Thursday 26 May 2011

Just because it's home?

Migration or in a lesser context, move to work overseas seem to be the flavoured discussion at the moment.  MalaysianInsider even started columns where people wrote in to say why they leave and why they stay.

Anyway… one of the main reasons why people decide to stay, besides the usual good nasi-lemak, char-kuet-teow and bak-kut-teh (which was specifically mentioned by someone in that MalaysianInsider column mind you…) is that Malaysia, regardless of how bad it is, it is still our home.

I wouldn’t dispute that – the point on Malaysian being home, not on staying.  It is our home, no doubt about it.  We were born in Malaysia and spent most of our formative years here.  There will always be a “Malaysia” element within us. 

But… does that mean that you must stay?

Following this, I have a thought… though it only applies to Chinese and Indians.

If you are a Chinese or an Indian, and decide to stay simply because Malaysia is home… can you just pause for a while and imagine…

Imagine…
Imagine…
Imagine…

That your grandparent or your great grandparent decided to stay in China / India simply because China / India is home.  That no matter how poor or chaotic China was during those days, it was still home and your grandparent decided to stay.  That no matter how difficult it is to make a living in India during those days, it was still home. 

If your grandparent adopted this perceived noble mentality…

What would become of you…

… a Chinese who spits everywhere who you look down on?
… a cheap IT call-centre person in Bangalore?
… a masseur giving traditional Chinese foot massages in Jalan Bukit Bintang?
… living in the slum of Mumbai?
… a cheap factor worker in ShenZhen?
… appearing in those “Only in India” pictures that you forward to each other?

If your grandparent decided to remain in China or India simply because it’s home… really… what would become of you… today?


Updated:  While some have commented that we could also be the son of a property tycoon in Hong Kong, or the son of the coal tycoon in China or the son of the telecommunication tycoon in India... let us all be honest and admit that we are all glad that our grandparent did not choose to stay in China/India just because it was home.




4 years ago… A professional mistake

41 comments:

doc said...

what could be is purely conjectural now.

yes, some could have been lowly-paid factory workers, but then, they also could have been the factory owners with personal properties in HK, S'pore & Aust!

on the other hand, some whose grandparents had migrated to M'sia now live in new villages & rubber/oil palm estates.

andy said...

You have a point there, zewt. That Malaysia being our home doesnt make it a good reason to stay.

However, I dont agree with your way of questioning people what they will become if our grandparents stayed in their home country. There are also successful people in China/India.. Not everyone will become an IT call centre person in India and not everyone will become a factory worker in China.

K said...

Good point. I always think that the people who choose to stay are the hopefully optimistic people, who think that they can contribute to the country, or overcome the sometimes flawed system that our country has seemed to have adopted. But, they are right though, regardless of the shenanigans going on in Malaysia, it still is home. Maybe the amazing food is not a good enough reason to stay, maybe the ability to speak in Manglish is not a good enough reason to stay, maybe the culture is not a good enough reason to stay, but I think that people do tend to miss those things and more (no matter how insignificant they may seem) after being abroad for too long (I know I do and I've been away for seven years now). Shrugs. To each their own. Not everyone is lucky enough or has the opportunity to leave anyway, so people make do with what they have and convince themselves that they are happy right where they are.

"Joe" who is constantly craving said...

good argument but i believe our grandparents in the yesteryears were probably in worse off conditions when they decided to make a move. Those days were a case of needing to make enough to feed and a shelter from rain, much simpler ideals.

Now the mentality is so much diff, we move abroad wanting to make more money and a better lifestyle and the expectations are higher. i believe we r not moving bcos our country is plagued by communism or poverty. so at the end of the day, once we achieve what we want, theres always that intention to go back as you call it "home".

Rzn said...

You did make a good point, although by the same logic, our grandparents moved for better life and ended up in Malaysia, but the next (our) generations still need to leave and move, with 50-50 chance of ending up somewhere which can be better or worse, and the cycle continues...

soren said...

i say go to those who are unhappy. its no use staying on, constantly grumbling while missing other opportunities. believe me, it is stressful for others to live with that kind of negativity.

TG said...

Good post, bro! I wonder what will my son/daughter say in 30 years, if they grow up in Taiwan. Will they regret not growing up in Europe? Who knows...

Bee Ean said...

I think the push factors (political and economical hardship) were so strong that people run away / moved out of China at that time. Now the situation is different, I don't think people migrate due to the same reasons as our ancestors. When my French friends visited Malaysia there were all impressed. They thought Malaysia would be like Vietnam / Cambodia / India with high rate of poverty and Malaysians must be eager to move abroad like those Viet boat people.

