Hey, what's so wrong about being lazy?

'When two Chinese fall into a big hole, one would assist the other to get out of the hole, hoping the one who gets out would return the favour; when two Indians fall into a big hole, one would try to climb out of the hole, only to be pulled down by the other who wishes to be the first to climb out; and when two Malays fall into a big hole, they would both wait for government assistance.'

When my actors presented the above scenario to an audience-filled hall during one of my theatre shows a few years ago, the whole floor burst out laughing.

The show was a reflection of our society and seeing how the audience responded made me conclude that everyone agreed that most Malays are lazy.

But are Malays really lazy?

Well, that sounds like an excellent topic to be discussed over some roti canai and teh tarik at the mamak shop, doesn’t it? I mean, that seems so, be what we Malaysians are so fond of doing, especially when we assume we are better than those we gossip about.

“My neighbor Makcik Salmah has a keropok lekor stall, which only opens five days a week, from 2pm to 5pm. If only she was not lazy, I am sure she can expand her business.”

“I know someone called Pak Atan who spends hours sipping his teh ‘O’ at the warung after his asar prayers every day. If only he made use of his time better, he could afford to send his children for better education.”

“Rashid, my childhood friend is a graduate, but despite his tertiary education, he is now driving Uber. What a waste of talent!”

Fine. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion – I’ll give you that. But what is so wrong with being lazy?

So often we hear people chanting about the need to live up to one’s full potential, but what is wrong with just having enough and being happy with the basics in life?

Different people want different things in life. Some people want a big car, big house, and big salary. Some people want status, reputation, and power.

And some want to avoid all the complications that come with life and maintain a simple, easygoing life. And what’s wrong with this?

Sadly, all over the world, lazy people are often looked down upon – just as how we Malaysians look down on some Malays. Many cannot seem to fathom the notion of someone being content with themselves if they could harvest more materialistic success by sowing the seeds for it.

“Why be happy living in a wooden kampung house when you can live in a condo?”

“Why be happy being a farmer if you can be a businessman?”

“Why be happy riding an old motorbike if you can be driving a car?”

“Why be happy with what you have if you can have more?”

We seem to have forgotten that not everybody wants to spend more; not everybody wants a big bungalow; a luxury car; branded items or overseas holidays.

We seem to undervalue happiness and a peaceful state of mind these days. As we join the rat race to be the best version of ourselves, we assume everyone else should also match the standard we have set for ourselves.

What is so wrong with Makcik Salmah only working three hours a day at her keropok lekor stall if she is able to sustain her life with whatever she makes?

What is so wrong with Pak Atan spending his free time at the warung if meeting friends over empty talk gives him pleasure?

What is so wrong with Rashid driving for Uber instead of the usual 9-to-5 job many graduates enslave themselves to if he can afford the lifestyle he wishes to pursue?

And so allow me to repeat my question – what is so wrong being lazy?

The truth is, some of the best innovations in our world come from the base quality of laziness. In fact, efficiency is born out of the objective to do less work.

Even Bill Gates agrees, as he said, “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.”

In all honesty, I believe lazy Malays are not what we Malaysians should be worried about. I believe the problem of our society is not about being lazy but instead, it is about being irresponsible and non-accountable.

So, if you are not fuelled by material ambitions, that’s perfectly fine. If you prefer a sedentary life, earning less and spending less, that’s perfectly fine too.

There is nothing wrong with being lazy. After all, no one should dictate how you should live your life. Be as lazy as you want, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your ability to fulfill your responsibilities and meet your accountability.

Because once you become irresponsible and non-accountable, you become a burden to society – and that’s when you become a problem to the country.

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FA ABDUL is a passionate storyteller, a growing media trainer, an aspiring playwright, a regular director, a struggling producer, a self-acclaimed photographer, an expert Facebooker, a lazy blogger, a part-time queen and a full-time vainpot.- Mkini