PRATY
by TV Smith
01/01/05

Our conscientious Prime Minister wanted us to cancel all New Year celebrations and pray. The people wanted to party. So what happened last night? P.R.A.T.Y...!

Lest we end up with another emperor without clothes, better tell (and show) him the truth. Contrary to what our newspapers reported, city folks greeted the New Year with unabated revellery. Entertainment outlets everywhere cleverly weaved in a brief mourning moment and sweet tsumoney flowed freely. No one really bothered with the executive order to cancel countdown celebrations.

Over at Jalan P Ramlee - Malaysia's party capital - thousands of people ushered in the New Year inside packed clubs and out on the streets. Almost every reveller there was armed with multiple cans of China-made aeorsol snow and nasty party streamers. Tourists join locals in spray-attacking pedestrians, passing vehicles and sarong party girls.

A surreal scene that seems disconnected from the reality of events surrounding us? Be it a celebration of life or survival, be it apathy or amnesia, the show went on. That's for sure.

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© 2005 TV SMITH
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