That Conversation

It was almost 10 when my sister, my niece and I finally get into a cab to send my niece back to her hotel which is at the outskirt of the city center in Singapore. Hence the conversation started with the taxi driver. In his mid 50s and retirees, and he as other Singaporean has command of good English. Much to my respect.

After few light conversation about the city, then as usual he asked us where we were from and I told him, we were from Borneo (Actually I live in KL, My niece lives in the States and my sister in Sarawak). Then he began boasts about the city and its people. How they are far developed from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. How they make lots of monies etc. As we passed by few areas with apparently old flats, he told us that is what they considered 'kampung' in Singapore.

Not like Malaysia or Borneo (which he never visited) where we still live in a wooden house, under the trees etc. At this point, I keep my mouth shut - afraid that if I ever open my mouth, all hell break loose and secondly, I am in his territory so, I just keep quiet listening to his ranting.

My niece who loves Malaysia (She is half Malaysian, half American) looks taken aback by the conversation.

I, for once, lost words. I was taken aback and sudden realization came into my mind of the existence of such narrow minded person who lives in this develop city. No point to argue



Well, I dont want to go into details about the conversation because It really pissed me off.

Yes, I agree that I like Singapore city. I like their systems and I have met many nice Singaporean friends who loves Borneo as I do. I just hope that this old taxi driver realized many many implications should we cut everything off to the island. Your money could not buy everything. When famine strikes, you will be the first one who beg for food. Because, our 'kampung' have all the supplies.

And you said, there is no God. Believe me, God was listening to the conversation and dont messed up with Him.

Thank You.

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On the other note, Other taxi drivers was being very nice to us and I'd really enjoy conversation with them. Most Singaporean that I have met was also very nice and so were my friends.