Malaysian Malays Should Capitalise On Opportunities, Say Lingga Malays

From Fadzli Ramli RIAU (Indonesia), May 2 (Bernama) -- Several Malays living in Lingga here have urged Malays in Malaysia to take full advantage of the benefits accorded them, saying Malaysia is best among countries in the world providing for its population. Mohammad Salim, 51, of Pulau Benan, Lingga, noted that opportunities for Malaysian Malays, including in education and economy, were in abundance. "Over here, we are not as fortunate, so I would encourage them to seize the opportunities to enhance themselves, their community and coming generations," he said to Bernama in Lingga. The fish breeder said he was impressed with the efforts of former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who, he said, had ensured the advancement of the race during his tenure of more than 20 years. "For me, he holds true to Hang Tuah's words -- 'Takkan Melayu hilang di dunia!'(The Malay race will surely not disappear from the face of the earth!) "Najib is also a great leader and has the capability to continue where Dr Mahathir left off," he said. Tourism officer Umi Kalthom, 45, of Daik, Lingga, advised Malaysian Malays not to commit acts detrimental to their livelihood. "I saw yellow-attired demonstrators in Malaysia's state capital on television last Saturday. What saddens me is that there were many Malays involved, including university students. "We Malays are a gentle and courteous race. Why use such hostility to get what you want. If they really care about wanting change, such demonstration is not the way," she said. Taxi driver Ahmad Salleh, 48, of Dabo Singkep, Lingga, advised Malays in Malaysia not to be complacent amidst the comfort and opportunities they enjoyed. "If we overeat we will tend to become sleepy. So don't ever be complacent after getting our fill of the comforts and opportunities. We must continue to strive," he said. Meanwhile, Jejak Jawi III expedition head Dalim Othman said Malays in Malaysia should emulate the Malays in Lingga who regarded traditions and culture as the foundation of their lives. "Traditions and culture teach them to be disciplined in pursuing a better life for themselves and their families. In fact, social problems are trivial here," he said. The five-day expedition, which began last Wednesday, covers the Riau-Lingga Archipelago in a bid to trace the Jawi writing heritage, and Malay and Islamic history in the islands. -- BERNAMA