Mirebella said...

It is the classic "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" question really.

At the end of the day, our grandparents left their respective countries to find and get a better life. Some made their money and went back "home", others stayed and made the Malaya their new home. As decades rolled on, their grandchildren are now born Malaysians, holders of the blue IC and with rights that can be only termed democratic in very loose terms.

The question of migration is a difficult one. Even in developed countries like the US and UK, when asked - they will still say "Italian, Irish, Greek" etc despite never stepping foot out of the country!

At the end of it all, home is essentially where my head lies isnt it? I have yet to give up my citizenship, and even now I say I am Malaysian (as opposed to your race as it is necessary in Malaysia).

Unknown said...

Interesting viewpoint, I've not thought about it that way!

But I also agree with most of the people who commented here who said that our grandparents were worse off than those of us now who are moving abroad seeking better opportunities.

I myself am studying in Australia, and do hope to get a job here after I graduate, but that's only because the sector I'm in (public relations) is more diverse and open here than back home.

Amanda Christine Wong said...

Nice one.

Anonymous said...

Good article. Push vs. Pull. It think at the moment is almost in equilibrium, almost tipping towards push.

F-it lah! Think so much, just go lah. Ha ha!

Alas, I wish I could but lacking in skill sets and points i.e. migration credits.

Yvonne Foong said...

Well, from the very beginning, from the day I started to have the ability to think, I always saw the world as home. The world is made up of different countries and borders. My home is not restricted to Malaysia. So I don't understand why people are so attached to one country - Malaysia.

kyliemc said...

perhaps it'll be good to experience working overseas too....adding flavours to life if given a chance.

My World of Prose said...

Hi Zewt,

I agree with your post and the idea of migrating in search of a new life for the next generation.

If I have the chance or opportunity to migrate in the future, I'd jump at it! All this despite my great love for my beloved country, so much so I'm ready to lay down my life for Malaysia...

Why the change in my mindset? Simple. I don't see Malaysia will change for the better during my lifetime (and I'm only in my early 30s). I really hope Pakatan will bring some of the much-needed change after March 2008, but the rot in Malaysia is so complete and the 'system' of corruption is deeply entrenched that it needs another 50 years of good governance by Pakatan to undo all the evil and damage caused by UMNO and Mahathir.

To all Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent, go and reach for your dreams outside Malaysia. Perhaps one day we can really settle down in our homeland and not be called pendatang or snatcher of the economic pie, but the time is not now.

We should all (Chinese and Indians) migrate and see how Malaysia will crumble. Perhaps then the so-called prince of the soil will rally and stand on their own feet rather than chastise us non-Bumis. But then again, this will not happen in my lifetime as Chinese and Indians are so comfortable eating char kuay teow, roti canai etc. Sigh....

Jerine said...

I decided to stay because:

1. I get treated like illegal immigrant in other country.

2. I have to walk and take public transport while in overseas, whereas back here I have a driver.

3. I have to rent a small studio in other country, whereas I can have a comfortable house here.

4. I have to eat bread and butter (literally) at the end of the month, whereas here I still can afford decent meals at the end of every month.

5. Endless opportunities back here, while in other country people discriminate me like as if I came from some tree-living nation.

To sum up everything, I feel like a Bangla in construction site while I'm in other country, while I can live like a queen back home.

myop101 said...

Hi there,

Long time didn't read your article until it appeared in MI.

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to your question whether to stay because Malaysia is home and to go because it is not.

You see, I still have roots back in China simply because my uncle keeps in touch with them. To be honest, a number of these distant relatives are actually doing well in China, thanks in part to the great economic transformation there right now.

So, should we have stayed or left? Uncertainties and unrest forced my grandparents to remain in Malaya but they did make a home here. It is not like they have no love for Malaya. They just didn't think of it as home when they started out. Their intention is to make enough and go back to China... until the Communists took over. If the nationalists were to remain, who is to know what will happen to China?

My grandmother bought a lot of agriculture lands in China with the dream of living like the landlords of old, a common feudal era dream (read "The Good Earth" by Pearl S Buck). Alas, it was all gone in 1948 and my dad, born in Malaya but stayed for a while in China, had to leave for Malaya.

Could we have survived the many reforms proposed by Mao Tze Tung? Cultural Revolution may have deemed them as a bourgeois class and finished them off.

