this article

NOTDEIA VU
BV: Ismail Kassan
Narti is now able to set up a food stall for her friends. She sells a variety
of soups, and the most popular is her Satan's tail soup. One of her
regular customers is Leman (Sulaiman), a straightforward postman
who is sincere and trustworthy.
The story begins with Nora's joy when she receives a letter from
her daughter Norma Hamima who is studying in New Zealand. In her
letter Norma Hamima informs her mother that she is completing her
studies and shall be coming home soon. This good news is clouded
by Nora's unease and worry about her daughter's opinion when she
finds out Nora's real profession.
Leman is also troubled with problems of his girl-friend, Jamilah,
Tahir's step-daughter. Tahir is the head of the gangster mob that looks
after the Semarak Hati Karaoke Club, where Nora works. Jamilah is
pregnant from her step-father's doing. This is her second pregnancy
after the first was aborted after a kick from Tahir. Jamilah is ashamed
to deliver and raise the child. Leman ask for help from Narti and Nora
so that Jamilah can deliver the baby in their house. Narti and Nora
agree to help.
Yanto and Pak Jamal plan to have a celebration by sacrificing a
goat. They are most happy to help Jamilah when she delivers the baby.
Tahir the gangster looks for Jamilah in Yanto's house and an argument
breaks out between Parjo, Wan Dol and Tahir. Tahir is dissatisfied and
sends a drug addict to spy and dig up information about Jamilah.
Nora faces a big problem when her daughter Norma Hamima suddenly
appears at the house she is renting. Actually Norma already knew about
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her mother's profession after it became the talk of the university where
she studied. An argument breaks out between Norma and her mother.
Norma who has been embarrassed by her friends in her university is
taking revenge on her mother. She lashes out words that are mean
which hurts Nora. However, the misunderstanding between mother
and child are resolved, much to the delight of everyone. Nora wants
to quit her job and asks her daughter to live with her in the village
with Nora's mother.
At night Jamilah begins to deliver her baby but was held on a few
times. Unfortunately, no one knows how to handle the birth except
Parjo. Narti has never given birth and Ustazah Salmi who is still
single are in a state of chaos in facing the birth of Jamilah's child.
They are helped by Parjo who acts out the simulation process of
delivering and guides Ustazah Salmi to deliver the baby with Narti as
the intermediary.
"Not Deja Vu" presents the life of ordinary people with actions and
reactions that are extraordinary. The problems of mankind are similar
despite the difference in their social standing. What is important is
how a problem should be handled so that life is constantly blessed
by God. Truly life evaluates feelings, consideration and produces the
willingness for those who choose to be on the right path. The question
is: Whether the right path is evaluated on the same measure by all
human beings? In truth, this life is in the realm of reality that is veneered
by images of a thousand colours. This life is not always a Deja Vu.
List of Characters (In order of appearance):
LEMAN, whose real name is SULAIMAN, works as a postman. In his late
20s. A straightforward and honest man. Befriends JAMILAH, daughter
of TAHIR, a bouncer at the Semarak Hati Karaoke Club.
NARTI, YANTO's wife. Comes from Indonesia and has attained the
status of 'permanent resident'. NARTI is a graduate of Bogor University
in the field of Agriculture, travelled with her husband to Malaysia. She
speaks her mind and acts fast, nonetheless NARTI is a woman with
principles and brave person.
YANTO, an educated immigrants from Indonesia, NARTI's
husband. YANTO's problem is that he did not complete his studies in
Law (Faculty of Law), as he comes from a poor family. He is firm, has
his own opinions and is knowledgeable. YANTO is highly-respected
among his friends and is considered an advisor.
NORA, an ex-convict who was sentenced to be exiled from her district
for the murder of her husband. In the period of being exiled, NORA works
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as a customer relations officer (GRO) at the Semarak Hati Karaoke
Club. She has two children, one looked after by her mother in the village,
and her eldest daughter is studying in New Zealand.
USTAZAH SALMI, a religious teacher who teaches in the village. She
is renting a house with NORA. Although she is a religious teacher, she
has never looked down upon NORA's profession; on the other hand she
does not despair from persuading NORA to return to the right path.
JAMILAH, TAHIR's step-daughter and LEMAN's girlfriend. Has been
pregnant and lost the baby due to her step-father's action. She is
pregnant for the second time and is reluctant to abort the child.
PAK JAMAL, sells fish and vegetables on his three-wheeler motorbike.
PAK JAMAL is also an ex-convict exiled from his village. He is in his
50s.
RAHIM, JAMILAH's younger brother. He is about eight or nine years
old.
PARJO, a close friend ofYANTO. Also an immigrant from Indonesia, just
like YANTO. A comical character who is kind-hearted and ever-willing
to assist people in distress. Although he is comical, PARJO bears a
sorrow in his heart from his past life experience.
UDIN, a colleague of PARJO and WAN DOL.
WAN DOL, whose real name is WAN DOLLAH, a colleague of PARJO
and YANTO. Comes from Kelantan and speaks with a strong Kelantanese
accent.
NORMA, whose real name is NORMA HAMIMA, NORA's daughter
who is studying in New Zealand. A hard-working student, excels in her
stUdies and is the chairperson of the propagation (dakwah) group in
the university that she is studying in.
TAHIR, works as a bouncer in Semarak Hati Karaoke ClUb. A badtempered and evil person. He rapes his own step-daughter and forces
her to abort the child.
DRUG ADDICT, a young man in his 20s, a drug-addict used by
TAHIR.
FRIENDS (two characters).
POLICE OFFICER (one or two characters).
PARJO's FRIENDS (the number of characters can be increased
depending on needs).
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ISMAIL KASSAN
SCENE 1
SETTING:
The compound of YANTO's and NORA's house.
TIME:
Afternoon, around 4.00 or 5.00.
[Afternoon atmosphere in the compound of YANTO's and NARTI's
house as it was a couple of months back. (The format is the same as
the theatre "Deja Vu Seorang Perempuan'). YANTO dilapidated house
now looks more organized compared to before. The old layered walls
now look cheery after a coat of colourful paint. Only it looks odd as each
corner of the house is painted in different colours. A small, cute, clean
food stall has been constructed adjoining the house. The stall is where
NARTI sells her Satan's tail soup as well as other fried items.
NARTI is seen busy cooking at the stall kitchen while singing merrily
as usual. Postman (LEMAN) enters on his motorbike. The postman puts
the mail in the letter box in front of NORA's house and then rides his
motorbike towards NARTI. Since starting her business, NARTI's food
stall has been the meeting point for the workers in the vii/age. This stall
has become an unofficial mini post-office. LEMAN hands over a bundle
of mail to NARTn.
LEMAN: Peace be upon you Sister Narti! Why so few letters today,
sister?
NARTI: Sorry, what was the question? (LEMAN nods his head). Not
possible for me to answer that question.
LEMAN: (Laughs) Even I can't answer that question, sister!
NARTI: The postman cannot answer the question! Why ask me?
LEMAN: Aah, Sister Narti, it's like you are acting now! Is Brother Yanto
in, sister?
NARTI: He just went out. You did not see him on the way?
LEMAN: No I didn't, sister! (Takes off his helmet and sits at a table).
NARTI: Eh, Leman, aren't you working now?
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LEMAN: (Looks at his watch) It's already 5.00 pm sis. Furthermore,
Sister Narti's house is the last stop on my schedule.
NARTI: If you have finished your work O.K! Do not wile away the time
when working. Your Prime Minister says, the people must work
hard, be honest and love the family. But, you are still not married
Leman? Listen here, a bachelor is a place for Satan to stop-over.
It's not good to be single for too long.
LEMAN: Give me one 'teh tarik', sis. And the fried bananas as well.
(LEMAN eats the fried bananas while he is watched with interest by
NARTI).
NARTI: So how Leman? Have you finished the banana fried? Hah, now
what is your answer?
LEMAN: (Avoids the questions) This fried banana, Sis Narti, is not a
banana fried.
NARTI: Malaysians say fried banana. Indonesians say banana fried.
What is this? (Points to the banana). I fried it so it is a banana fritter
right? Come on, hurry up, what is your answer?
LEMAN: I answered you just now, fried banana!
NARTI: Not about the banana fried. My question is, why don't you want
to get married yet?
LEMAN: Everyone wants to get married, sis. But the candidate hasn't
come.
NARTI: Want me to find one for you? What kind do you like? Thin and
tall? Short and fat? Dark-skinned? The shy type, or the one who
doesn't know shame? Just name it, Sister Narti will find her.
LEMAN: Sister! Is it true that the gold mine at the end of the river will
be closed?
NARTI: Don't answer a question with another question. Yes! True! It's
already closed. That is why Mas Yanto is representing the People's
Representative in this area.
(NORA comes out from her house. She overheads the conversation
between NARTI and LEMAN).
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LEMAN: Eh! Is that right? Brother Yanto is representing Datuk
Meon?
NARTI: Mas Yanto is jobless. If he goes around the village every day with
his motorbike, doesn't it just the job of the People's Representative
visiting his constituency.
LEMAN: O.K. That's appropriate, sis. BrotherYanto becomes the People's
Representative and Sister Narti becomes the businesswoman.
(NORA is seen leaving her house to go to work. She is all dressed up
and looking provocative. NORA looks in the letter box in front of her
house. As she takes the mail out, NORA walks towards the table in front
of NARTI's house while joining in their conversation).
NORA: Yanto becomes the People's Representative, Mak Narti becomes
Mak Datin, surely ...
NARTI: Nora, the title of Datin does not quite fit me. A more suitable title
is Puan Sri .... Yes, Puan Sri Narti, my, that is a dream come true.
LEMAN: You're leaving early today Sister Nora? Are you on leave?
NORA: Working, but I want to stop at the watch shop for a while. (Looks
through the three letters in her hand. She looks very happy). Hey,
there's a letter from my daughter, Norma.
LEMAN: (Pays for the drink) I have to leave, Sister Nora, Sister Narti. I'll
come by tonight. There's something important I want to discuss
with Brother Yanto.
NARTI: Sure! I'll enter a booking in Mas Yanto's diary!
LEMAN: Sister Narti has to make the booking? That is a job of a
secretary, sis. That's reducing your rank! Surely a Puan Sri will not
do the job of a secretary.
NARTI: It doesn't matter, in the day my rank is down, at night my rank
goes up.
(LEMAN starts the motorbike engine and moves out of the
compound).
NORA: (Excited) A letter from Norma, Narti. She says she has completed
her exams. She received a cash award of ten thousand New Zealand
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dollars. What kind of prize is a Dean's Award? What is a Dean's
Award, Narti?
NARTI: A lecturer's prize! In Malaysia it is called Dean's Prize. That
is a prize for outstanding scholars only. Wow, that is great! Your
daughter must be very clever, Nora.
NORA: She says, she is coming back to Malaysia, Narti. My daughter
is coming home. Oh God, this is so exciting. I have not seen her
for a long time. I miss her, Narti.
(NORA, cries from too much joy).
NARTI: Yes, enough! Enough! Don't cry. If you continue to cry, I shall
cry too.
NORA: My child! But, oh God!
(NORA is suddenly dumbfounded and hits her forehead. She is truly
stunned, in a crisis and very scared).
NARTI: Why Nora? Nora?
NORA: What if she finds out that I work in that karaoke club! She will
surely be angry, or hate me, Narti.
NARTI: Don't be negative. She is studying overseas. She is surely
open-minded. If she has faith, she will be able to accept it.
