A couple of months ago, our Minister of Information Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir decided against the request for a TV programme in the Kadazandusun language. He said it would promote racial segregation. How can that be? TV is one of the most unifying forces of modern times, with its babel of subtitles and its general lobotomising effect. For us Peninsula dwellers (whom Borneans refer to as Malayans), an indigenous group’s presence on TV is hardly threatening. We have Tamil, Chinese, and even Spanish TV programmes (¿Habla Español?) here. Everybody is happy, especially my mother.

So, the Kadazandusuns are petitioning for the right to self-representation on national TV. Everyone should be entitled to self-empowerment, right? Even if slotted before Selamat Pagi Malaysia. But: obtaining such a right naturally increases political clout to the Kadazandusun’s already majority status in Sabah. Now, will the Orang Ulus mind? Will the ruling party mind? Well, depends on how you interpret the rejection of the programme.

The union of the urban Kadazans with the upriver Dusuns makes great sense. But why stop there? Why not Kadazandusunorangulu? Why not Melayuindiacina? Hopefully, one day we will all merge into Bangsa Malaysia. Or better: Bangsa Manusia.

So, perhaps it would have been cooler had the Kadazandusuns petitioned also for the rights of all the minorities in Sabah to have their own TV programmes. The more the merrier, bah! A rejection would therefore cut into hearts across the entire state. Collective indignation is harder to ignore than isolated indignation.

This Week’s Articles

In the majority vs minority narrative, the protagonists and antagonists often exchange places when you combine forces, or redraw the borders. Malays became a minority in Singapore after separation from Malaya. Singaporean playwright Alfian Sa’at, a champion of minorities, deconstructs the old children’s TV programme, Aksi Mat Yoyo with its scruffy looking cats. Do the way we think about cats and dogs reveal our prejudices?

Meanwhile in Malaysia, Dramalab presents a Huzir Sulaiman play that deals with the racial politics of the NEP. Dramalab co-founder Pia Zain speaks to director Krishen Jit, who says we have a culture of “supermarket theatre”: where arts practitioners try to tempt audiences with performances that will make them laugh or smile, but will not provoke them, or bring out those truths that make us recognise our shared humanity. Pia writes passionately about what needs to be done.

Theatre director Lim How Ngean, who was a judge at the recent Teater Festival Malaysia, writes about young enthusiasts from across the nation who took part in the competition. They seem to have more humanity than technique. He draws out some lessons for all of us.

Editor’s Recommendations:

Superptuih! Dan Transit Kaler Magenta: The profoundly eye-rolling title aside, this play deals with the grand Greek themes of art, politics, patricide, and of course, incest. Characters bear names like Helium (the autistic brother), Maseh Dara (the abused sister) and, yes, Ptuih (angry son of an artist-turned-politician father). It stars BOH Cameronian winner Nam Ron, and visual artists Ahmad Fuad Osman and Ili Farhana.

Songwriters Round @ Alexis Ampang + Songwriters Avenue @ Le Benardin: The first one was started by Pete Teo, and these two nights will feature everything from intense rocker chicks, to sunshine pop harmony boys, to a Malaysian Idol judge. The latter was started by Shelley Leong, an alumnus of the Songwriters Round, but now with her very own songwriters showcase.

MPO International Composers Award: Perhaps one of the most important musical events in recent history. Having selected Kluang boy Chong Kee Yong to represent Malaysia earlier this year, the MPO now puts his composition up against those of four other international composers (from Mexico, Japan, Germany and Canada), all vying for the position of Resident Composer for our orchestra. A one night performance only. Not to be missed.

Tapestry – The Fabric of Malaysian Tradition: Five years of research and consulting experts and gurus from Perlis to Sabah to Australia help bring this revival of Malaysian traditional dances to stage finally. A cultural variety programme with integrity! Presented by Akademi Seni Kebangsaan.

At the polls, I asked who should be put in jail in order that you might have a sense of tranquility. Most of you voted for corrupt politicians (28%). (In Danny Lim’s documentary, we learn that the most likely interpretation of the ubiquitous graffiti ‘18?’ is that it refers the 18 politicians who were supposed to be charged for corruption. It seems to ask: What happened to them?). Interestingly, not one person thought graffiti artists should be arrested. The rest of you voted for terrorists (22%), reckless motorbikers (11%) and bad actors (9%). Come on lah, have mercy on our wannabe thespians. Bad actors are just failed politicians.

Let me be your tranquiliser,
Pang Khee Teik
pang@kakiseni.com