Staying in Malaysia is not too bad for now. I have set my sights to an island quite a distance from here. I am gathering information and having surveyed the local property market, I might consider buying one there soon. Once cannot invest everything in 1 basket afterall.

In remembering the just passed Huan Wu Jie and in keeping with the tradition, I kept true to my heritage and made 150+ zongs. And in passing it out, the list are still long. I still remember those who had it awhile back but no more. Things changes, people changes. But as long as I know they are well and doing fine, I am happy.

John Ling said...

While some have commented that we could also be the son of a property tycoon in Hong Kong, or the son of the coal tycoon in China or the son of the telecommunication tycoon in India...

Or we may not be alive at all because our fathers and mothers were among the 20 million Chinese who were murdered during the Cultural Revolution. Or we could have been murdered ourselves in the Indo-Pakistani conflicts, which drag on to this very day.

Hmm. It's interesting how whitewashing history has become a Malaysian pastime.

Hong (SIBU) said...

of course if you stay you die and if you leave you survive. We all know that. So don't bother dressing it up. The ones who stay and fight may be fools, and they will suffer injustice. The ones who run are coward greedy bastards who will of course live an easier life. And that is all there is to it. Malaysia ain't gonna change by itself, somebody's gotta do it. If u wanna go , just fuck off and dont justify anything, it just smells like BS.

John Ling said...

of course if you stay you die and if you leave you survive. We all know that. So don't bother dressing it up. The ones who stay and fight may be fools, and they will suffer injustice. The ones who run are coward greedy bastards who will of course live an easier life. And that is all there is to it. Malaysia ain't gonna change by itself, somebody's gotta do it. If u wanna go , just fuck off and dont justify anything, it just smells like BS.

Yep. Can't agree with you more. All of us who choose to emigrate are traitors and cowards, and everyone else who stays put are heroes and loyalists.

You done with your insults now? =)

John Ling said...

Okay, if you're done, here's a salvo from me. I think you're very irresponsible for spouting such rhetoric, urging people to fight and die.

Here's a true story: a family friend of mine was an accountant who discovered financial irregularities in a government-linked company. He was an honest man, so he decided to make a stand and fight the corruption. Hence he reported on the company and blew the whistle. Unfortunately, they sent thugs after him. He was kidnapped, beaten senseless and left for dead.

But my family friend didn't die. On the contrary, he survived -- but his head injuries were so horrific that a part of his brain had to be removed, and today, he's semi-conscious and uncommunicative, stuck in a wheelchair. His family brings him to church every Sunday, desperately hoping and praying for a miracle. But no miracle is forthcoming, and his wife has become bitter and depressed over the whole episode.

So, Hong from Sibu, since you urge people to fight and die, are you prepared to take responsibility for your words? Will you take care of the families of those who fall in battle? Are you that heroic and selfless?

Here's the God-honest truth: in the real world, life is brutal and unforgiving. Everyone has to take care of themselves and their own family, because when tragedy strikes, no one will be there to help. Not Pakatan, not Barisan, not the bumiputras, not the Chinamen. No one.

And before you retort and get argumentative, consider this, Hong from Sibu: Pakatan actually won Sarawak outright, but their votes were simply cancelled out by Barisan. And Barisan continues to rule.

Surprise, surprise, I don't see anyone fighting against that. All the Sarawakians have no choice but to take that humiliation quietly. Some even justify their inaction by saying *gasp* that Pakatan was beaten at the polls. Imagine that.

So what is your retort to that, Hong from Sibu?

huhliong said...

John Ling you r a typical chinese liar.

Anyone can claim he won Sarawak.Woow this Barisan must be super smart that they can simply cancel out Pakatan win.

How come Pakatan who has the "majority" of Sarawakians vote cannot cancel Barisan? Is it because Pakatan are stupid? Or is it just you who r stupid. Dont try to insult Sarawakians intelligence. The Chinese might have voted for DAP but the Dayaks and the rest knows Sarawaks are for natives right...

This shows you a born liar. Leave and dont try to give your cowardly excuses. losers..hehe

MoreLeegs said...

Jerine said

" 2. I have to walk and take public transport while in overseas, whereas back here I have a driver.."

you r so funny... yeah the cost of living is so cheap in Malaysia.

Did you read the latest report about Malaysia being the safest country in the world today? and other impressive figures..