NORA: In that case, it would be better for me to wait for her in the
village. At her grandmother's house. She doesn't have to come to
this rented house, right?
NARTI: The place is not the issue, Nora. What is important is our sense
of reason. No matter where we land, in a ramshackle or a large
palace, we are still our original selves. Would you change if your
environment changes? You will still be Nora!
NORA: That is the problem, Narti. The role of the dark, black, dirty
Nora. The Nora who in a rash moment stabbed, her own husband
until he died. Nora, the ex-convict who has been exiled. A GRO
in Semarak Hati Karaoke Club. If I could become the clean, white
Syarifah Noraziah Syed Zainuddin, surrounded by characters that
are white ... like before, wouldn't that be good.
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NARTI: Did you regret your fate? Not willing to accept it? The worst part
is, you have a bad opinion of God. You are still Syarifah Noraziah
Syed Zainuddin! Don't be like that Nora!
(YANTO rides his motorbike and approaching them).
YANTO: (Sees NORA wiping her tears) Why you look so gloomy? Isn't
the monsoon season still far away?
NARTI: Just a little gloom. But the forecast is stormy weather for seven
seasons!
NORA: My child who is studying in New Zealand is coming back to
Malaysia, Yanto! She has completed her studies.
YANTO: Alhamdulillah, be grateful! Hopefully her return is blessed
and will be blessed. (Thinks. His gaze is far. His voice is between
mumbling softly in between clarity and ambiguity). Big test for you,
Nora. But it's all right, your heart is as strong as a man's.
NORA: What do you mean, Brother Yanto?
YANTO: Nothing! I was merely fantasizing.
NARTI: Eh! Fantasizing what mas! Ha? Fantasizing about love, yes?
YANTO: Not at all! You, Narti, do not be blinded with jealousy. Or else
that jealousy becomes a prayer! It will materialize!
NARTI: Mas Yanto! You want to fantasize about love? You dare, yes! I
will boil you up and make soup to feed the crocodile in the river.
YANTO: Not at all, ah! Only occasionally, not on purpose, the fantasies
come.
NARTI: Meaning you already have the intention, yes mas? Mas Yanto
is testing my faith.
YANTO: You Narti, as you get older your jealousy get more bitter?
NORA: Both of you, is it not possible for you not to fight in one day?
NARTI: We are not fighting Nora. We are just teasing. If we fight it's
after sunset.
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NORA: Hey, what ever you two. O.K. I'm going now!
YANTO: Want me to send you with my bike?
NARTI: Is this part of that fantasy, mas?
NORA: Hah! Enough! No need to fantasize anymore. I'll just walk to
the bus stand. At least, I can get some exercises.
YANTO: Nora! A wife that is bitterly jealous is like this! If we are in
Mongolia they will cure it through traditional methods!
NARTI: What is the cure, mas?
YANTO: The cure? Beaten all over with an old coconut blooms!
NORA: Aile what if one is still not cured?
YANTO: If me is still not cured, they beat you with the coconut
fuliage
NORA: Haah! You'll go numb, Vantol I'm going now. Bye!
NARTI: (Still confused) Mas Vantol Is it true that the cure is by using
coconut foliage?
NORA: You, Narti, do they have coconut trees in Mongolia? Yes, enough!
I am going now!
NARTI: Hah! Mas Yanto lied to me, yes! (While clearing the table).
YANTO: (Takes out the things from his motorbike rack) Narti, sit here
for a while, I have news to tell you.
NARTI: News? Good or bad mas? Ah, Mas Yanto. I'm nervous now!
YANTO: Good and bad news. The good news is ... I have a job.
NARTI: Alhamdulillah! All thanks to God. What kind of work, mas? You
are going to be a manager, yes?
YANTO: Not a manager! But a supervisor!
NARTI: The bad news mas?
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ISMAIL KASSAN
YANTO: You are no longer the wife of the People's Representative.
You're being demoted.
NARTI: My rank is down, mas? Mas Yanto is going to be a supervisor.
What is a supervisor? Ah, not possible?
YANTO: Enough! Is the soup ready or not? Should it not ready when
the clients want to eat.
NARTI: It's ready, mas. What do you want, mas? Satan's tail soup? Male
or female?
YANTO: Enough! Enough! Clear up the things first, I have to perform
my asar prayers.
(NARTI clears the things that were brought in by YANTO. YANTO goes
in).
NARTI: Wow! Mas Yanto is now a supervisor! But, what is a
supervisor? Wow! Mas Vantol (Goes into the house).
(The stage is dark).
SCENE 2
SETTING:
Compound of YANTO's and NORA's house.
TIME:
Night.
(LEMAN enters on a bicycle towards YANTO's house).
LEMAN: Peace be upon you, Sister Narti. Abang Vantol All quiet, is
Sister Narti open for business?
USTAZAH SALMI: Peace be upon you too! (Come out from the
house). Sorry Leman, I was in there for a while. Where are you
from?
LEMAN: From the mosque, ustazah. After performing ishak prayers
I came straight here. I was so hungry; I could not concentrate on
my prayers.
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USTAZAH SALMI: That is why the Holy Prophet said, if the food is ready
to be served and you hear the call for prayers, have something to
eat first, only then perform your prayers. What do you want to eat,
Leman?
LEMAN: Oxtail soup and an omelet. One fried rice. One hot tea. Eh,
surely ustazah is not taking the order? Where is Sister Narti?
USTAZAH SALMI: I'm replacing Narti for a while. She is praying. You,
Leman, each time you come, you are always order the oxtail soup.
Aren't you bored of it?
LEMAN: Ustazah, throughout our town, no other food stall can beat the
oxtail soup Kak Narti makes!
NARTI: (Comes out from the house and hears LEMAN's dialogue) You,
Leman, are you telling the truth? Sister Narti's Satan's tail soup,
yes? Why, do you think I am breeding satans? The tone of your
voice and your pronunciation, better be right. Satan's tail soup by
Narti. That is right. When you pronounce incorrectly while reading
the Qur'an, it's a sin Leman. Hence, Muslims who always read the
Qur'an, make sure their pronunciation is correct. Do you read the
Qur'an or not?
LEMAN: Oh dear Sister Narti! You have already begun the lectures
before eating! Even ustazah has never asked that question.
NARTI: She is called a ustazah, so her style of questioning would certainly
be full of wisdom! I am an ordinary human being. (Immediately traps
LEMAN). Come on, tell me if you read the Qur'an?
LEMAN: I do read some. But, only on Thursday nights.
NARTI: Good! You are qualified as my brother-in-law.
LEMAN: You have a younger sister, Sis Narti?
YANTO: (Comes out from the house and joins in their conversation)
No need Leman! Her sister is only six years old! Waiting for her to
be 20, you'll be more than 50. Too old!
NARTI: When we were married, Mas Yanto was 30 years old. The older
the man, the more matured he is! For example, if our Ustazah Salmi
is 28, and she marries Pak Jamal who is 48 years old, there is a
difference of 20 years. Still okay, isn't it?
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ISMAIL KASSAN
USTAZAH SALMI: (Serves the rice and soup) Narti! Can you please
not to involve me?
NARTI: Eh, Leman! You have been looking for Mas Yanto. Please tell
me, what is the business? I am Mas Yanto's private secretary.!
YANTO: You are forcing him to speak, Narti. You are no longer my
private secretary, but a secretary who sneaks into my privacy.
LEMAN: (Shake hands like the Malay manner) I was looking for you in
the mosque earlier.
YANTO: I was praying with Narti at home. If I go to the mosque, I worry
that prayers at home will be missed!
NARTI: Wah! Mas Vantol This is my witness, Ustazah Salmi. We took
turns to pray. I have never missed prayers.
USTAZAH SALMI: (While sending the drink to LEMAN) You can pray
anywhere! In the garden, by the sea, on a junk, what is important
i!:> that the place is clean and we are clean.
LEMAN: You are not eating, Brother Yanto?
YANTO: Please! Please! Go ahead. Am I not the husband of the owner
of this food stall?
NARTI: (Serves her husband a drink) Leman, you scrutinize carefully
the bulge of Mas Yanto's stomach. That bulge is the result of love,
care and affection and in there also lays the ingenuity.
LEMAN: Ingenuity, sister? (Scratches his head).
NARTI: Ingenuity lies here! (POints to the head). The belly is the result
of the ingenuity of my good cooking which is done with sincerity
and love. The bulge is the symbol of prosperity.
LEMAN: That is the philosophy of Bother Yanto's bulged-belly. What
about the bulge of Kak Narti's belly?
NARTI: (Touches her stomach. She is two or three months into her
pregnancy) Oh, I can't talk about this! Especially since you are still
a bachelor. You, Leman, as you eat, yes, speak. You been looking
for Mas Yanto since earlier today, may i know why?
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LEMAN: Can I speak to Brother Yanto privately?
NARTI: No you can't! I am his private secretary. And Ustazah Salmi is
the reference on religious affairs! Hence, both of us have to listen.
Go on! Speak!
USTAZAH SALMI: Narti, do not force him.
LEMAN: It's all right, ustazah! What Kak Narti says is quite right.
NARTI: We are already like a family. Hard and good times, we're going
to face it together.
LEMAN: BrotherYanto, do you know Brother Tahir? You know, Brother
Tahir who is renting a house near that electrical branch!
YANTO: Tahir?
NARTI: You know, Tahir! The one with the moustache like the tail
of a monkey, mas! He walks like this! Exactly like who? An
undertaker?
YANTO: Don't look down on people, Narti!
NARTI: Sorry Leman! But it's true, mas! He walks like he's about to hit
someone.
USTAZAH SALMI: You can talk Leman, but don't talk bad. I don't want
to hear all that! (NARTI responses with an action because she is
ashamed for doing that).
LEMAN: He has a daughter. Her name is Jamilah.
NARTI: You want to marry Jamilah?
LEMAN: We have been friends for quite a while, sis! But ...
NARTI: Why but? Some demon is barring you?
YANTO: You are a postman, right? Don't be an opportunist, Leman.
LEMAN: No, brother. We write letters and use stamps like everyone
else. If not her father will be suspicious and I'm done, brother.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
NARTI: The word but .,. that you mentioned earlier, why? Why was the
'but' mentioned and what does that mean?
LEMAN: Jamilah is pregnant, sister Narti.
(All are surprised and beg God for forgiveness all together).
NARTI: (Immediately takes the biggest ladle from the kitchen) You empty
vessel, you are Leman. You are too much. You see this? This is
going to bend if I hit you on the head, even that is not enough, you
know! Hey! Basically you are an empty vessel, that you are!.
USTAZAH SALMI: Be patient, Narti. He has not finished his story yet.
LEMAN: (Scared and quite sad) By God! I have not touched her hand,
not ever, sis.
NARTI: Hey Leman, you told us you only look at each other! You
correspond through letters only. Is that possible to make her
pregnant? You tell us the truth, Leman! Mas Yanto, I have lost
patience with this child. He has gone overboard.
LEMAN: Her step-father, sis! Jamilah was raped by her own stepfather.
(Again, all beg for God's forgiveness, together).
USTAZAH SALMI: That's a terrible accusation, Leman. You know what
is the outcome of that, don't you?
YANTO: Salmi, what is called the lewd guardian is even worse. What
more a step-father who obviously has no blood ties.
NARTI: True, there is no blood ties, mas! But what about the ties of
custom and tradition? People like this should die and hit by lightning.
