So the Azalina story turned out to be a marketing sham. But really, I dont think it;s 100% BS. Im a 4th generation Mamak and i can safely say that most Malaysians still dont know what is a mamak. Growing up, I have to deal with remarks & questions like did you parents convert to Islam?, you look Indian, how come you dont speak Tamil?, you pretty, but too bad your skin is dark like keling People, there are many types of mamaks. Jawi Peranakans (high class, arab mixed), mixed with malay (most cannot speak Tamil), fresh out of the boat etc etc Not ALL mamaks own Nasi Kandaq restaurants, not all mamaks are business owners, and most importantly not all mamaks are UMNO supporters who will come and protest in front of KOMTAR once a month. Many of us are lower middle class, some are living in poverty. We dont have fancy houses in Tanjung Bungah, instead we live in PPR Flats & wooden houses near Sg Pinang, Jelutong, Mengkuang Road. Most of my distant family members are factory workers or council workers (MPPP) with basic high school education. My great grandparents are port workers (bawak tongkang) and labourers. We have lived in poverty for generations! My mom is the only sibling in her family with University education. On his deathbed my grandfather told her she doesnt need all this Education. He wanted her to get married and settle down. After being persuaded by her teachers, my mom went to UM without any support from the government because she is Mamak and not Melayu. Instead, she got a scholarship from a Chinese Kongsi (RM1000) just enough to get her to KL. Even till today, it is Still unacceptable for women in my family to do this sort of thing. most of my distant cousins marry right after SPM. And if you think Malaysia dont have a caste system, talk to your Indian friends. you will be surprised! Ok now I need to go learn how to cook curry brb
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 02:28:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015