Imagine that the safest country in the world is Malaysia!!!! muahaha..
top 10 Lonely Planet..etc.. etc.. nicest people.. etc etc..

and show more legs.. you forgot to mention the many male interest here.. while in other countries u might just be the chinkee flavour of the month....am I right or what?

John Ling said...

How come Pakatan who has the "majority" of Sarawakians vote cannot cancel Barisan?

Because it's a third world country, and Barisan controls the bureaucracy and the military and the police.

You cannot expect first-world results (like transparent and fair voting) in a third-world country, where the process is so obviously rigged.

Prior to the Sarawak elections, Pakatan supporters(who represent some of the brightest people in Malaysia) were adamant that there would be a political tsunami. The feedback and the campaigning on the ground seemed to support this.

But come voting day, Barisan still won a two-thirds majority, and no political tsunami came about.

Many Pakatan supporters then became bitter and starting attacking Sarawakians and calling them names. Saying they 'deserved' a Barisan government for their foolish act.

Some Pakatan supporters even felt betrayed, saying the Sarawakians had said they would vote for Pakatan, but when crunch time came, they did the opposite.

But, frankly, those sentiments are inaccurate. Pakatan votes were cancelled out. Simple as that.

This shows you a born liar. Leave and dont try to give your cowardly excuses. losers..hehe

On the contrary, I'm stating a fact -- a man has ended up as a crippled vegetable because he was brainwashed by Pakatan ideology.

It's funny how, when push comes to shove, Pakatan wasn't there to help him and his family. On the contrary, his wife is now left to the shoulder the burden of taking care of the family. And her disabled husband.

If people want to fight and die for the Pakatan cause, that's fine. But be honest and understand the consequences before you do.

I know what violence is, and I know what violent people are capable of. Many Malaysians who talk about 'fighting for change' really have no idea what they are talking about. They wouldn't even know the first thing about physical violence until it strikes them hard.

John Ling said...

Speaking of cowardly excuses, though, I find interesting to note how little protest there has been in Sarawak over what is clearly massive electoral fraud. Everyone just keeps quiet and accepts the result as if it's legitimate. Because... well, they have no choice, do they?

Where's all the brave, courageous people who talk about 'fighting for change'? Why aren't they rising up and toppling this illegitimate government that they did not vote for? Curious how, when things go awry, everyone just has to accept and manage as best they can. They would rather take care of themselves and their own families first and don't dare to face danger.

So, frankly, all this nonsense about staying in Malaysia and fighting for change is hogwash. I have personally never encountered a person who is struggling in Malaysia and doesn't want to go abroad. All the people who proudly say, 'Stay and fight' are actually doing relatively well and enjoying a comfortable life in Malaysia. They are effectively middle class or higher.

Sure, you can call Zewt and others who have emigrated 'losers'. But at least they are being honest about their intentions and their goals. They know Malaysia is a third-world country with third-world ethics, and they don't try to pretend otherwise.

huhliong said...

Come on la John Ling.
If support is so good for Pakatan nothing the military or police can do like what happen in Eqypt.

The truth is simpler.

you just don t have the numbers.

The people who care about politcs are minority. Those vying for timber concessions maybe.

The rest are enjoying their life.

"All the people who proudly say, 'Stay and fight' are actually doing relatively well and enjoying a comfortable life in Malaysia. They are effectively middle class or higher. "

See your own point. hehe.

If you cannot make it in Malaysia you are a fool. A friend told me, what I like about Malaysia is that if you know how to make money you are allowed to do it. Its all up to your own ingenuity.

Of course not all Chinese have the ingenuity but the fact is that as long as its not illegal, business can be made without hindrance.

Subsidies are given to every businesses. Billions to IPP and manufacturers.

Even millionaire chinese trawlers owners get diesel subsidies to buy million dollars trawlers boat. Where else in the world do billionaires business men and millionaires fishermen get subsidised diesel?

How about monopoly gambling licenses? You just need to know where the money is hahaha..

How about anti cervix cancer injections worth billions over 10 years with no guarantee being useful. You just have to friends to make the policy..hehe.

John Ling said...

Come on la John Ling.
If support is so good for Pakatan nothing the military or police can do like what happen in Eqypt.


Last I checked, Malaysians aren't willing to march in the streets and face down tanks and snipers.

So, no, your point is moot. You don't even know what the Arab Spring is all about.

If you cannot make it in Malaysia you are a fool. A friend told me, what I like about Malaysia is that if you know how to make money you are allowed to do it. Its all up to your own ingenuity.