Cursed being!
USTAZAH SALMI: How do you know all this, Leman?
LEMAN: Jamilah wrote all about herself in this book, ustazah. She
sent it to me.
YANTO: What about you, Leman? What is your opinion of Jamilah?
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MALAY LITERATURE
LEMAN: I care for her, brother! But, I am confused now! I don't know
what to do. I must help her.
YANTO: Even after you know she's pregnant?
LEMAN: I know all that. She was raped, brother. Forced. Unwilling. This
is her second pregnancy. During the first pregnancy her step-father
forced her to abort the child.
(They are all very surprised. This time each one gives different
responses).
USTAZAH SALMI: What about Jamilah's mother? It is impossible that
she doesn't know that her daughter is pregnant.
NARTI: Yes true! What more an abortion. Taking care for that is more
difficult than a woman who gave birth.
LEMAN: Her mother knows all about that, sister. But, she is afraid.
Jamilah says, her mother and father do not sleep in the same room
anymore. Since her mother removed her womb three years ago.
YANTO: Maybe, her mother does not have sexual desires after the
operation. Because of that she does not want to be with her husband
any longer.
USTAZAH SALMI: In that case, allow the husband to take another
wife.
NARTI: Allow the husband to take another wife? That, that is sensitive
Salmi! Let's not talk about that!
YANTO: I want you to answer me honestly, Leman. What could you tell
us about your relationship with Jamilah?
LEMAN: I am willing to take her as my wife, brother.
NARTI: Leman! Do you honestly love her? Or, do you only feel sorry
for her?
USTAZAH SALMI: If you take heron the basis of pity, later on you might
regret it and that will bring problems to your marriage.
YANTO: Worse still if later, you, yourself will forsake her life.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
LEMAN: By God brother! I truly care for Jamilah. As for pity, of course,
anyone who hears her life story will feel pity for her. But I have loved
her even more before she told me all this.
NARTI: O.K.!
LEMAN: O.K., Sister Narti?
NARTI: I am O.K.! You, not yet. (For the following questions, LEMAN
responses by ad-fibbing in several ways, which produces the feelings
of love, sadness, sympathy, happiness and tickles the heart of the
audience. Each question is answered with conviction and sincerity
by LEMAN).
NARTI: All right, now answer my question sincerely, yes! Are you
willing to accept her a$ she is? Truly? By God? You will not change
your heart or take back your words? You will not regret it? Are you
sure? Is that your final answer? You, Sulaiman whom I, Narti, know
as a young man of honour and of good heart?
LEMAN: I am not a good person, Sis Narti! Brother Yanto! Ustazah! So,
help me to become a good person, Sis Narti.
NARTI: You are willing to accept her as she is, sincerely? (LEMAN
ad-libs the answers directly with all honesty and sincerity. Finally,
NARTI herself is caught and feels sad and touched by the honesty
and sincerity in LEMAN's answers).
NARTI: With all sincerity in the name of Allah? You will not regret
it, Leman? (NARTI begins to cry). Sure you will not regret it. Ya
Allah! Honestly I cannot believe, there are human beings as good
as you, Leman. Forgive me. I do not doubt you! I only doubt my
conviction towards you.
LEMAN: What else do you, sis, and Brother Yanto want me to do? GodWilling, I shall do it, sis.
USTAZAH SALMI: We believe in your sincerity, Leman. We believe
you.
YANTO: Masya-Allah! God Most Pure. So that all this will be a lesson
for all of us. Do it all for the sake of Allah, Leman. Only for Allah's
sake! As to the sharp and cruel words of people after this, regard
that as tests that will raise your faith. Be patient and be willing.
Accept whatever happens with an open heart.
245
MALAY LITERATURE
(LEMAN gets us and greets USTAZAH SALMI, NARTI and YANTO by
kissing their hands. He then hugs YANTO for quite a while. Both are
sad and happy at the same time).
USTAZAH SALMI: Alhamdulillah! Hopefully your life will be blessed by
Allah. Leman, have you discussed this with your parents?
LEMAN: My parents are illiterate, not educated. They shall receive
whoever I choose. Even if the daughter-in-law is blind or deaf! Even
is she is lame. I have regarded Sis Narti, ustazah and BrotherYanto
as my own family. Advise me if I make a mistake. I am a stupid
person, sis.
NARTI: You are not stupid Leman. You are too straight for this crooked
world. Now, you are O.K.!
LEMAN: O.K. Sis Narti? Really? Can I bring Jamilah here?
(All are surpised and agog by LEMAN's question).
USTAZAH SALMI: Leman, you want to bring her here? Why?
LEMAN: I sincerely hope ustazah, BrotherYanto and Sis Narti can help
Jamilah this time. She is about to give birth, sis!
NARTI: Oh God! Oh Holy Prophet! If she's about to give birth why bring
her here? Send her directly to the hospital!
LEMAN: I can't sis! Her step-father will not allow it. Why don't you ask
her yourself, sis. Just a moment sis, I shall call Jamilah. (LEMAN
immediately runs out and leaves the three of them confused).
YANTO: Even a straight door is ashamed of the sincerity of this child's
heart. But, where did he leave Jamilah?
NARTI: This child's brain is less equipped, perhaps. He brings Jamilah
who is about to give birth to this end of the village. Then, he leaves
that poor soul God knows where. While he enjoys the Satan's tail
soup! This child has a sick brain perhaps.
YANTO: Don't come to any conclusions, Narti! Surely he has a plausible
reason. We hear what Jamilah has to say first.
(LEMAN leads JAMILAH by her hand while holding a big bag on the
other hand. JAMILAH's younger brother is walking beside her while
carrying a small bag, but quite big for a child).
246
MALAY LITERATURE
sister and Brother Yanto for help. I said not to bother other people.
But, he said if you do not agree, he wants me to deliver in his rented
house. But, I have been much trouble to Brother Leman, sis! I don't
want others to accuse him of all sorts of things. I only want to stay
and deliver my baby, that's all. After the baby is born, I shall go
away, sis. I beg for pity, sister.
NARTI: (Crying) Jamilah! You don't go anywhere. Stay here with us. Don't
worry, yes, sister.
USTAZAH SALMI: Narti, let Jamilah stay at my house. Rohana room
is still empty. Come Jamilah, come Rahim, follow me.
NARTI: Ustazah Salmi! (As if whispering). If Nora doesn't agree, just
send her to my house!
USTAZAH SALMI: Nora will surely agree Narti. Don't worry. (USTAZAH
SALMI immediately guides JAMILAH and her brother into her
house).
YANTO: Leman. Tomorrow you will follow me to town. We buy things
for the baby.
NARTI: Mas, my heart hurts, mas. Why this cruel man exist in God's
world?
YANTO: Don't say the wrong thing, you could exceed and wronged
God. Allah allows all of man's actions. God promises, for evil or
good they are punishments and rewards.
LEMAN: Sometimes I am ashamed to be a man, Brother Yanto.
YANTO: You have nothing to be ashamed of, on the other hand, you
should be proud to be yourself, Leman. Among men, there are
beasts, among women, bitches. A cruel woman is the same as a
cruel man.
(PAK JAMAL enters on his three-wheeler motorbike. Looking cheery,
he greets everyone present).
PAK JAMAL: Peace be upon you all. (Shakes hands in the Malay
manner). Ha, Leman is here too? Yanto, I have good news for you
and Narti. Want to hear it? Ha, bring me a coffee first.
248
ISMAIL KASSAN
(NARTf is about to get the coffee. In the meanwhile when PAK JAMAL
begins to talk, NARTf stops making the coffee. She joins them and
listens to PAK JAMAL story).
YANTO: If you want to talk about me, can you do it another time, Pak
Jamal?
PAK JAMAL: This is important! I was in town earlier today. I stopped
by at the office of the People's Representative. On Narti's deed
catching the two armed robbers and with the support of the police
and the head of the area, they have all agreed to give Narti
permanent status.
YANTO: I thank your effort, Pak Jamal. But, as the saying goes, even
if it rains gold it is still in another land, even if it rains stones it is
still in one's own land.
NARTI: Yes, Pak Jamal. I miss my family terribly. If I could, I would like
to go home immediately.
PAK JAMAL: That's all right! Both of you are free to go back to your
village at any time. But for now, this village still needs Yanto to
teach at the mosque.
(YANTO whispers to LEMAN. LEMAN nod his head. YANTO then calls
PAK JAMAL. In a flash he tells JAMILAH's situation. While telling the
story his hand points to the direction of NORA's house).
YANTO: I want to discuss this further with Pak Jamal.
PAK JAMAL: This is a police case, Yanto. Record of the first abortion is
still in the hospital. We can charge her father on that offence. But,
we need a little time to find a proof.
YANTO: First, we solve Jamilah's problem. In the meantime, we get all
the proof to bring the father to justice.
LEMAN: Jamilah's father is the head of the gangster, Pak Jamal. I am
afraid he will come here and creates chaos.
PAK JAMAL: On that matter, you need not worry, Leman. This country
has its laws. Like me, hal I had once broken the law. I was sentenced.
Now, that has been a lesson to me.
249
MALAY LITERATURE
PAK JAMAL: Old folks say, when you are happy, don't forget
yourself.
NORA: When Narti asked me to go to the back just then, I thought it was
bad news about my daughter, Norma! I was really scared. But, when
Narti told me about Jamilah, I was tickled. My worry immediately
disappeared! Thus, I laughed, uncontrollably.
YANTO: You are neurotic, Nora. When you are angry, you are extremely
angry, when you are sad, you can't control you sadness. As a Muslim,
we must takes balance in everything we do.
NARTI: About Jamilah, how then? Do you agree?
NORA: No problem, Narti. No objection!
(NARTI now laughs loud without controlling her emotions).
YANTO: What's wrong with you, Narti? Possess as well? I'll pour this
drain water on you then!
NARTI: I am all right, mas! Not possessed at all! Earlier, I was
worried! Worried that Nora would reject our proposal. Thank God
she agrees.
NORA: Which proposal?
YANTO: What were you laughing about like one possessed then?
NORA: Yanto! I laughed because I was relieved, happy and tickled at the
same time! However, I agree to Yanto's and Pak Jamal's plans.
PAK JAMAL: Actually Narti and Ustazah Salmi have agreed to take in
Jamilah earlier. We are only confirming it.
NORA: I am willing to pay the rent on the house beside it. The rent is
only 200 ringgit a month. Jamilah can stay there with her child and
her brother later.
YANTO: Thank God! It's all right. We can both share to pay for the rental
of the house. My plan is, when she has safely delivered the baby,
she can help Narti running this food stall.
PAK JAMAL: That is, if Leman allows it. If they are married, all that
depends on Leman.
252
ISMAIL KASSAN
NARTI: That is still far way, Pak Jamal! For now, we handle the delivery
of the baby first.
NORA: Narti, do you know the name of Jamilah's father?
NARTI: Tahir! That one, whose house is near the electricity branch at the
beginning of our road. You know! The one with the thick moustache
like the tail of a Japanese monkey!
NORA: Oh God! (Hits her head with surprise and ponders a while).
NARTI: You, what is it now Nora? Possessed again? Here mas, that
drain water.
NORA: That Tahir is also an ex-convict. He is the head bouncer at the
place where I work, Narti. He is violent, hot-tempered. He always
picks on a fight. He's been locked up many times!
PAK JAMAL: It will be a problem too yes, when he finds out that you
are hiding his daughter.
