For the benefit of foreigners new to our way of life, someone has explained in his own way, the meaning of 'on the way'. Actually, I have heard advice over the radio too, advising us not to be tardy.
Definition:
In a state of movement, travelling to a predetermined destination. Yet to arrive, but arrival is impending.
Malaysian Definition:
i) I will be indeterminably late
ii) I am at home but am planning on leaving soon
iii) I am at another location but will drop by should the mood strike me
iv) I won't be coming at all
Example:
Neil : I'm already here, where are you?
Alan : Ah, I'm on the way, on the way. Will be there soon.
Conclusion:
Being late is an inextricable part of Malaysian life. This phrase is indiscriminately used by Malaysian people regardless of the point they are at in their journey. You will hear this expression at least 10 times a day, the number is extrapolated by the fact that it is usually repeated with conviction.
There is a well known idiom that Malaysian people adhere to, which states
"Late is on time, on time is early and early is inconceivable."
How should we judge a government?
In Malaysia, if you don't watch television or read newspapers, you are uninformed; but if you do, you are misinformed!
"If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing." - Malcolm X
Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience - Mark Twain
Why we should be against censorship in a court of law: Publicity is the very soul of justice … it keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial. - Jeremy Bentham
"Our government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no
responsibility at the other. " - Ronald Reagan
No comments:
Post a Comment