Of course not all Chinese have the ingenuity but the fact is that as long as its not illegal, business can be made without hindrance.

Subsidies are given to every businesses. Billions to IPP and manufacturers.

Even millionaire chinese trawlers owners get diesel subsidies to buy million dollars trawlers boat. Where else in the world do billionaires business men and millionaires fishermen get subsidised diesel?

How about monopoly gambling licenses? You just need to know where the money is hahaha..

How about anti cervix cancer injections worth billions over 10 years with no guarantee being useful. You just have to friends to make the policy..hehe.


Mm. The fact that you can giggle so proudly about taking from the poor and giving to rich says a lot.

John Ling said...

The latest Gallup Wellbeing Poll revealed that only 15% of Malaysians considered themselves 'thriving', while 80% considered themselves 'struggling'.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/File/126965/Gallup-Global-Wellbeing.aspx

So, yes, 80% of Malaysians are fools because they do not know how to make use of fuel subsidies, monopoly gambling licences and policymaking friends in the pharmaceutical industry. They are fools because they are unable/unwilling to game the system to make money.

But, huhliong, the fact that you can consider a Malaysia a great place for making money while 80% of Malaysians are struggling just goes to show how you have completely lost touch with reality, as well as ethics.

Again, at least Zewt doesn't spout nonsense like that. He tells as it is.

huhliong said...

The latest World Justice Peace statistic shows that Malaysia the most peaceful country in the world! hahaha. higher than US, Japan, etc.

http://www.worldjusticeproject.org/politics-multiculturalism-and-corruption-considered

And corruption index is even higher than Singapore!! muahaha.

Singapore got a lot of friends in Forbes the capitalists.. that is why they close a blind eye to the PM's wife being CEO of the nation coffers.

Talk about banana repulic.

A little knowlege is a dangerous thing.

John Ling said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
John Ling said...

Instead of giggling like a hyena, you should take the time to *actually* read the report.

Malaysia is the safest when ranked against other dangerous countries in its group. Countries such as Iran, South Africa and Lebanon. Nowhere in the report is Malaysia ranked against the United States or Japan.

Furthermore, where it counts, Malaysia ranked 59th out of 66 countries because of violence and intimidation by the state against its own citizens.

So, no, Malaysia is not the safest country in the world. Not by a long shot.

And regarding Singapore, are you leveling accusations because you're concerned about the well-being of Singaporeans? Afraid that they are getting robbed at the coffers? Or are you saying it just to make Malaysia look good in comparison?

One wonders how accurate your assessment is when you can't even read and interpret a simple academic report.

zewt said...

doc - indeed, we will never know... but realistically, do all of us here, those currently in malaysia would want our ancestors to stay in china?

andy - as what i've said doc... do all of us here currently in malaysia want our ancestors to remain?

kumitaa - yeah, and hence, those who has opportunity to leave and do so... cannot be seen as unpatriotic.

joe - i don think we should compare it that way. different generation will consider different scenario as threat and opportunity.

Rzn - moving from one place to another has been the catalyst of human civilisation... just that the manner in which the happen is different.

me the martian - absolutely.

MKL - hahaha... but i think you enjoy that a lot!

zewt said...

Bee Ean - i've said above... different generation, different scenario considered as threat and opportunity.

Mirebella - that's the thing isnt it... when we are overseas... we are malaysian. when we are in malaysia, we become malay/chinese/indian.

Jerrenn - that's also one point to consider. malaysia is yet to be a country to appreciate arts... those who have such talents, best remain overseas.

Amanda Christine Wong - :)

anon @ 1/6/11 9.45pm - hmmm... many wants to leave but cant isnt it?

Yvonne Foong - you seems to think like my boss.

kyliemc - and you should embrace it when it comes.

zewt said...

My WOrld of Prose - Hi, yeah... the current govt doesnt really care about us leaving, though on paper they said they care. their action says otherwise. haha... indeed, the food is all that is left to make people stay.

Jerine - you are one of the fortunate one to have a good financial back up in malaysia... not everyone has that luxury.

myop101 - how are you!??? and i know where that island is... the one you just visited isnt it?

John Ling - haha... we choose to look at the direction that we want to look at isnt it? the truth is, all malaysians currently living in malaysia would not want their ancestors to do otherwise.

Hong (SIBU) - never call us cowards, we have our struggles. and what are you doing to make a change? commenting here anonymously?

huhliong - i must admit i dont see how the dayaks are for natives right fall into your argument. care to articulate further? and i must say... do you really wanna call singapore a banana republic?

huhliong said...