YANTO: You will have problems at work, Nora.
NORA: Tahir is the head of gangster at Semarak Hati Karaoke
Club. Look at his face and his hands Narti, full of scars. He had
been stabbed, been hit by steel bars, with alcohol bottles. Hey! All
sorts of things! There is one big scar on the left side of his face
after being thrown with acid. Hey, the face of hell surely!
PAK JAMAL: In that case, let us rent the house next-door quickly. At
least, Tahir will not disturb Nora at her work place.
YANTO: True, Pak Jamal! The revenge of one without faith has no
limit.
NARTI: I am not comfortable when there is a fight. What does the
Hollywood star say? I am a lover not a fighter.
NORA: Narti! The robber that you hit that day was lying in the ward for
one week! The robber that I stabbed with a knife, only last for three
days. A lover not a fighter indeed.
NARTI: At that time, I was possessed Nora. Normally, I am a gentle
person and a well mannered woman.
253
MALAY LITERATURE
(USTAZAH SALMI hugs RAHIM as she wipes her tears).
USTAZAH SALMI: Oh God, why is your life as dreadful as this? The cut
on your hand is cured. But the cut here (points to RAHIM's chest)
is still bleeding.
(PARJO's voice is heard laughing as he chats with WAN DOL. Both are
walking towards NARTI's house. RAHIM is frightened and runs into the
house. USTAZAH SALMI looks sad and shakes her head. USTAZAH
SALMI is truly touched by what RAHIM has to bear).
PARJO: (Look at USTAZAH SALMI) Peace be upon you ustazah. (Realizes
that USTAZAH SALMI is wiping her tears. He teases USTAZAH
SALMI but speaks to WAN DOL) Wow, the sun is shining bright,
the wind is blowing a mild breeze, but why is there continuous
drizzle? What is it that ustazah is thinking of? Missing her home
in the village? Or, missing someone at this side of the area?
USTAZAH SALMI: I am sad, Parjo.
PARJO: Sad remembering who? Not me, right? If ustazah is sad
because of me, wow, I shall be doubly sad! (Says his lines in the
style of verse). Sadness, angles misery. Hence, don't you angle
that sadness. Yes, casting a net is easier! Wow, I have become a
poet this morning. Sorry, my emotion is at it's peak.
USTAZAH SALMI: What is the name of your friend, Parjo?
WAN DOL: (With a strong Kelantanese accent) My name is We Dollah
Bukit Payung. Just call me Wei Dol enough!
USTAZAH SALMI: What is he saying, Parjo? Do you understand?
PARJO: I too do not understand (In Kelantanese accent, continues in his
usual accent). Sorry ustazah, this has been my problem this whole
week. He talks, he laughs. I laugh too. I talk, I laugh, he laughs too.
I think he understands me but it is difficult to understand him. You
understand Wei Dol? (In Kelantanese). What I understand is, his name
is Wan Dollah but the short form of his name is only Wan Dol.
WAN DOL: Why ustazah is so unhappy?
PARJO: He asks, why ustazah is so unhappy?
256
ISMAIL KASSAN
(USTAZAH SALMI tells the story of JAMILAH and her brother in the
same manner that one tells a story to someone else. No sound is heard.
What is seen is only whispers, technique and movement. Finally, all
nod and show sad faces and sympathy USTAZAH SALMI continues
to hang the clothes).
PARJO: That poor child! Ayim, come out, come to paman! Eh! Uncle. Don't
be afraid. I have never eaten anyone. In fact, I am the one who have
almost been eaten by someone.
RAHIM: Do you know Ayim's father, uncle?
PARJO: I don't know him.
RAHIM: You really don't know him, uncle?
PARJO: True! Swear! But why?
RAHIM: Ayim is afraid that you will tell Ayim's father. Ayim will get
beaten up.
WAN DOL: Don't be afraid, Ayim. Uncle Parjo and Brother Wan are
Ayim's friends now. If anyone scoldsAyim, tell Brother Wan. Brother
Wan will break the bones in his leg.
RAHIM: Ayim is afraid. Abang Wan is fierce just likeAyim's father. Ayim's
father's job is to beat up people. Break people's hands.
PARJO: (To WAN DOL in Kelantanese accent) You started with the
wrong intro! He is afraid of violent people! Never mind, Ayim, Uncle
Parjo has many friends, and Ayim is also uncle's friend now.
RAHIM: Do you know how to silat uncle?
PARJO: Silat? Uncle learned it when I was still small. But last month,
uncle has stomach pains from taking too much purging medicine.
All the knowledge went down. Now, I have forgotten all. Ha, Brother
Wan here knows tomoi, silat, karate, taikundor.
WAN DOL: Taekwan do, Parjo. Here, Ayim! Why? Ayim wants to learn
the silat?
RAHIM: (Nods) Ayim wants to learn. If Ayim's father hits, Ayim can
dodge. (RAHIM does the silat in front of PARJO and WAN DOL).
257
MALAY LITERATURE
TAHIR: Hey! Who are you to advice me? Consider yourself lucky to be
employed here.
WAN DOL: I work at the same place as Parjo here. If you, sir, humiliate
him, it's like you humiliating me as well.
TAHIR: You want to show me that you are a thug? Come!
NORA: Enough! There is no reason for you to fight. Win or lose you get
no prize. I hear your children are lost? Ha, you'd better hurry and
make a police report. If you are busy, we can help you make the
report.
TAHIR: Ha, no need! Don't get smart and get the police involved in this.
This is my business, I know how to manage it.
WAN DOL: Other people manage farms, manage factories with thousand
of worker. But to manage two children ...
NORA: Enough of that Wan! Don't pour oil any more.
TAHIR: You wait and see! Who is rude now? This kid is going to get it
from me!
(TAHIR darts towards WAN DOL but is impeded by PARJO. TAHIR tries
to push PARJO aside but he is hindered. TAHIR gives PARJO a sturdy
slap. WAN DOL manages to kick TAHIR's body).
USTAZAH SALMI: Astaghfirul/ahalazim! Ya Allah! Have you all lost
your faith?
TAHIR: You watch out. I don't get you today, I shall find you another
day.
WAN DOL: Wei! I am not afraid of you! Just name the place, I'll be
there!
(TAHIR shows his fist to WAN DOL and leaves the place).
WAN DOL: (Shouts towards TAHIR) Not only you, we both have fists,
wei!
PARJO: It's true you both have fists! But it's not certain if the brains
are the same!
260
ISMAIL KASSAN
NORA: Parjo! Wan! Enough!
WAN DOL: This is no human being, sis! Even animals are not cruel to
their children. A look at his face makes me angry. I guarantee that
his face is the face of hell!
USTAZAH SALMI: Enough Wan! The face of hell, the face of heaven,
is all in God's hand. We cannot be sure if we are going to heaven
or hell. What's more guaranteeing another will go to heaven or
hell.
NORA: Our problem is massive here. I know Tahir too well. If he is
angered, he can call up his gang. He will even burn our houses
down.
(NARTI arrives on YANTO's motorbike. In the motorbike's basket are
an unripe jackfruit and a comb of unripe bananas).
NARTI: Wow! So many people gathered here early morning? Any
sensational news?
NORA: Tahir, Jamilah's father created chaos. He fought with Parjo and
Wan Dol here.
PARJO: He fought with Wan Dol. But I got the slap.
NARTI: You were slapped? Ah, that's yourfault! You did not dodge! Not
dodging is like allowing yourself to be slapped!
PARJO: Lo! Mbak Narti! Is this a new religious teaching?
NARTI: Yes so! Mas Yanto has reminded. That is the quiet arena of
migrants like us. Don't attack. But if you are attacked, you can
dodge! Don't fight back. That will only invite retort. The best is to avoid
peacefully. Eh, Nora, does Tahir know that Jamilah is here?
NORA: I don't know! But I think he doesn't know yet.
USTAZAH SALMI: Maybe, in his heart he suspects it. But, he is not
certain.
NARTI: Never mind! We have to be positive. Let's assumed he doesn't
know. And we go ahead with our plan soonest possible.
WAN DOL: What are the unripe jackfruit and bananas for, Sis Narti?
261
ISMAIL KASSAN
(PARJO rushes to the toilet which is built beside YANTO's house).
(Black out).
SCENE 4
SETTING:
Still in the vicinity of YANTO's house.
TIME:
Afternoon.
(PARJO is asleep on a bench while WAN DOL is playing with
RAHIM. PARJO's friends enter bringing a guitar and singing
lightly. They see PARJO fast asleep on the long bench. They tease
PARJO).
PARJO: (Awakes and reacts like someone who is doing the silat) Where
is he? Where? This is Parjo you know! Bring down Wali Songo. If
you dare, yes come near!
WAN DOL: Woi Parjo! Wake up, wei! You are having a nightmare,
wei!
FRIEND 1: What is wrong with Parjo, Wan? He has never raved like
this.
WAN DOL: Why should he not rave! This morning he got a mad
slap.
FRIEND 2: Parjo got a mad slap? The person who slapped him is definately
even more mad perhaps. How can a person as good as Parjo got
slapped? Parjo is a descendent of what, Udin? Prinyanyi!
UDIN: Not Prinyanyi! Priayi! The status is the same level as a religious
master! An intellectual. A graduate of a religious school, sort of! Why
Mas Parjo? Possessed?
PARJO: Sorry, I am not possessed! My emotion is at its peak! Difficult
to control.
263
MALAY LITERATURE
FRIEND 1: You know how to sitat, Mas Parjo! Why didn't you use the
pilot?
PARJO: Well, it's nothing! My tooth has been aching since yesterday. After
being slapped this morning, the pain had gone completely. Thank
God, I don't have to go to the dentist.
FRIEND 2: He got slapped and is still thankful?
PARJO: Remember what Mas Yanto said? The most valuable asset for
poor people like us is to receive willingly.
UDIN: Is this truly sincerity from the heart of Mas Parjo?
PARJO: Sincere because I have not had the chance to give back in
return. If I can, I want to turn his head till he realises his mistake.
FRIEND 1: Ah! It's all right, Mas Parjo. Come, let's sing. (Immediately
plays the guitar).
(They all sing together feeling happy while entertaining RAHIM who is
obviously entertained by the humorous behavior of PARJO's friends.As
they finish a song, NARTI suddenly comes out from NORA's house.)
NARTI: You guys want to sing, that's good! But not too loud! There is
someone who is sick in there. A little respect, please!
PARJO: Sorry Mbak Narti! Out of control, the emotion is at its peak!
Jamilah has given birth mbak?
NARTI: Almost earlier on. But when she heard you sing, the baby
refused to come out!
WAN DOL: Your voice is terrible, Parjo! She is about to give birth but
won't.
NARTI: Your singing sounds like people arguing! You can sing, but not
too loud. (NARTI goes back into NORA's house again).
UDIN: Eh Parjo! Who is Jamilah? Your girl, yes?
PARJO: Watch your language Udin. Jamilah is this Rahim's elder
sister.
(Suddenly a drug addict enters; he is high on. He approaches PARJO's
group).
264
ISMAIL KASSAN
DRUG ADDICT: Brother! Is this stall open? I am thirsty!
PARJO: Sorry, brother! This stall is closed temporarily.
DRUG ADDICT: Why is it closed? Is it a public holiday? Oh! I know,
today is the sultan's birthday, am I right or not?
WAN DOL: Hello brother! How many have you had? You had a jab or
smoked hash?
