I just came back from the fireworks display over at the Marina Bay area and it was POWERRR!!! I heard yesterday’s display was much better but I think either way, both beat the one on National Day hands down. The occasion was kinda marred by this makcik but it’s nice to be in the arms of someone close sitting under the bursts of luminous lights.

Anyway, that wasn’t meant to be the gist of my post. I’ve been longing to talk about my own people but it’s just that I can’t seem to piece my words to convey my heartfelt thoughts. But I guess today’s gonna be a little bit different…

When you first see the word ‘Malays’, what are the first things that struck off your mind? For me it will be troublemaker, mats and minahs. The last two came together as I realised one cannot live without the other. But in any case, all three things relate to each other in one way or another.

Forget about the success stories of this particular top Malay student got a PhD in blahblahblah and yet finds time to contribute his time to the needy in the society. Forget the fact that we are the first to invent blahblahblah. These stories are just a one-off. Newspapers is just a medium used to convey messages and information. Put it down, step out of your house and get a good dosage of what you really need - reality.

Malays are now in the bad light of society, like it or not, for our stupid antics and wild behaviour. And I’m not even talking about drugs or premarital sex issues here. It’s down to our own youths infamously known as mats and minahs (M&Ms). Geylang Serai may be our traditional residence worthy of cultural and historical values but face it, it’s Vivocity and Esplanade that seems to be the place to be for Malays, especially the M&Ms.

Previously, the ‘port’ for the Malays in Singapore would be Jurong, Woodlands and Tampines due to their strategic locations. Which I think explains why there are a lot of them residing in those areas. But I guess due to convenience sake, the youths have made the downtown area to be their own ‘port’.

Sometimes I wonder what these M&Ms are doing congregating in big groups, making hell lot of a noise and creating a nuisance altogether. Tight skinnies with even tighter clothes, I don’t wanna dwell on their fashion sense here. But the image that they are putting out is simple nothing but bad. Nevermind the skaters, or the mods or even the rockers, wannabes or will-never-bes, in my humble opinion, these Malay youths are just wasting their time.

It makes sitting under the void deck, strumming the guitar and singing some love songs look like something of a high value.

Socialising is one thing. But shouting to each other when they not even a foot away, acting as if they’re fighting with bottles of beer littered at the footsteps… surely socialising doesn’t have a new meaning, does it? It’s the actions that makes our Malay youths look bad. And you don’t even need to touch on character yet.

Without fail, these M&Ms will be littered (sorry, no other appropriate usage of words right now) around the Esplanade area every weekend. I must say some faces are getting more familiar by the weeks. Yeah, Singapore is so small that I had no choice but to chill out at the same places every week.

Another favourite spot for these M&Ms will be at the butt of trains. Occasionally, the head. Without the intention of being racist, the butt of trains seem to have this unwritten signboard that says ‘Malays Only’. Btw, how do I become a racist of my own race?

Yet another favourite spot will be the end of the second floor of double decker buses. In these two hotspots, they seem to like to test their handphone speakers and vocal chords. The louder the better… I suppose that’s how the rule goes by.

We seem to like rears and butts a lot which lets me make a hypothetical conclusion that we are afraid to stand up and be counted. Often we don’t dare to take risks and be a leader, which, I hope not, explains why we’re like one step or two away from other races. And that’s very anal.

I do admit I have a slight disliking for my own race however weird it may sound. It irks me to see my own people go through a path which eventually leads to their own downfalls. What’s worse is that I think this M&Ms era isn’t just a fad. It’s really becoming a serious issue. Siblings influence each other which results in M&Ms blooming at a much younger age. Friends influence just as much and I can second to that.

Sigh… it’s a phenomenon that I can only watch and do nothing about. I pray and hope that these M&Ms gets a reality check before it’s too late for them. C’mon, to be M&Ms till death do them part is plain foolish. Go pay attention in class, get a decent score and certificate, and hold a decent job. At least a decent salary will get you somewhere, perhaps a decent family too.

But having that stuck-up face with a foul attitude will only get you into fights. Cut that attitude out, my community. Only you can realise it yourself and make the difference.

If you liked what I wrote, read these...

BBQ for Joanne Ling! But ended up in tears…. by fitree on April 30th, 2005

HOLIDAYS! You hear me? by fitree on August 14th, 2007

Doggy issues by fitree on January 26th, 2006

I love Britney Spears by fitree on July 4th, 2008

A hair-blowing experience by fitree on October 3rd, 2006