Lunch with Dad

I was having lunch with my Dad just now.  

It was an impromptu family gathering of sort.  Totally unplanned.

My brother, sis-in-law, their teenage son and me were with Dad.  He's 59, and eagerly looking forward to retiring once he turns 60.

"I don't need money anymore.  I have enough to get by," he said.

We teased him by asking him to emulate our Prime Minister who is still working so hard at age 92 --- going on 93 in July.

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Malaysia's 7th Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

Not everyone works for money.  Our PM came back to work again because he loves his country and fellow Malaysians," my brother said.

"I can't wait for Pakatan Harapan to check all those Chinese investments," I said.

My Dad immediately turned to look at me.

"What have you got against Chinese investments?  The Chinese don't go around killing people. Thinking about Japanese atrocities during WW2 still send shivers down my spine till this day, " he said.  

"The Chinese were peace loving. Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty sent his envoy to Malacca which started the friendly ties between Malacca and China, followed by visits by Admiral Zheng He to Malacca.  During the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah, the friendly relations grew and the Emperor even married off his daughter Hang Li Po to the Sultan," he elaborated.

I'm not so much a history buff as I am a fan of  Japanese anime, so I don't really know what my Dad was talking about.

Our conversation continued...

Me: The locals are unhappy that Chinese are buying our land, and freehold status some more.  And Malaysians who work in Chinese companies are treated no better than street dogs.

Dad: My dear, the ones that shout and talk down to their subordinates at the work place... are they really the Chinese?  

Me: Actually most of them are Malaysians but I'm sure the Chinese put them up to it.

Dad: When I was younger, I was bullied by an Indian prefect, so I hated all prefects, especially the dark-skinned ones.  When I got older, I met some benefactors and friends who are Indians, and I learnt that it has nothing to do about one's race.  But I can understand how you feel...when you get bullied by a certain category of people, you tend to generalise and hate that group of people.

Me: Ok, maybe you're right, Dad.  There are good Malaysians and bad Malaysians.  I shouldn't generalise.  And you're ok with Chinese coming to stay here?

Dad: As long as they're law-abiding.  There will be competition but that will only motivate Malaysians to work a little harder.