DRUG ADDICT: Hash? Where got class? We play with dam, brother! Only
when we have no cents, then we go for hash!
PARJO: Brother! Can you tell us something? Does it feel good to be
high? If it's good, I can try!
DRUG ADDICT: Now I feel like a king. I feel happy. No problem! But
do you want to try, brother? Don't, brother! I want to give you some
advice! This is an advice from the advertisement or not? It says "Drugs
Bring Death!" That advertisement is right, babe! Sorry brother! I want
to ask. Your are an Indon, brother? (Hugs PARJO's shoulder).
PARJO: Yes, why? As far as I know, drugs don't recognize nationalities. You
said earlier that drugs are no good? Why do you continue taking
it?
DRUG ADDICT: Indons don't take drugs. Where to get the money? All
the cents you get you changed to rupiahs, no? Ha! All sent back to
Indonesia. But I know that you only smoked keretek! Right or not? Is
this your son, brother? Make sure he doesn't smoked keretek! Eh,
a guitar? Eh, I played the guitar too. I tell you! I sing. You play the
guitar. I'll sing one song. You know that song ... (Sings the lyrics
loudly while acting like he is playing a guitar). Ha, that is our song!
I tell you. Smoke on the water, fire in the sky is like taking inhaling
dam from the bottle. There's water, no? Smoke goes into the water,
no? Then it gives fire in the sky! Great to burn that dam on that
bottle there.
WAN DOL: Don't talk too loud, wei! Someone is sick in that house!
DRUG ADDICT: Shhhht!! Sorry! I didn't know! What kind of sickness? The
heart? No? Oh, I know. This is an elitist sickness! Suffering from
high diabetes and sweet blood?
265
MALAY LITERATURE
PARJO: What, you! Diabetes and high blood pressure!
DRUG ADDICT: Ooo! So it's right, diabetes?
WAN DOL: Not diabetes! Over there is an emergency! (In the Ke/antanese
dialect the word kecemasan for emergency sounds like ('kencing
masam' or 'sour urine' instead of 'kencing manis' or diabetes). Don't
make noise!
DRUG ADDICT: Sour urine? He takes drugs? Usually the pee is salty!
This is sour.
PARJO: Emergency! Do you understand emergency (he makes the
action of an ambulance being driven while making the sound of a
siren). Someone is about to bersalin!1
DRUG ADDICT: Bersalin? Male or female?
WAN DOL: Female! Men don't deliver?
DRUG ADDICT: Sorry brother! I thought someone was changing
clothes! Good to change in the house! If you do it outside someone
may see! I have not changed my clothes for three days! The longer
I wear it, great wo!
WAN DOL: Not changing clothes stupid! Someone is about to give
birth!
DRUG ADDICT: Brother, don't call me stupid! Not good. I studied at the
university, you know! Have a degree! But no job! That's why I take
dam! Tension brother! Eh, I'll buzz off! I don't want to disturb you
guys singing. I know you guys like singing the 'dangdut'! Correct
or not? Ha, I know! But I don't go for 'dangdut'! I play heavy metal
music.
UDIN: An addict like this is a university graduate. I believe you,
brother!
PARJO: He has a degree! A lot of people think they have enough
knowledge right? Even with knowledge there is no certainty that
1 Bersalin: changing ones clothes.
266
ISMAIL KASSAN
they are educated! A lot of people leave the university, when they
are smart they enjoy cheating the stupid.
WAN DOL: Wow! Great! motivation expert this one! You are great
Parjo. They way you say it, just like my friend. He usually peddles
medicine in Kota Bharu!
PARJO: What! You think Mas Parjo is the same level as a medicine
peddler? This is Parjo Sastrowardoyo ... pioneer of the group of
'dangdut' philosophy.
UDIN: Mas Parjo, remember what Mas Yanto said? Don't look down on
anyone's source of income. That is God's decision. Isn't peddling
medicine a source of income which is permissible? Why should
you feel humiliated?
PARJO: Masya-Allah! Yes, you are right! It was not my intention to look
down on medicine peddlers.
(PAK JAMAL enters the stage on his three-wheeler motorbike. YANTO
is pillion-rider. In the foodstuff compartment is a goat with all his four
feet tied up).
PAK JAMAL: Peace be upon you! Have you been waiting long?
PARJO: Not that long Pak Jamal. But long enough to feel hungry
after breakfast earlier today. (Shakes hands with YANTO and PAK
JAMAL).
YANTO: Sorry Parjo, today Mbak Narti is on holiday, annual leave.
Sorry, no business.
PARJO: It's all right Mas Yanto. We are aware of the situation. Only,
regard us as your special guests Mas Yanto, not clients of Mbak
Narti's food stall! As a guest, is good enough!
YANTO: Wow, you are really smart Parjo.
PARJO: If I am smart, my master is surely smarter. Am I not a student
of Mas Yanto?
PAK JAMAL: Come, help me get the goat out.
(All move towards PAK JAMAL three-wheeler motorbike. Each of them
are surprised to find a live-goat in the foodstuff compartment).
267
MALAY LITERATURE
WAN DOL: Lo, a goat? I thought it was goat's meat!
PARJO: Mas Yanto wants to rear goats?
YANTO: The goat is to be slaughtered! For a feast!
UDIN: Feast? Who is getting married? Pak Jamal?
PAK JAMAL: The goat is for sacrifice, for a new baby, not for a wedding
feast.
(NARTI comes out from NORA's house and overhears the dialogue
between PAK JAMAL and her husband YANTO).
YANTO: Isn't Jamilah about to give birth? So, the goat is to be sacrificed
for her child later.
NARTI: Wow! You are rich, yes mas! The baby is not yet born, and the
sacrifice is ready.
PAK JAMAL: The goat is mine and Yanto's contribution, together with
a little contribution from the people at the mosque. Hah! What are
you waiting for? We carry the goat to the back of Yanto's house
over there.
PARJO: You want to slaughter it now, Pak Jamal?
PAK JAMAL: Don't. The feast is tomorrow! Just tie it at the base of the
tree by that river.
NARTI: Parjo! What are you discussing with the goat? Enough of staring
into each other's eyes.
PARJO: How to carry it? Doesn't the goat bite?
YANTO: Of course the goat bites. If not, how can it eat grass?
PARJO: I mean biting people, mas.
NARTI: It hasn't bitten anyone yet. But, maybe if it like you then, it
might.
PARJO: Actually, I have inherited a disease from my father's side of the
family. I ... I, what do you call that disease? Phobia! Yes! Phobia
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ISMAIL KASSAN
of being bitten! If bitten by a human I tickle, what more a goat. A
male goat.
PAK JAMAL: Yanto and I struggle to get the goat in earlier. Now Yanto,
we will see how our brave, strong young men solve the task.
UDIN: Parjo has phobia! I have a spinal problem, Pak Jamal. What
do you call it, slipped disc? Not encouraged to carry anything
heavy. Morever, a goat that is still alive and wild.
WAN DOL: I don't have phobia. I have no spinal problem. But, I am not
able to carry it alone! If someone can take it out from the compartment,
I can carry it. No problem.
NARTI: (While preparing drinks) If it's taken out from the compartment,
then it's already out! What is your role then, Wan? Pak Jamal, if it's too
difficult, just slaughters it in the compartment of the motorbike.
YANTO: Don't do that, Narti. Tomorrow Pak Jamal is doing business! The
blood of the goat might mixed with the vegetables.
(PAK JAMAL laughs out loud at their antics while rolling a cigarette).
NARTI: Most strange, yes. It appears that in this region there is not
even one male who is man enough to carry one goat.
YANTO: Correction Narti! Except Mas Yanto and Pak Jamal.
NARTI: Sorry, except Pak Jamal and Mas Yanto, my husband who is
strong. The others, where is the confirmation of you manhood?
PARJO: My manhood is confirmed Mbak Narti! But if you want to test
it with a goat, then I am phobic!
PAK JAMAL: Enough of doing silatwith the tongue Parjo. Just go ahead
and silat with that goat. It's tired from sitting in that position since
we left town earlier.
NARTI: Udin, you hold its ears. Wan and the rest hold its body.
Parjo! Where are you off to? You hold its tail. Come! I shall hold
the rope.
(There is chaos as they carry the goat out of the compartment of PAK
JAMAL's three-wheeler motorbike. All sorts of action and controlled adlibbing in this scene. Finally, the goat is taken out and all together they
269
MALAY LITERATURE
pull it to the back of YANTO's house. PAK JAMAL gives the instructions,
as the leader of the group. NARTI does not follow them, but instead
goes towards YANTO who is sitting by himself).
NARTI: Mas! Before anything else, please forgive me, mas. There's
truth in what Parjo said earlier, mas!
YANTO: What was it he said?
NARTI: We are travellers! We are migrants in this country.
YANTO: You are not sincere about my contribution?
NARTI: Not that I am not sincere mas! As migrants we are not expected
to contribute that much.
YANTO: It's true we are migrants. Parjo, Udin, Wan Dollah, Pak Jamal;
in fact everyone in this village is a temporary visitor on God's
earth! Should our feeling of sympathy be different just because our
status is different?
NARTI: Is it not better to contribute to the mosque which is not completed
at our village, mas?
YANTO: For the village mosque, I also contribute, Narti. But here, in
the land where we find our keep for now, what is wrong if we are
responsible towards other human beings. Are you not willing with
that contribution?
NARTI: No, mas! Not at all! I was only asking to seek confirmation.
YANTO: To confirm my sincerity?
NARTI: I don't want you to contribute because you are forced to,
mas.
YANTO: No one is forcing me, Narti. The same goes with Pak Jamal.
NARTI: I know Pak Jamal did not force you. But, maybe you felt compelled
because of what Pak Jamal said.
YANTO: Believe me, not because of Pak Jamal, but because of
Allah.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
NARTI: Thank Allah! One more request, mas! I beg for forgiveness with
the utmost sincerity of your heart.
YANTO: What else is on your mind, Narti.
NARTI: Sometimes, I am caught in a situation. Each day as I joke
with my words, it sounds like I am belittling you, mas! Actually, I
do not intend it like that. Deep in my heart, I still respect you as a
husband.
YANTO: Enough, no need to be emotional. I know your heart and soul,
Narti. All of it! We are in a situation which is different from our own
village. From the ties of our culture. At times, because we want to
please our companions, we act comically which is at times, bitter. At
times to make people happy, we are forced to swallow the bitterness.
I hope this is our deeds for our friends. What is wrong in lowering
ourselves a little to make them happy?
NARTI: Thank God, Mas Yanto understands my situation. I am worry
that you are hurt by my teasing. At times too direct and at times
over the limit, uncontrolled, mas!
YANTO: It's all right, Narti. This season we are asked to be like a candle.
Be willing and sincere. Even without sincerity, our candle will still
burning, and then disappears like a smoke. With no meaning and
no benefit whatsoever.
NARTI: So, we shall become smoke that disappear, mas!
(PARJO and his friends arrive. They notice NARTI wiping a tear).
PARJO: Wow, why it is always drizzling? Mbak Narti, the goat gets
scared when it rains.
YANTO: It is obvious you are a true man, Parjo. Successful in controlling
that black goat.
PAK JAMAL: I guess Jamilah would give birth tonight or tomorrow
morning. Tomorrow night, we'll make the feast. So, the goat must
be slaughtered and skinned tomorrow morning. I hand over the task
to Parjo and his choice of friends. Wan Dollah and Udin will help
me cook bukhari rice and mutton kurma. Other dishes, we leave it
to Narti, Ustazah Salmi and Nora.
