards out there!). After all, she is not a stand up comedian. At first it was quite difficult to absorb as it appeared like a mad woman talking to herself in a Tanjung Rambutan ward. Gradually, the skillful acting by Pearlly Chua simply u-turned it into a fantastic performance. The agility of her acting covers a wide range of roles, namely, Emily the Young Girl, Emily the Middle Aged Women, Emily the Mistress of a Household and Emily the Melancholic Madame. The adaptation of the voice intonation (especially in singing) was superb looping from one age to another projecting the accuracy of how one (Emily) would progress in character building, courage and sufferings.

Her life was simply a journey of one sad chapter into another repeatedly until all courage is sucked out dry.

Emily is a story that represents many lives of Nyonyas back then. Being orphaned by a dead father, her mother abandoned her. She lived like an unwanted parasite moving from one relative to another until it was decided that she was to be married to a man twice her age. That sadness never really went away. Her life was simply a journey of one sad chapter into another repeatedly until all courage is sucked out dry. Anything bad that could happen, happened. A husband that neglects her and keeps sophisticated women as mistresses. A household full of in-laws who bullies a 14 year old girl that got married into it. Death of her first born and husband. Abandoned by her children. Such agonies were so unbearable that the script included her screaming, "What bad have I done to deserve all these mishappenings",.... something along that line. As you would imagine, the crying and sobbing parts were believeable. It was as if Pearlly cried for real feeling what Emily is feeling. After all, the story is based on a true story of the life of a Mrs Seow Poh Leng.

 

In every element in life God created its balancing act. Indeed He is merciful. Emily was not deprived of such balance. She looks for happiness and she did find happiness, in the mists of the surrounding grey saga. In the dark blue night sky, if you wait for the clouds to clear, the pale moonlight do shine. She takes joy in bringing up her children from babies, educating them in England and looking after her granndchildren. She takes pride managing the servants, maintaining the mansion and hosting parties upholding the dignity of the family. Keeping friends close and helping those in need was one of her virtues. From time to time she flashes back to her younger days reminiscing the troubles she endured as well as the joy of life she cherished. It is a story of many women, even the current days women - except that the surroundings and the materiality aspects are different. If there is one epitome message Emily of Emerald Hill can or should radiate, it would be the strength to gather courage and to continue the journey with hope in mind and faith at heart.

 

The show is still on at Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) until the end of April 2014, I think. Better catch it while they are still showing. I was told that they have played this over 200 times since 15 years ago. And guess what? it was Pearlly all these years who acted as Emily. Simply a must see and you'd be surprise how a genre you thought may not be to your liking enlightens you with delightful experience. Go experience it!

If there is one epitome message Emily of Emerald Hill can or should radiate, it would be the strength to gather courage and to continue the journey with hope in mind and faith at heart.

* kopihangtuah




| mcmlxxv:viii:xxix |

Johan Menulis Apa Yang Mengesankan Dirinya

www.kopihangtuah.blogspot.com

Judul: Nota Kaki
Penulis: Dato' Johan Jaaffar
Genre: Kumpulan Tulisan Pelbagai Aspek
ISBN: 978-967-5875-00-7
Penerbit: Balang Rimbun Sdn Bhd
Tahun: 2010

"Saya menulis kesan dan tanggapan saya terhadap apa yang berlaku waktu itu, apa yang menarik perhatian saya, dan apa yang mengesankan saya... " Dato' Johan Jaaffar 

OHAN (Dato')  bukanlah nama baru di persada sastera negara terutamanya kepada mereka yang celik dengan perkembangan sastera di Malaysia. Beliau bukan sahaja meneraju Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, beliau juga pernah menjadi Ketua Pengarang di akhbar Melayu tempatan yang terulung, Utusan Malaysia. Walaupun akhbar tersebut beraruskan Bahasa Melayu tetapi Bahasa Inggeris beliau tidak kurang hebatnya. Janganlah sekali-kali mengeja 'Kechewa' atau 'Cherita' kerana beliau akan memperbetulkannya kepada 'Kecewa' atau 'Cerita'. Dan jangan sekali-kali Bahasa Inggeris menggunakan 'Organization' kerana Bahasa Inggeris yang sebetulnya (Bukan dari Amerika Syarikat) menggunakan 'Organisation'. Dengan kewibawaan seorang wartawan dan kreativiti teater yang menjadi darah daging, beliau diberi amanah untuk mengerusi kumpulan syarikat media kreatif yang terbesar negara, Media Prima Berhad. Malah, kejujuran dan sikap prihatin beliau memampatkan lagi fungsi Pengerusi yang disandang untuk pergerakan anti korupsi korporat.

