The novel Interlok has been getting better mileage and sales in Malaysia as many Malaysian are crowding to know what is the content and now it is an open secret what the education ministry has been doing in the name of literature in educating the minds of the Young's.
I've got no qualms about the word "P" as I fully understand the meaning, those who consume beef are considered un-clean and been categorically labelled "P".So what is the big deal about it, as most Malays and many other races who consume beef are considered "P" from an Indian perspective akin non-muslims are considered kafir by the Muslims.
What if the reversal were written, just a thought, what if a local Indian were to write a novel and label the Malays as pendatang,bodoh,malas just as an example.(No malice intended)
Muthu: Aiyo, these Malays are really stupid as they do not know how to tie the wire around the rubber tree. Tell them many times also doesn't know. aiyo.aiyo kadevulley,"Vallayankatti"
Ramu: Muthu, you right brother,they are slow like an ox when they do work they take more breaks in between work, real malas people.
Ah Seng: They only like to talk and talk but no action one loh.They all day long smoke their rokok daun and the women chewing tobacco. My neighbour Ali has 4 wives and most of the time I see him at home, no work he do....how to take care of family one?
....and the story continues.
Now if the novel include historical facts and also uses demeaning words about the Malays, what would the Malays do and I am not talking about Perkosa here? Just a thought!
