The lads hailed from the same kampung up near the Thai border, just
seven kilometres away. Kota Bahru—New Castle or Fort—was the nearest town. A
decade or two ago the roofs in the kampungs were covered with mangrove leaves
from the river; now everyone had aluminum.
After five years working on the resort
island of Rawa, a couple of years in KL and a short stint first time round in
Singapore, Shai has had some of the kampung rubbed off. Rawa off the east
coast of peninsular Malaysia Rawa drew a hipster surfing contingent, mainly
German and French, with whom Shai had made
a number of friends over the years. In the hotels and bars Shai had picked up
drinking, smoking and loafing. When Shai sent money home to his family from
Rawa he warned it should only be used on utilities and repairs—not food—as it
had been earned in proximity to alcohol.
Near fifteen years younger, Api was a different case. Api had come more or less directly from the
past. Quietly watchful; straightened sharp looks; and the broadness of the
smiles when they came were
indicators. Not much more than a dozen words was
the extent of Api's English, which understandably he was shy to use.
Coming from the same kampung, about a hundred metres between their houses, in Singapore the lads were brothers. It was Api's suggestion to strike out for famous isle. Past his mid-thirties, Shai took the opportunity of a new direction. Berliners met on Rawa had called on Shai to visit. This was then Shai's plan: six months minimum in Singapore, earnest saving and a trip to Berlin to see a Western city. The Berliners had offered accommodation; every chance of a warm reception. Even so, Shai did not want to rely on that. And going up empty-handed was beneath his dignity. On his side Api wanted to save without any particular purpose in mind.
Coming from the same kampung, about a hundred metres between their houses, in Singapore the lads were brothers. It was Api's suggestion to strike out for famous isle. Past his mid-thirties, Shai took the opportunity of a new direction. Berliners met on Rawa had called on Shai to visit. This was then Shai's plan: six months minimum in Singapore, earnest saving and a trip to Berlin to see a Western city. The Berliners had offered accommodation; every chance of a warm reception. Even so, Shai did not want to rely on that. And going up empty-handed was beneath his dignity. On his side Api wanted to save without any particular purpose in mind.
Work,
endure the regime, see where they were
in six months.
Even after a fortnight Shai sought an opinion on their prospects; an independent, respected and objective viewpoint.
Even after a fortnight Shai sought an opinion on their prospects; an independent, respected and objective viewpoint.
They had been observed; they were as they appeared. What chance of
fulfilling their plan in Singapore?....
Eleven hundred dollar earnings per month. A rough calculation of expenses that included food, travel, tobacco and phone came in conservatively at $400.Accommodation was provided by the company. Twelve hour days, every second Sunday free. Working Sundays without the Super present was a relaxation too—they could cover the essentials, linger over lunch and get a bit of kip in the afternoon.
The work was hard, impossible to fulfill. Nineteen six storey condos on the beachfront, basements and pools, between three men. All the cleaning equipment of little avail. Floors, glass, patios, steam bath, walkways, over a hundred metres width in the block. As each day passed the Super got pickier. If he was unsatisfied the lads could be sacked on the spot and repatriated to Malaysia, no questions asked. For the first week he kept their passports as a precaution against absconding.
Buying the lads a cigarette under the counter at the usual eatery brought a rapid reaction from the pair. Api blamed Shai for harping too much on money. The former wanted tailors; the latter the cheaper tabacci. Bought individually seventy cents apiece; a small pouch of 100 grams that made twenty-five or thirty rollies, two dollars eighty.
Buying was one thing, bad enough. Striking the light for Api positively made the lad jump from his seat.
Not just a twitch. A jolt and start.
Shai offered a word, a calming hand. Finally prevailing on Api to take the light.
In Malaysia, not just in the kampung but across the country, the Big Man, the rich Chinese businessman, always had his cigarette lighted by his First Man. The First Man was the Chinaman's shadow; part valet, part bodyguard. First Man was quick on the draw, getting his fingers on the light the moment the boss's hand reached for the pack. In the kampung you could bet an elder never struck light for a youngster; that would be against the natural order.
Eleven hundred dollar earnings per month. A rough calculation of expenses that included food, travel, tobacco and phone came in conservatively at $400.Accommodation was provided by the company. Twelve hour days, every second Sunday free. Working Sundays without the Super present was a relaxation too—they could cover the essentials, linger over lunch and get a bit of kip in the afternoon.
The work was hard, impossible to fulfill. Nineteen six storey condos on the beachfront, basements and pools, between three men. All the cleaning equipment of little avail. Floors, glass, patios, steam bath, walkways, over a hundred metres width in the block. As each day passed the Super got pickier. If he was unsatisfied the lads could be sacked on the spot and repatriated to Malaysia, no questions asked. For the first week he kept their passports as a precaution against absconding.
Buying the lads a cigarette under the counter at the usual eatery brought a rapid reaction from the pair. Api blamed Shai for harping too much on money. The former wanted tailors; the latter the cheaper tabacci. Bought individually seventy cents apiece; a small pouch of 100 grams that made twenty-five or thirty rollies, two dollars eighty.
Buying was one thing, bad enough. Striking the light for Api positively made the lad jump from his seat.
Not just a twitch. A jolt and start.
Shai offered a word, a calming hand. Finally prevailing on Api to take the light.
In Malaysia, not just in the kampung but across the country, the Big Man, the rich Chinese businessman, always had his cigarette lighted by his First Man. The First Man was the Chinaman's shadow; part valet, part bodyguard. First Man was quick on the draw, getting his fingers on the light the moment the boss's hand reached for the pack. In the kampung you could bet an elder never struck light for a youngster; that would be against the natural order.
Api had never seen such a thing.
The bodily fright had passed. Api puffed and blew through his nose as if in hiding.
Api is "fire" in Bahasa Malay. The flame was visible underneath the lad’s skin.
The bodily fright had passed. Api puffed and blew through his nose as if in hiding.
Api is "fire" in Bahasa Malay. The flame was visible underneath the lad’s skin.
After a handshake Api reaches for his heart.
You get used to that in Geylang Serai.
At twenty three, only one girlfriend to date for Api. At the split Api cried. More fire; no surprise.
The lads were not as disciplined as the Banglas and Indians. The Banglas and Indians bought 25 kg bags of rice and cooked at home. Shai and Api eat out every night. Two dollar fifty meals. Sundays after 6pm, prying security cameras looking the other way, the lads are millionaires doing laps in the pool at the condos, Api thrashing the water.
Sentosa Cove
The most desirable address in the world
The boys get a laugh hearing of the unfortunate cleaning crew at the National Library dusting and polishing the leaves in the pot plants.
After makan Api was nervous sitting at table. Didn't they need to get off? Wouldn't the Indian be annoyed occupying the table half an hour later?
At twenty three, only one girlfriend to date for Api. At the split Api cried. More fire; no surprise.
The lads were not as disciplined as the Banglas and Indians. The Banglas and Indians bought 25 kg bags of rice and cooked at home. Shai and Api eat out every night. Two dollar fifty meals. Sundays after 6pm, prying security cameras looking the other way, the lads are millionaires doing laps in the pool at the condos, Api thrashing the water.
Sentosa Cove
The most desirable address in the world
The boys get a laugh hearing of the unfortunate cleaning crew at the National Library dusting and polishing the leaves in the pot plants.
After makan Api was nervous sitting at table. Didn't they need to get off? Wouldn't the Indian be annoyed occupying the table half an hour later?
No comments:
Post a Comment