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MALAY LITERATURE
NARTI: All the ingredients are ready, Pak Jamal. Curried unripe jackfruit
cooked in coconut and coriander. The other is unripe bananas
cooked in masalla style.
PAK JAMAL: Based on the menu, it sounds good. But based on
the taste, I dont think the combination is suitable Narti. Bukhari
rice and mutton kurma, is from the middle-east. The jackfruit in
coconut is Malay cooking. The unripe bananas in masalla style
is Indian cooking.
NARTI: Quite right there, Pak Jamal! Arab recipe mixed with Malay
and Indian cooking.
PARJO: It's all right, Pak Jamal. When it's in the stomach, any recipe
shall mix. Even more when it comes out.
NARTI: Parjo! Where's your manners. We are discussing about food
here.
PAK JAMAL: What Parjo says it quite right there. There are no rules
that says we cannot mix one recipe with another. We are the ones
who are eating it!
UDIN: Never mind Pak Jamal, we'll try.
PAK JAMAL: All right then, if that's the way. I have to go home. Parjo
and his friends can gather firewood for the cooking tomorrow.
After that go to the mosque and ask the caretaker of the mosque
for large pots and pans to cook the curry. Take the plates as
well. You Narti, Ustazah Salmi and Nora take turns to look after
Jamilah. Tell me immediately when she delivers. Eh, but how are
you going to tell me?
NARTI: (Grins while showing her new hand phone) I shall send news
with my homing pigeon Pak Jamal.
PAK JAMAL: Wow you're great, Narti! You are using a handphone
now.
(PARJO and his friends each grin and show their novel hand phones
all at the same time).
NARTI: Am I not the wife of the People's Representative. Must be
innovative.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
PAK JAMAL: That's right, communication between human beings are
innovative and easier now. How about our communication with God?
Peace be upon you! (PAK JAMAL rides his motorbike and leaves
the area. All are agog. YANTO bursts out laughing).
(Black out).
SCENE 5
SETTING:
Still in the compound of YANTO's house.
TIME:
Around 5.00 till 6.00 in the afternoon.
(Everyone is quiet. NARTI has not opened her food stall yet. NORA's
house looks like there is no one in. NORMA, NORA's daughter studying
in New Zealand is seen with a small bag. Her style of dressing appears
to be influenced by international Muslim women. Her head is covered
but not like the mini scarf worn by Malaysian women. She is wearing
jeans with a long blouse like the type worn by women in India. She
appears gloomy as if she is holding back her anger).
NORMA: Assalamualaikum! Assalamualaikum! (Looks at the piece of
paper in her hand and at the number of Nora's house). This is the
right address! (She sits on one of the food stall chairs).
(PARJO and his friends enter while carrying firewood to be used for
cooking the feast. The firewood is piled in front of YANTO's house).
PARJO: Sorry miss! Today the stall is closed temporarily.
NORMA: I don't want to eat. I am waiting for the owner of that house.
Are they at home?
PARJO: Which one? Two women live there.
NORMA: I asked some villagers at the road across there. They said
two women live in this house. One, whose job can bring her to
heaven. The other one is heading to hell! I'm looking for the one
who's heading to hell!
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MALAY LITERATURE
PARJO: You mean, Nora? But miss! The right to determine who goes
to heaven and hell is in God's hand. God has not given the most
pious of religious leaders the rights to decide who enters heaven,
or hell.
NORMA: Your spontaneous answer just then! You mentioned the name,
Nora! Is that not prejudiced? That answer is already in your mind,
right?
PARJO: Whoa! I do not understand all this sorts of prejudice. Don't
misinterpret my answer. Is the answer not based on the opinion of
the masses? My opinion of her is different!
NORMA: If your opinion is different, that is your right! I am only interpreting.
My conclusion is, there is no difference between your opinion and
the opinion of the others.
WAN DOL: (Begins to get angry and bored) Who are you? What rights
do you have to say who goes to heaven or hell?
NORMA: I am Norma, the child of the woman who is heading to hell!
WAN DOL: Child? Hey Parjo, if this is what it looks like! The 'child' of
keys this is! You know, this 'child' of keys when it is hit shall sound
like this. You hear, like this! (While hitting a bunch of little keys in
his hand while feeling angry).
NORMA: Who are you? You have no right to humiliate me!
PARJO: We are villagers, not educated from overseas. That is why we
are not smart! We are not smart at humiliating other people, even
more our own mothers. That part we have not learned.
NORMA: You, shut up!
PARJO :(Laughs and is joined by his friends) What did she say? She
is saying something obscene right?
(PARJO and his friends sing and make all sorts of noises that hit at
NORMA. NARTI comes out from NORA's house when she hears the
noise outside).
NARTI: Parjo! Why all this storm? You know there is a sick person in
here!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
WAN DOL: Not a storm, Sis Narti! Out here is a mad tsunami. (Stresses
on the word 'mad'. Makes a sign of 'mad' by pointing his finger at
his head and then pointing at NORMA's direction).
NARTI: Forgive them please! Who are you? Who are you looking
for?
NORMA: Looking for Nora! I am her child. Norma Hamima. Call me
Ima!
NARTI: Oooo! Ima! Nora come out here for a while. Only last night,
Nora received a letter from Ima. And you appear today?
NORMA: Letters from overseas usually take three days to arrive. But
by plane it only takes six hours to get here.
NARTI: I am Narti! Do come in!
NORMA: Never mind, I'll wait out here.
PARJO: The firewood is ready, Mbak Narti. We are going to the mosque
to perform our asar prayers.
NARTI: Yes, don't forget what Pak Jamal said earlier. Take the pot and
the large pan!
WAN DOL: (Chats with PARJO while walking with the intention to hint
at NORMA) Eh, is it right Parjo? My religious teacher said, in hell,
when you accused your parents you will get boiled in a big pan?
PARJO: How would I know! I have never been to hell! (Hints at
NORMA).
(PARJO's group are about to move out when they bump into NORA
who is a pillion rider on a man's motorbike. NORA greets PARJO and
his friends amiably as usua/- Ad-lib).
NORA: Eh! Dear Allah! Norma! Mama's child! (Very surprised and
panics). Why did you come here, Ima? How do you know this
place? Narti! This is Norma, my daughter, Narti.
(Wants to hug NORMA as she misses her child very much. NORMA
evades as if her mother is filthy. NORMA takes a bottle of mineral water
275
MALAY LITERATURE
from her bag and drinks up the balance of the water. She puts the empty
bottle on the table. NORA stops and watched her daughter drink the
water until she finished).
NARTI: We already know each other! Come, let's go to my house
instead. Jamilah is in your house! She is in labour pains and about
to give birth!
(NORA looks at NORMA's face in panic and is shaken. When her
daughter finishes drinking the water, again NORA wants to hug her
child, but NORMA moves forward while her eyes glanced over at
her mother from the corner of her eye).
NORMA: Why? Are you surprised? Or, you are worried that I have
come here?
NORA: I am happy, child! Mama misses Ima very much! Come in
child! This is what mama's rented house looks like. It's old!
NORMA: I know all about you, mama! There is no need to put on an
act any longer.
NORA: Act? Acting what now?
NORMA: I looked for you at your work place. Semarak Hati Karaoke
Club. Nice place. Merry! I heard a lot of stories from Mr. Tahir, the
chief security officer at that club.
(USTAZAH SALMI come out from the house. NARTI goes near USTAZAH
SALMI and signals her to re-enter the house. NARTI moves slowly back
into NORA's house).
NARTI: Nora, I'm going in now. If you want to go into my house, please
do so!
NORA: (Nods at NARTI) What are the stories, Ima?
NORMA: Stories about, Mama! About the prima donna named Nora. I
am ashamed, mama! Stories about you have become the materials
of insults from my friends at the university there. I don't know the
source of their stories. But all the Malaysian students are talking
about Norma Hamima's mother's profession. I've tried to deny it
but, the stories continue to spread. I am ashamed. I tell them my
mother is Syarifah Noraziah Syed Zainuddin. My father is a wellknown businessman! The story about you stabbing my late father
276
ISMAIL KASSAN
has become a sensation. And the news about you being a GRO at
Semarak Hati Karaoke Club is even more sensational. How dare
you bring down the honour of your own child's name?
NORA: (Starts to cry) You talk about your honour? What about my
honour? I was willing to go through all this for the sake of my
children! I persevere in this world of hell while gulping down tears,
Ima! Each day and night of my prayers.
NORMA: You did this for me? Bull shit! You have a choice! There are
a lot of other jobs!
NORA: Who wants to offer work to an ex-convict, Ima? A woman who
killed her own husband!
NORMA: Ah! Sustenance can be found anywhere! Those Indonesians
come on a junk, mama. They go home bring sustenance as well.
NORA: It's true you can find sustenance anywhere! But the reality of
things is not as easily said. I have worked as a clerk in a printing
company. The paid was 700 ringgit. It was not enough to support
you and your siblings! But I liked working there. Not long after the
story about me is brought up again. I was fired without a reason.
That happened so many times, Ima! What I am doing now is merely
to support my children's education!
NORMA: But income from that is not permissible mama! Not permissible
income!
NORA: Astaghfirul/aha/azim! Ima! That income is permissible. Sustenance
is from God. What is not permissible is the job. What is not permissible
is the way I find that income! I realize I am ignorant. But, I have never
changed the laws of God. What is not permissible in religion is still
not permissible to me. But, what is not permissible is my burden!
What is not permissible is what I've go through with my tears! I am
not a prostitute! I only serve the clients who sing at the club.
NORMA: While serving men who drink liquor! Satan's drink! You have
no right to even mention God's name. What more to explain about
God's laws.
USTAZAH SALMI: (Comes out from the house and tries to calm the
situation when she overhears the extreme words from NORMA)
Sorry! I should not interfere in your family matters, Ima. Some of
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MALAY LITERATURE
the things you say is right. But your opinion of your mother is not
all correct.
NORMA: I guess you are Ustazah Salmi? A religious teacher, with
knowledge of religion! But, why do you allow her to sin? Allowing sin
means you are in cohorts. The sin is equal to the one committing
the sin.
USTAZAH SALMI: God Forgiveness! Ima! I believe you are used to
propagation! At the mosque or during a lecture on religion, that
is good! But Ima, the people who go to the mosque and listen to
religious lectures are already good! Good people! What about
those who do not go to the mosque? Who wants to propagate
religion to them? I get close to these people with an open heart.
No suspicious opinions. The result may be slow, but better some
than nothing at all.
NORMA: The issue is you have failed to change my mother!! Mama is
still working in a club, still far from the mosque. Or, maybe you are
getting closer to the night club, yourself?
NORA: Watch your mouth, Ima! I have never taught you to be rude
like this.
NORMA: Right! You have never taught me to be rude! The same way
that you have never taught me not to be rude!
NARTI: Ima! You talk like a child that is born from a bamboo! The bamboo
is cut in two and you are already grown up like this! Hey! You are
big headed and proud, but please, don't forget who you are!
NORMA: Don't be rude to me. Or I shall summon you to court.
NARTI: It doesn't matter! Go ahead and summon me! You think I am
scared? We shall all surely enter God's court!
(RAHIM comes out of the house crying).
USTAZAH SALMI: Rahim! Why child?