Sememangnya banyak pengalaman yang anak-anak muda boleh pelajari dari beliau. Malah saya juga pernah bekerja dengan Dato' untuk beberapa tahun suatu masa tidak lama dahulu. Ungkapan beliau yang sampai sekarang masih tertera di pojok minda saya sehingga hari ini ialah, "On your way up be nice to everybody.... because you will meet them again,.. on your way down" (Dalam perjalanan menuju kejayaan, berbudilah kepada semua kerana apabila kamu jatuh tersungkur, kamu akan berdepan dengan mereka lagi!). Dato' Johan juga menambahkan lagi keyakinan yang orang yang bernama 'Johan' sememangnya 'Juara' dan 'Jaguh'. Maka tidak hairanlah jika dia merenung ke mata anda sambil berkata, "Never doubt the words that come out from anybody whose name is Johan" (Jangan sangsi jika sesiapa yang bernama Johan berkata-kata). Kepada yang bernama Johan di luar sana, bolehlah anda berbangga-bangga diri.

Mungkin dengan hanya menceritakan perwatakan dan pekerjaan Dato' tidak mencukupi untuk memahami apa yang beliau telah sumbang kepada tanahair. Sewajarnya, buku beliau 'Nota Kaki', kumpulan penulisan beliau semasa di Utusan Malaysia, perlu didalami. Ianya mengadungi penulisan yang merangkumi pelbagai aspek semasa yang kritikal sewaktu penulisannya dibuat. Antara subjek-subjek yang menarik datangnya dari bidang sastera, dunia hiburan, sukan, politik, kebudayaan, ekonomi, sejarah dan juga isu-isu berbangkit lain yang tidak kurang pentingnya seperti hal ehwal bangsa dan agama. Oleh itu, berilah seniman seperti Dato' Johan, suatu kelainan, suatu taraf apresiasi sebagai penyumbang ilmiah di dalam pembangunan tamadun yang bergelar Malaysia. Rangkap-rangkap yang berikut adalah sedikit sebanyak petikan ringkas dari penulisan beliau sebanyak 206 rencana kesemuanya. Tidak semua rencana dipetik. Semoga petikan-petikan ini dapat merangsangkan pembaca blog ini untuk membaca penulisan beliau yang terbuku sebagai 'Nota Kaki'. Terimalah:

TENTANG RONALDO, BULATNYA BOLA DAN GODZILLA. [15 Jun 1998]. Apabila pasukan Brazil, juara bertahan Piala Dunia menentang Scotland di Le Stade de France, Paris, Rabu lalu, sekurang-kurangnya 80 juta manusia di seluruh dunia menonton perlawanan itu. Jumlah ini sebenarnya kecil mengambil kira apabila pesta ini berakhir pada 12 Julai hadapan, lebih 2.6 juta manusia akan menyaksikannya di 10 stadium terpilih di Perancis sementara 37 billion manusia lagi akan menontonnya melalui TV.

SASTERAKU, SIAPAKAH SEBENARNYA PENDUKUNGMU? [29 Jun 1998]. Sekiranya minat terhadap sastera dijadikan ukuran, maka majalah sastera sepatutnya boleh dijual lebih 50,000 naskah sebulan di negara ini.

TRADISI MANGA: ANTARA SAMPAH DAN MINAT MEMBACA. [8 Jun 1998]. Melalui anak-anak, kita mengambil "Doraemon" watak si kucing robot yang digilai di TV dan dalam bentuk komik. Tidak banyak daripada kita yang tahu Doraemon merupakan salah satu cerita kejayaan Manga atau komik Jepun yang luar biasa. Ia bermula sebagai komik bersiri pada tahun 1970 terbitan Shogakkan, salah sebuah penerbit terbesar di Jepun. Komik itu telah dijadikan siri TV pada tahun 1979.

"SENARAI DR. M", KETELUSAN DAN ERA BARU. [22 Jun 1998]. Kelmarin Presiden UMNO, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad mengeluarkan senarai syarikat dan individu yang memperoleh projek-projek penswastaan dan kontrak kerajaan setakat ini. Senarai itu 20 halaman panjangnya dan memuatkan 285 projek. Ia terbahagi kepada dua kategori, 171 yang telah mendapat kelulusan penuh dan 114 yang mendapat kelulusan prinsip.

KELUARBIASAAN YANG BERNAMA INDONESIA. [25 Mei 1998]. Apa yang berlaku di Indonesia seminggu dua ini memperkukuhkan keyakinan banyak orang bahawa Indonesia sesungguhnya unik, luar biasa dan sukar diduga. Tiada siapa yang menduga bahawa Presiden yang telah memerintah lebih 32 tahun akan tumbang di tangan anak-anak sekolah yang kian ini kurang terancang dan bersatu.

