Canadian's views on Malaysians

I came across this site and it thoroughly amused me.

It painted a cute little picture of Malaysians that I sometimes forget to notice. Here are some excerpts...

Malaysians, in general, have a good sense of humour and enjoy a good joke.

I suppose this is it rather true. When you're enjoying a tall glass of teh tarik at the mamak stall, you'll often hear loud laughter and guffaws coming from the nearby tables. And if you listen to the local radio station often enough, you'll get a taste of what a Malaysians' "sense of humour" can be. [Depends on which radio station you're listening to.]

It ranks from the most hilarious tongue-in-cheek comments
Yes, I agree, not ALL men are annoying... Some are dead
to the most cringe-worthy lame flops
Why didn't the chicken cross the road? --Because he was too chicken!....... ha ha ha NOT!

Family life, for Malaysians, is often more important than personal advancement.

I guess for some, this IS true. But I also think that it's getting less and less true as the years go by. I've seen people who put their career above everything else - their family, their love life, their health... I know a couple who broke off their 8-years-relationship because neither one of them wanted to sacrifice their respective career promotions. I'm not being judgmental here, I'm just saying that for some Malaysians, personal advancement is more important than family life.

Females would probably not maintain eye contact as long as a male due to their shy nature.

Uh... yeah.. right. Maybe it's just me, and the circle of friends I mingle with... but sheeshh... Malaysian females and "their shy nature"? I can name at least 10 Malaysian men who'd laugh out loud at this notion.

I personally KNOW Malaysian ladies who have no qualms in "pursuing their prey" ('prey' read: young, successful, strapping young Malaysian men). Not only do they maintain eye contact, they initiate and maintain different kinds of physical contact.

I also know Malaysian women who are aggressive businesswomen, highly-vocal reformists, forceful politicians etc. Women who perceive "maintaining eye contact" as a necessary negotiating tool. Highly-driven, assertive, successful females.

Don't get me wrong, there ARE many shy, demure, delicate Malaysian damsels... I just don't know many of them :)

Malaysians are very indirect and sometimes it is extremely difficult to comprehend what they mean. If you ask a question do expect an indirect and complicated response.

This is SO funny because it's TRUE! I've had loads of bewildering responses to simple queries.

In asking for road directions...
Okay, pergi terus terusss... pastu dekat dengan selekoh tepi longkang besar tu pusing kanan... tapi bukan kanan sangat, dia macam selekoh belok kanan sikiiiittt jer... pastu sampai kat hujung tu, buat u-turn pastu teruss terussss jer
(Sorry, but - what what what???)

Upon congratulating a person for his achievements...
Eh, takderlah.. Nothing much la.. Not really that good laa..Just luck.. I also dunno lah..
(People rarely just say "Thank you" when complimented or offered congratulations)

Upon asking "Would you like something to drink?"...
Eh, tak payahlah susah-susah.... takper lah. Buat susah awak jerr
(Translated it means, "Yes, please")

In general, it is important for Malaysians to try to project an image of the "ideal self" (a term used in psychology).

Also known as the "air muka @ water-face" or the "maruah".

This "ideal self" would induce a family to get rid of perfectly usable year-old sofas during raya because their "water-face" would drop if people recognize their old furniture.
This "ideal self" makes a young man park his Kancil two blocks away from the nightclub he's going to because 'driving a kancil to go clubbing is very memalukan'.
This 'ideal self' would make a person endure bad service at a restaurant because speaking-up and complaining would be jeopardizing their 'maruah'.

Okay... I'm being a bit cynical here and I apologize. I love Malaysians and yes, I do love being a Malaysian. It's just amusing to see ourselves in the eyes of other people :)

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of - for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.
Socrates (469 BC - 399 BC)