RAHIM: Sis is in pain! (Cries).
NARTI: Come Salmi! It is more beneficial for us to save the child in
there. Let the child out there get herself burned.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
(NARTf and USTAZAH SALMI rushes in together with RAHIM).
NORA: In there is a girl who has been discarded, who is about to give
birth. They don't even know who the girl is. But, they are helping
her with sincerity.
NORMA: What is the difference out here? I don't have the heart to see
you fall into hell! But you have the heart to destroy my future!
NORA: God Forgive! I have never intended it like that. I worked only to
help my children become human beings.
NORMA: Here, you can give your excuses. There in New Zealand, I
am the one who is bearing the shame. Norma Hamima! President
of the Council of Propagation of International Islamic students,
University of Wellington. I am busy propagating at an international
level, asking people to understand honourable values. But the
mother of the President herself? Dirty! Ya Allah! I am ashamed
mama! Ashamed!
NORA: The Holy Prophet's uncle was an infidel, who was condemned
by God, Ima! I am not a polytheist and I am not an infidel. I am
wrong! But, I had no intention of hurting my children. But if that is
wrong, I ask you for forgiveness, Ima!
NORMA: Ask God for forgiveness, not from me! God is Most Forgiving. But
I am an ordinary human being.
NORA: Which means you do not want to forgive me?
NORMA: I have said, I am not God who is Most Forgiving.
NORA: But are you not my child that can love her mother?
NORMA: You have to love yourself first! I am only a child who does not
have the capability. I am not even capable of stopping the insults
slurred by the people. Enough mama, the longer I stay here, the more
severe is the cut in my heart. I want to go back to grandmother's
house.
NORA: Ima, stay here for one night. Tomorrow morning, we go to
grandmother's house together.
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MALAY LITERATURE
NORMA: You go and help the girl who is about to give birth in there.
Let your child find her own way, or assume that I am no longer in
this world.
(NORMA leaves the place. NORA cries with a face that is full of regret,
hopeless and disappointed. NORA cries though trying to control the
sound of her crying. A while later, she walks briskly out of the compound
of the house. NARTI comes out after NORA leaves).
NARTI: Lo! So quiet? Look like that mad tsunami typhoon has subsided.
Nora! Nora! Lo! Where did she go? Going back to her village without
informing us?
(PARJO and his friend enter with a large steel pot filled with crockery
which they have borrowed from the mosque).
PARJO: Mbak Narti, what's the result? (Pointing to the house and outside
the house - referring to the fight between NORA and NORMA).
NARTI: What results? You think this is a badminton match?
PARJO: What's happening to the one inside? (Acting like a person
who is pregnant). What happened to the ones outside! (Acting like
someone forgiving and hugging).
NARTI: The one inside (Acts out a style). The ones outside fought like
guerillas. Suddenly all was quiet. Maybe a ceasefire.
WAN DOL: That girl Ima was terrible, Sis Narti! If my sister sang like
that, hey! I would have given her a tight slap.
NARTI: That song! What song? Enough! Enough! Go and keep all the
crockery. Men today gossip as bad as grannies.
PARJO: The same thing, Mbak Narti. Women today are as fierce as
tigers!
(They all move out into different directions).
SCENE 6
SETTING:
Still in the compound of YANTO's and NORA's houses.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
TIME:
Night, after sunset.
(NORMA is seen entering the compound of YANTO's house. She offers
greetings. NARTI comes out from NORA's house).
NARTI: Peace be upon you too! Eh, you are still here? Please don't
bring on a storm. Have pity on the child in there. The baby almost
came out twice but still hasn't. He is afraid, perhaps. He thinks this
world is filled of fighting.
NORMA: I missed the last bus. I would like to rent a car.
NARTI: We do not have a car! But, my husband has a motorcycle. If
you are willing to sit on the bike all night long, God-willing, you will
reach the town by tomorrow morning.
NORMA: I am not willing sis, I am tired. The flight from New Zealand
took eight hours. From the airport to here another four hours.
NARTI: I understand. Each person has a limit to his capability, mental,
physical and spiritual. Including your mother, Ima!
NORMA: Please don't link my mother to my problem. I don't know what
to do now. I am confused.
NARTI: Eh, you are a smart child! How can you give up trying? You
missed the bus and you are already confused.
NORMA: I would like to spend the night at your home tonight, sis. I shall
go home tomorrow morning.
NARTI: There! Like that! Honestly! Was that not an easy solution! The
house is not luxurious! But it is guaranteed, if you dream, the beauty
is the same.
NORMA: How many ringgit for one night, sis?
NARTI: What? Payment? One has to pay as well, to dream? Taking
the car one has to pay. Taking the airplane out of the country also
needs money. Going into university needs more money. My late
uncle used to say! Only three things are free in this world. First,
the light of the sun, second, the rain and third, the wind! I'll add
one more! Realizing a beautiful dream! That is still free, no need to
pay.
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MALAY LITERATURE
NORMA: What do you mean? I ask sincerely. But, your answer is twisted
and hinting at me.
NARTI: Sorry, my way of speaking is not straight! I graduated in the field
of agriculture. I was taught, if you sow a seed, enough fertilizer, water
it each day, for sure the tree will live, grow big and productive.
NORMA: Wait a minute! You regard me as a tree that is not productive?
You have to understand, I want my mother to realize what she has
done. That is the responsibility of a child.
NARTI: True! Responsibility! But remember! The most basic and
important instrument in propagation is wisdom! Act with precision
and do it in the right manner. At the right time. That is the meaning
of wisdom.
NORMA: Going against religion must be opposed. The wrong is still
wrong! It doesn't matter if it's a child or a mother! Under whatever
circumstances.
NARTI: That's right too! But is it proper to reject someone who is
going against religion with an instrument which is also against the
teachings of religion? Because what is used is against religion,
what remains is against religion. The result is futile, right?
NORMA: I don't know, sis. I am confused now! I am lost. I am done with
trying! I feel like I am in the eye of a typhoon now.
NARTI: Your mother too, must have experienced a similar confusion. Then,
she made a decision. Even though it was bitter and it hurt, that
decision had moved her ahead. She was not static. Not doing
anything is like being dead. Try and understand the situation and
condition your mother was, at that time.
NORMA: I know, sis! In the end we are forced to refer to the issue of
values, sis! You have to understand the situation and atmosphere
where I was put to shame.
NARTI: My husband Mas Yanto says, this life is one long struggle. God's
tests come in all shapes and forms. You assume, there is no hope
for your mother anymore? Maximum sins! Maximum punishment
for her! Ima, the punishment for sin is the right of God, not ours.
But remember, God also gives the chance to repent!
NORMA: That is what I am doing now, sis! Giving mama a chance!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
NARTI: But the way you are doing is wrong! You are not smart! You
are unbalanced by emotions. Anger, mad! All that is emotion,
Ima! Remember, good intention alone is not enough, if the manner
is wrong! Your intention is good, the manner of execution is right,
but if the faith is wrong, the result is also wrong. Right intention, right
manner, stolid faith, without risk another's rights, the result is still
unsure. The truth exists when your intention is good, your manner
correct, the faith stolid and does not jeopardize another's rights.
NORMA: I'm sorry sis. I am tired. I would like to be excused. But, I hope
you will not tell Mama that I am sleeping here.
NARTI: Oh my God! I forgot. You are tired, yes. You have reached the
maximum of your physical strength. Come! (While leading NORMA
into her house). Isn't that right? Every human being has his own
limit, right?
(While NARTI enters her house with NORMA, USTAZAH SALMI
comes out of NORA's house. USTAZAH SALMI sees NORMA with
NARTI. USTAZAH SALMI is also avoiding NORMA from knowing the
situation).
USTAZAH SALMI: Narti! 000, Narti! Are you asleep yet? If not, come
out and sit here!
(NARTI comes out from her house while giving signals that NORMA
is inside. USTAZAH SALMI also gives signs that she saw and knows
that NORMA is inside).
USTAZAH SALMI: Eh, what are you taking such a long time in there?
NARTI: Nothing. Making the bed for Mas Yanto. How's Jamilah?
USTAZAH SALMI: She's asleep. Poor thing, she looks really tired. Eh!
Where did Nora go?
NARTI: She's gone to the north pole looking for snow! The temperature
here is burning hot. Her heart can burn to ashes.
USTAZAH SALMI: There is truth in what Hamima says, Narti! Only ...
NARTI: Only her style is wrong! Then those secular thinkers will say,
the question of right or wrong is relative, ustazah!
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MALAY LITERATURE
USTAZAH SALMI: It will become relative, Narti! When you measure the
value of the creation of humans fully, the aspect of value in God's
way is clear, obvious.
NARTI: (the tone of her voice is actually hinting at NORMA) So, why
should we use the measure of human values? Why not ....
USTAZAH SALMI: Use God's values surely? The human ego, Narti. They
feel they are better than others. They have positions ....
NARTI: Looked up by the surrounding community!
USTAZAH SALMI: Hence, man is trapped in the desire to defend that
status, pushing the values of God from within the self. Then, the
human values are pushed forward.
NARTI: We have been talking, hasn't my husband been in the mosque
for too long?
USTAZAH SALMI: Doesn't BrotherYanto have religious classes at the
mosque? Are you worried because you care for him or because
you are jealous?
NARTI: Nowadays Salmi, one should worry about everything. Elvin
Tofler says, globalization is the era of Terra Incognita. This Elvin
is philosophical, yes! He often challenges our minds. He says, in
this new century the world will be dark, but not because there is no
light. There is enough light, but obviously the darkness will cover
the areas until it will become difficult to differentiate between white
and black.
USTAZAH SALMI: Right, Narti. Now the values of black and white, bad
and good are being mixed. Until the school children have become
confused.
(Suddenly NORA enters the compound of the house looking tired and
listless. NORA plunks into a chair).
NARTI: Oh God! Nora? Where have you been? It's almost 10.00 and
you are just come home.
NORA: I am tired, Narti. I have walked far! I am not be able to continue
with this walk.
NART/: Walk to where? Ooo! You mean the walk of life?
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ISMAIL KASSAN
USTAZAH SALMI: We must continue to walk, Nora. Only God can
stop us.
NORA: Five years I have been here, Salmi. My path is full of thorns, so
many enemies. I have fallen many times. Each time I fall, I get up
again. All this while, my children have been my strength. Now I have
no more energy, Ustazah Salmi, Narti. I am no longer strong.
NARTI: Where did you go?
NORA: I went to the waterfall!
USTAZAH SALMI: Waterfall? You mean,the waterfall at Lubuk Pusar
upstream? That place is dangerous, Nora! Dark! What were you
doing there?
NORA: I am thinking a lot of things when I am alone. To say I'm worried?
I am used to worry! A lot of problems? I have killed my own husband.
Gone to jail! Thrown out of my own district! There is no more worry
within me anymore. It's all empty in here, Narti. There's no more
worry. No sadness. My heart is filled with disappointment, regret,
anger! I am angry with myself. With God. Why doesn't God just take
my life? God has taken luxury, wealth, my family's respect. Why do
I still have to go through this suffering, Ustazah Salmi? Why, Narti?
(Takes the balance of the drink left by her daughter on the tab/e).
My child is the balance of the happiness that I have. (Looks carefully
at the empty bottle). That's all that's left. Why must that be taken
from me as well? Am I so low beside God, Salmi? I stood at the
edge of the rock near the top of the waterfall. I looked down! I saw
how small I was below there. I waved at myself. At that moment, I
wanted to jump. If that can make my children happy. I would do it.