"GAWAT EKONOMI MASALAH ORANG KUALA LUMPUR!" [1 Jun 1998]. "Gawat bukan masalah kami," kata Alip Tubing (bukan nama sebanarnya) di kedai kopi Alang Siak. Dia baru saja pulang dari kebunnya. Dua tandan pisang nipah yang di kandarnya dijual dengan harga 40 sen sekilo. Setandan pisang itu tidak kurang 20 kilo. Dua tandan 40 kilo. Pagi itu saja, Alip dapat kurang lebih RM16.

TENGGELAMNYA KAPAL BERNAMA TITANIC. [18 Mei 1998]. Pada tahun 1808 seorang novelis yang baru mencipta nama menghasilkan cerita tentang sebuah kapal mewah yang membelah angkuh Lautan Atlantik. Penulis itu, Morgan Robertson memuatkan kapal rekaannya dengan penumpang-penumpang yang kaya serta mereka yang paling miskin. Kapal itu merempuh air batu terapung pada satu malam bulan April.

VIAGRA, PIL (YANG KHABARNYA) SELAMATKAN LELAKI. [11 Mei 1998]. Berita baik untuk lelaki, er, maksud saya mereka yang mempunyai masalah kelelakian. Pil ajaib sudah tiba. Namanya Viagra, Ingat nama itu, kerana buat masa ini, anda harus menahan nafas, nafsu dan sabra. Pil itu belum sampai ke kedai ubat anda yang terdekat!

SIAPA KATA EVEREST GUNUNG PALING TINGGI? [27 April 1998]. Pada 29 Mei 1953, pendaki New Zealand bernama Edmund Hillary dan seorang Sherpa bernama Norgay Tenzing menjejakkan kaki di puncak Everest. Pada 23 Mei 1997, dua pendaki Malaysia M. Nagapan dan M. Munisamy mencipta rekod kerana menundukkan gunung itu.

TENTANG RAJA, KESESAKAN DAN GADIS-GADIS PATPONG. [23 Mac 1998]. Lupakan sahaja nama sebenar Bangkok. Krungthep-maha-nkorn-boworn-rataa-kosin: Mahindar-ayudhya-amaha-dilok-pop-nopa-rataba rajthani-burirom-udom-rajniwes-mahasatrn-morn-pimarn-awatar-satit-sakittiya-visanukam. Lagipun tiasa siapa yang boleh mengingatnya.

CLINTON DAN TRAVOLTA: SIAPA LEBIH BERKUASA? [9 Mac 1998]. Jangan perkecilkan apa yang boleh dibuat oleh bintang-bintang terkenal seperti John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Courtney Love atau Sharon Stone. Mereka sebenarnya lebih berkuasa daripada Presiden Negara yang paling kuat di dunia, Amerika Syarikat.

LAGI, SUMBANGAN BANGSA YAHUDI DIBUKUKAN. [8 Disember 1997]. Buku The Jewish Contribution to the 20th Century tidak sekadar menyenaraikan 1,000 orang tokoh bangsa Yahudi. Lebih daripada itu ia memperingatkan bahawa dalam pelbagai bidang dan disiplin, terdapat orang Yahudi yang menjadi tokohnya.

ANTARA DIANA, MEDIA DAN SNOW WHITE. [8 September 1997]. Sesungguhnya Diana dalam matinya lebih berpengaruh dari sewaktu hidupnya. Istana Buckingham juga nampaknya harus tunduk pada "Puteri rakyat" itu. Queen Elizabeth terpaksa membuat titah diraja ekoran pengebumian Diana - sesuatu yang pelik dan luar biasa dalam sejarah system beraja Britain yang tebal dengan tradisi dan kaya dengan kesombongan.

SELAIN CANNES, YANG TINGGAL HANYA SUNDANCE? [19 Mei 1997]. Festival filem Cannes di Perancis berusia 50 tahun, tahun ini. Bagaikan manusia separuh usiam ia sepatutnya sudah mulai hilang glamornya. Tapi Cannes tidak pudar-pudar kerana ia sebenarnya pesta bintang-bintang.

 

POL POT, KEMATIANNYA TURUT DIRAGUI. [7 Julai 1997]. Jumlah sebenar tidak penting. Mungkin sejuta, dua juta atau ada yang menyebutkan empat juta orang yang mati di tangan beliau.

TENTANG TANDAS, WARUNG DAN SIKAP KITA. [28 Julai 1997]. Perdana Menteri mempunyai alasan untuk berasa kecewa dengan rakyat Negara ini. Sekalipun kita sudah jauh bergerak dari masyarakat pertanian kepada masyarakat berteknologi tinggi, terdapat beberapa aspek kehidupan yang nampaknya tidak berubah. Zaman telah jauh berbeza. Demikian juga sikap, nilai dan kecanggihan manusianya. Tetapi dalam hal yang melibatkan tandas, warung dan kedai makan sikap lama nampaknya masih berleluasa.

