Sarawakian

What first come in your mind when you hear people mention about "Sarawakian" ?
I bet most of those from peninsular Malaysia will say Sarawakians are "shy,do not talk much,less able to fight for what they want,less efficient in completing tasks, less ability to survive/work under stress and competitions".

When you listen to the radio station, they tends to give the listeners an impression that Sarawak is a place covered with jungle.The insects and monkey,orang utan intimation are not fun! Sadly, some of the people from Peninsular are never been to Sarawak and they still think that foreign land at the other side of South East China see is a naive land.

I have to say that due to corruptions, it is true that Sarawak is less developed as compared to Peninsular,regardless to the infrastructure,economy,exposure to latest information.There`s still a very long way to reach the same level as peninsular Malaysia.

I feel unfair and sad when listening to people`s impression on my homeland. Sometimes I will even blame myself for the family education that I`ve received,but realized that I can`t blame to my family and the environment that I`ve grown up.The elders are born and raised in the way of living for few generations, of cause they will pass to us what they think is the best. But after 5 years in Penang , I can see how my friends here different from my friends in my home town. For instance is the way they solve a problem. Instead of panic like some Sarawakians do,their first respond is always to find a solution to settle the difficulties in the shortest time.

I was being commented (by no offend) by the cbcorp hr manager who thinks that I am like the Sarawakians he met before.Shy,quiet,does not talk much,does not know to bring out the good side of myself and he is worrying about me. I was very hurt,not only about the weakness in myself but also his impression on Sarawakians. I was just a fresh graduate who has high passionate to start my career in a laboratory, what I know since my first day of school was,studies hard and scores with a flying color can guarantee a bright future.The education that I`ve received was emphasize on exams,like scoring high marks determines all. I was struggling to achieve this throughout the years.That is another long story. My uncle said I am not good in communicating, I was trying over the years but those bastards from brass band have stepped my confidence down and until today,I am still working hard to build up the self confidence. I was so scared that people will ignore me for not doing good,but when people do,I do not know how to handle the situation.


Working in another city also makes me to always force myself to perform the best.People tend to compare we,the Sarawakians and their own people on the job efficiency and how competitive we are. I did not think this is a bad thing, the first positive thing about this is I will always work to improving myself. I don`t know how long I can sustain. I am very satisfied with current job and company,but don`t know why,I always feel the "unsafe" deep in my heart. I always thinking of taking leave and travel to somewhere like Cameron Highlands or some islands.I know I need a break,I have to leave my work for a few days but I have no idea when is the best timing to take leave.

Phew.Being a Sarawakian.