No, i didnt have time to read those trivial reports. I was just quoting TheStar and NST. I hope their editors had done their job better than you at interpreting the reports.

Even the bit about a better index on corruption than Singapore was quoted from above sources. Hey dont blame me. Im just the messenger..said the prophet. I know its hard to swallow by some but facts are facts.

Singapore may not be a banana republic like Haiti island but its silly no chewing gum no this and no that make its almost a nanny state. I stand corrected, its a penal island..where people slave hard to earn a living.

By the way I love hyenas... and all other animal kinds..hehehe..hyena like..

John Ling said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
John Ling said...

No, i didnt have time to read those trivial reports. I was just quoting TheStar and NST. I hope their editors had done their job better than you at interpreting the reports.

Which, of course, wasn't what you said earlier. You said:

The latest World Justice Peace statistic shows that Malaysia the most peaceful country in the world! hahaha. higher than US, Japan, etc.

Right. What a way to shoot yourself in the foot.

Even the bit about a better index on corruption than Singapore was quoted from above sources. Hey dont blame me. Im just the messenger..said the prophet. I know its hard to swallow by some but facts are facts.

Yes, because The Star and NST are well-known for fair and balanced reporting, and you want to stake your reputation on that.

Singapore may not be a banana republic like Haiti island but its silly no chewing gum no this and no that make its almost a nanny state. I stand corrected, its a penal island..where people slave hard to earn a living.

Singapore is a Chinese island fishing in a Malay sea. And the law regarding chewing gum was a necessity -- the clean-up costs from clearing automatic doors jammed with chewing gum were astronomical and caused public services to grind to a halt. The law is being gradually loosened, however, now that Singaporeans have learned to be more mature regarding chewing gum.

In Lee Kuan Yew's words, 'Authoritarian laws are a way to inject civility into a third-world country.'

You speak despite knowing nothing about Singapore's history.

huhliong said...

Malaysia's women the most relax in the world..

Hehehe another accolade for Malaysia. A Nielsen study showed that Malaysia's women are the least stressed in the world. hahaha..

check this out..

the Christian post http://www.christianpost.com/news/american-women-less-stressed-than-women-in-other-nations-52259/

from CNN

http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/12/where-do-the-world%E2%80%99s-most-stressed-women-live/


You may not believe the STAR or NST. But what about the Christian Post? They are good Christian ma.

And CNN? Dont believe them too.

And Nielsen, you dont believe them too? huh?


Here is the entire list, along with the percentage of women who reported their stress from each country:

1. India (87 percent)
2. Mexico (74 percent)
3. Russia (69 percent)
4. Brazil (67 percent)
5. Spain (66 percent)
6. France (65 percent)
7. South Africa (64 percent)
Italy (64 percent)
8. Nigeria (58 percent)
9. Turkey (56 percent)
10. U.K. (55 percent)
11. U.S.A. (53 percent)
12. Japan (52 percent)
Canada (52 percent)
Australia (52 percent)
13. China (51 percent)
14. Germany (47 percent)
15. Thailand (45 percent)
South Korea (45 percent)
16. Malaysia (44 percent)

John Ling said...

You may not believe the STAR or NST. But what about the Christian Post? They are good Christian ma.

They are right-wing neo-conservatives. The same bunch who propelled George W. Bush into power and supported his destructive policies in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere.

So, no, they are not exactly a purveyor of fair and balanced news.

And Nielsen, you dont believe them too? huh?

Since Nielsen Research is your Holy Grail, allow me to copy and paste an excerpt from the link you have provided:

“Women tell Nielsen they feel empowered to reach their goals and get what they want,” she said, “but at the same time, this level of empowerment results in added stress.”

Translation: more empowerment equates to more stress. Less empowerment equates to less stress.

I'm afraid you've shot yourself in the foot yet again. Malaysian women are less stressed because they are less empowered. In comparison to women in other countries, they tend to hold fewer positions of authority in the corporate and political world. They lack the means to make high-powered decisions in Malaysia and are subject to an arena which is almost always dominated by the men.

What you've proven, in essence, is that Malaysia is a more sexist country than most, and women cloistered from making stressful but important decisions.

Do keep giggling like a hyena, by the way. It's a sure way to decrease your IQ -- that's the only explanation for how you keep interpreting things out of context.

zewt said...

stop already? :P

John Ling said...

My apologies, Zewt. =)