 

DUNIA FESYEN ANTARA GLAMOR, DADAH DAN KEMATIAN. [21 Julai 1997]. Dunia fesyen dikejutkan oleh kematian Gianni Versace, pereka jenama bernama sama, yang terbunuh di Miami, Amerika Syarikat pada pagi Selasa lalu. Gedung dan rekaannya mula bertapak hanya pada tahun 1976 tetapi akibat pendekatan pemasaran, cara memperaga dan iklan serta reka ciptanya, Versace menjadi jenama berprestij yang cepat dikenal dunia.

BOLEHKAH "NENEK TUA" MELAHIRKAN ANAK? [28 April 1997]. Berita seorang wanita berusia 63 tahun melahirkan seorang bayi perempuan di Los Angeles, Amerika Syarikat baru-baru ini sudah pasti menarik perhatian. Moral ceritanya ialah. asalkan seseorang wanita itu mempunyai Rahim, dia boleh mengandung. Usia tidak lagi menjadi halangan. Sedangkan selama ini wanita yang berusia 40 tahun diperingatkan tentang "kesulitan" dan "bahaya" yang bakal mereka hadapi.

RUPANYA SUPERMAN "SI PENYELAMAT" BERBANGSA YAHUDI. [23Disenber 1996]. Tahukah anda bahawa Superman, salah satu wabak paling popular dalam kebudayaan popular dunia sebenarnya berbangsa Yahudi? Penciptanya ialah Jerry Siegel dan Joe Shuster yang menampilkan watak penyelamat manusia itu pada tahun 30-an.

APABILA TOLERANSI AGAMA SEMAKIN MENIPIS. [14 April 1997]. Pada Hari Raya Korban tahun lalu, bintang filem yang pernah terkenal kerana tubuh montoknya, Brigite Bardot (atau BB) mengecam umat Islam kerana melakukan penyembelihan ke atas haiwan atas nama agama.

APABILA DR. MAHATHIR SEBAK BERSAJAK. [6 Mei 1996]. Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad hanya mampu mengucapkan salam. Malah judul sajak "Perjuangan yang belum selesai" yang disebutkannya tidak jelas terdengar kepada ribuan hadirin. Dia sudah mulai sebak. Beliau mengagahkan diri membaca baris pertama sajak itu. "Sesungguhnya tidak ada yang lebih menyayat, dari melihat bangsaku dijajah."

MARUAH MELAYU: ANTARA DAKWAT, KERTAS, PENULISAN. [16 Disember 1996]. Seorang pemimpin Melayu, dalam keghairahan membuktikan bahawa orang Melayu sebenarnya bangsa yang buta huruf dan tidak ada tradisi penulisan tergamak berkata bahawa bangsanya hanya mengenal kertas dan dakwat apabila Inggeris bertapak di sini.

SELEPAS BUAYA PUCHONG, SAWA SEGAMAT. [11 September 1995]. Kalaulah tidak kerana kejadian yang menimpa Ee Hen Chuan di Segamat, ular sawa sudah lama tidak menarik perhatian rakyat Malaysia. Dalam kejadian yang luar biasa itu, seekor ular sawa sepanjang hampir 7 meter dijumpai sedang dalam proses menelan penoreh getah malang itu.

TINGGI, LEBIH TINGGI, TERTINGGI. [14 Oktober 1996]. Dua daripada 100 bangunan paling tinggi di dunia hari ini letaknya di Kuala Lumpur. Itu pun kalau kedua-dua Menara Petronas di Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) dikira dua bangunan berasingan. Dalam buku terbaru Judith Dupree, Skyscrapers, menara tersebut dikira berasingan, tiap satunya 450 meter (1,476 kaki) tinggi, telah mengalahkan Sears Tower di Chicago yang tingginya 443 meter (1,454 kaki).

 

BOM ATOM, HIROSHIMA DAN KEINSAFAN. [7 Ogos 1995]. Semalam, genaplah 50 tahun gugurnya bom atom di Hiroshima. Hari esok, genap pula 50 tahun bom kedua yang digugurkan di kota Nagasaki. Dalam kejadian pertama, bom yang diberi gelaran "Little Boy" yang mempunyai 20,000 tan bahan letupan TNT telah meratakan Hiroshima dan sekali gus membunuh 120,000 orang.

ANTARA ROBOCOP DAN DESPERADO. [24 April 1995]. Lim Kit Siang mungkin tidak pernah menonton filem Robocop. Atau mungkin juga hanya menonton filem yang pertama tetapi terlepas filem Robocop yang kedua dan ketiga.

* kopihangtuah

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