If there is one thing the Chinese Singaporeans can learn to adopt from the Malay Singaporeans is their placing family relationships as a priority in life. Take for example, during the Hari Raya festive season, all Malay families go out as a group to visit their relatives, regardless of where they stay. They take these visitings very seriously and most Malays take 3 to 4 weekends so as to complete the circuit of visits. For us Chinese, during our CNY, we go to grandparents' homes and maybe one or two relatives' homes. The rest of the holiday we go for movies or stay at home. Those distant relatives we don't bother to visit and hence, sometimes we don't even know if the person we meet on the street is our cousin or what! :speechless:
Another example is how Malays of three generations can live happily under one roof. For us Chinese, once we get married we can't wait to quickly get our HDB flat of our own.
I have Malay neighbours and I always find the Malays the most friendliest race of all. They are peace-loving and non-interfering but when you need help, it's the Malays who spontaneously run and help you.
I am Chinese and I am sad at how kiasu my race of people are .... when there's an accident, they will kaypoh and watch and give CNN commentary but never go and help the injured.
I want to clarify that I am not generalizing hor. NOT all Chinese are like that and NOT all Malays are what I described too.
Personally, I will approach a Malay if I need help with directions when I am lost. 100% of the time, I will get it.