Salmi! I am willing to sacrifice my life for my children. But I heard
the voice of the religious teacher who taught me in prison before.
A person who kills herself shall not smell heaven!
NARTI: Nora, don't you ever do something stupid like that again.
USTAZAH SALMI: Submit yourself again to God, Nora. Submit willingly,
in the right way. But the tests come with wisdom, Nora.
NORA: Wisdom? My children do not know the meaning of that,
Salmi! They are bamboo shoots, I am a cracked bamboo! They were
not with me, when I go through all the tests! Four years in prison.
Gallons of tears I shed, Sal! I missed my children so much. At that
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MALAY LITERATURE
moment I wanted to hug and kiss my children. But I could not. If I
were given the choice, all the gold in the mine up there or a kiss
from my children, I shall choose my children, Narti! My children do
not know my situation when I started working at the karaoke club.
I was insulted, humiliated by the people in the bus. Rough words,
humiliating talk at my back has become music to my ears. But I still
continue walking, Narti! Even if all the residents of this town humiliate
me, I will not feel disgraced. But I feel disgraced when my own child
humiliates me. I have never asked my children to care for me when
I am old. I don't hope for a cent of the money spent on feeding and
educating them to be compensated. I have never asked! If they
hate me when I am old, it's all right! Send me to a welfare home,
I am willing! By God! I am ready to die alone. No one to read the
Yaasin for me! I am willing! But please don't humiliate me. My heart
is crushed, Salmi! Crushed! I have raised a treacherous child that
has killed my soul, Narti!
NARTI: Nora, don't talk like that! It can forsake your faith.
NORA: That child is a treacherous, Narti! I am not able to forgive her!
I disallowed each drop of milk that she suckled from me. By God
she is not ....
USTAZAH SALMI: Enough Nora! Don't say that word! Achild, even if he
becomes a famed religious leader one day, without the blessing of
his mother, will not enter the heaven, Nora! There is no forgiveness
from God! Are you willing to see your children suffer forever? Are
you willing to see your children in hell?
NORA: I am not willing, Ustazah Salmi! I am not willing!
(NORMA is seen coming out of NARTI's house, crying. She runs to
NORA. She begs for forgiveness from NORA. But NORA pushes her
and distances herself. NORMA looks weak and helpless and fallen
while crying and pleading).
NORMA: Mama, forgive Ima! Ima has sinned towards mama! Forgive
Ima! I did not know what you went through all this time! I didn't
know!
NORA: You have graduated from a university abroad. Your future is
bright. You can live well. You don't have to lower your honour to
live! Not like me, this old woman full of sin.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
NORMA: Mama! Please forgive, Ima! I have been rude to you. I am
ignorant about life. I have not undergone the hardship you have
been through. Forgive me!
NORA: You have reviled me! You said, only God is Most Forgiving.
God can forgive you. I am just a dirty human being filled with sin.
Forgive! I am not able to forgive you, Ima.
NORMA: Sis, Salmi! Please tell mama to forgive me, sis! Sis Narti,
please help me sis! I have sinned towards mama! I regret! I am not
be able to do anything now. Please help me, sis.
NARTI: (Wrenched with sadness) Your mother has undergone moments
of loss, helplessness. Far worse compare to what you are going
through now. But she faced it all, all because of you! She swallowed
the bitterness. She took all the hurt and pain because of you! But
you! What kind of human being are you? Ready to throw out your
own mother just because you have been insulted by other people?
Oh, God!
USTAZAH SALMI: Nora! The highest quality of faith is when man is
willingness to accept. You accept all this, Nora! Leave it all to God.
Life must go on, Nora!
(NARTI takes NORMA and guides her to go towards NORA. NORMA
kneels at her mother's feet. She pleads while crying. NORA stands still
with an empty look on her face. NARTI and USTAZAH SALMI go towards
NORA and hold her shoulders. They indicate to NORA to accept her.
NORMA kisses her mother's hand, crying quietly. She then hugs and
kisses her mother. Both cry while hugging each other).
NARTI: Yes, enough! So that this will bring wisdom! Come in!
NORA: Narti, I want to see William tonight. I want to quit my job. Let
Ima witness it herself.
USTAZAH SALMI: It's nearly 10.00 pm now, Nora.
NORA: Never mind, for me it's still early. I want to say the final word
with Semarak Hati Karaoke Club tonight.
(Suddenly PARJO, WAN DOL, UDIN and two other friend arrive. They
have just come from the mosque).
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MALAY LITERATURE
PARJO: Wow! The wave of tsunami, perhaps. It's not raining but why
is it wet! Don't let it flood! Or we will all drown.
NARTI: Where's Mas Yanto? Why has he not returned with you?
NORA: I'll go ahead, Narti, Salmi! (NORA and NORMA leave the place
together).
WAN DOL: The mosque committee was holding a meeting after the isyak
prayers. The Imam wanted Brother Yanto to join the meeting.
NARTI: Wow, you Parjo. I can't rest at all.
(NARTI is about to get drinks ready when they suddenly hear JAMILAH
scream from inside NORA's house. USTAZAH SALMI rushes in
when JAMILAH calls her name. NARTI pauses for a while, as one
stunned).
PARJO: Sis Narti! That's Jamilah voice! The baby has asked permission
to come out perhaps.
NARTI: Wow, Parjo! This is an emergency. I have never delivered a
baby. How am I going to be her midwife! You, Parjo!
PARJO:(Panic when NARTI goes towards him) Sister! Pardon! I don't
want to share any sin in this matter.
NARTI: Aren't you a widower! You had a wife! You have had experience
about having children!
PARJO: Yes! True I'm a widower! But I have never given birth! The one
who was pregnant was my late wife!
NARTI: Where were you when your wife gave birth?
PARJO: Yes, together with my wife! I am not an exemplar husband.
NARTI: So you know and remember how the midwife helped your wife
deliver a baby, don't you?
PARJO: Yes! But I was only a passive witness?
NARTI: Passive or active, you already have the experience. You have
to help Jamilah! Come! Don't say you can't!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
PARJO: That is the same as forcing, sis!
NARTI: Force or willing with force is the same thing! Come! Come and
help me! (NARTI walks towards the door to NORA's house. Looking
unsure PARJO follows her. When they reach the door, NARTI stops
him from entering).
NARTI: Eh! You can't enter! Wait outside!
PARJO: How can I help if I am outside?
NARTI: You stay out here, give directions. I will execute your
directions!
PARJO: Oh dear! Forgive me God! What big sin have I committed last
night that I am being punished this way?
NARTI: Finished with your supplication? Come on! Immediately, tell
me what I have to do?
PARJO: You try and see. Can you see the baby's head?
NARTI: See how?
PARJO: Oh dear! How else to see? Yes see, what can be seen. See
what I am not allowed to see! Why do you want me to see it?
NARTI: No! No need! Let me go and see.
(NARTI goes in and comes out in a rush).
NARTI: Can't see! She is controlling the pain!
PARJO: Get hot water, white cloth, soap, thick thread and a sharp knife
ready.
NARTI: Hot water? Sharp knife? You want to deliver a baby or cook
for a feast?
PARJO: The hot water is to be mixed with cold water, to clean the baby
later. The sharp knife is to cut the umbilical cord. Go on sis, get it
ready!
NARTI: (Shouts to USTAZAH SALMI asking her to get the items ready
as asked by PARJO) Salmi, get ready hot water, thick thread and
a sharp knife!
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MALAY LITERATURE
USTAZAH SALMI: (shouts from inside the house) All are ready, Narti.
NARTI: Settle! What else, Parjo? We are just like doctors who are about
to carry out an operation, yes?
PARJO: If all is ready, just wait for the baby to be born!
NARTI: Do we have to just wait? The role of the midwife is to ease the
delivery. Come on, what else?
PARJO: Ask her, the pain now comes after how many minutes?
NARTI: (Shouts) Salmi! The pain comes after how many minutes?
USTAZAH SALMI: The pain is continuous, Narti!
NARTI: The pain is continuous! Don't tell me a person who is about to
give birth is in continuous pain.
PARJO: Take a pillow and place it under her shoulder, so it's higher!
NARTI: How much higher do you mean? Show it, come on! You just
do the simulation! Go on!
(PARJO lies on the long bench like a person who is about to give birth.
He still in his sarong as he has just come from the mosque. His friends
hold PARJO on the left and right. One of them take a black oil plastic
container which is found in the area to be used as a pillow. The plastic
container is put as a pillow for PARJO. At this time PARJO and his friends
are still able to ad-lib in an interesting manner. Critical but funny).
PARJO: Her breathing, see her breathing! Take a breath from the nose
and release it through the mouth. Like this! Relax her. She is sweating
right? Wipe her sweat. What now? Ha? She wants a drink? Yes give
her a drink. What drink? Whatever you can! (PARJO's friends also
give him something to drink).
NARTI: Surely not just take a breath, let out the breath as well, Parjo!
(Without realizing it NARTI is breathing like JAMILAH). Come
on! What else?
PARJO: Three breaths, one push! Is that the right term? Yes, push!
NARTI: Three breaths, one push! Come on, Jamilah!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
USTAZAH SALMI: (Scream) The head is out, Narti!
NARTI: The head is out, Parjo!
PARJO: The head is out? Pull! Pull the head!
NARTI: Salmi, pull the head! Eh! The head can sever, Parjo! Wait first,
don't pull Salmi! Parjo, you are crazy! If we force and pull the head
out it shall be severed!
PARJO: In that case, yes push! Go on and push!
NARTI: You'd better be right, Parjo! If we push the child, it will go back
in!
PARJO: I mean push the stomach gently. Massage it downwards!
(PARJO's friends massage his stomach downwards). Yes! Like
that! Not too strong! Gentle but firm.
NARTI: Salmi massage her stomach downwards! Gently! Yes, like
that!
USTAZAH SALMI: Narti! The body is out!
NARTI: Parjo! The body is out now! What else to do now?
PARJO: Hold its neck with the left hand, and the right hand hold its
buttocks.
NARTI: Salmi, the right hand hold the neck! The right hand support the
buttocks. Yes, carry it. Pull gentle! Pull!
PARJO: Don't pull! Don't force it, sis! Let it come out as it pleases!
NARTI: Sorry! Don't pull! Let it come out naturally!
USTAZAH SALMI: It's all out now, Narti!
NARTI: The child has come out completely, Parjo. What else is there
to do?
PARJO: (Tired) I am also exhausted, sis! Let me rest first.
NARTI: You can rest. But the child looks like it's suffocating Parjo. The
face looks blue! What should we do?
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MALAY LITERATURE
PARJO: Oh God, I forgot! Turn it upside down so the face is down!
Massage its back. Let all the water come out from its mouth.
NARTI :(Tired) Salmi, turn it upside down! Let out all the water from
its mouth.
PARJO: Done? All the water is out? Put it down! Take the thick thread.
Tie the umbilical cord closest to its stomach. Tie it well, yes! Take
a knife. Cut the umbilical cord above the tied thread.
NARTI: Tie the umbilical cord tightly and then cut the other side.
USTAZAH SALMI: (Goes to NARTI at the door, her hands soiled with
blood) Narti, I'm scared to cut. I dare not!
NARTI: (looks at USTAZAH SALMI's bloody hands. NARTI becomes
scared) Blood? Ya Allah! I am scared too, Salmi! Parjo! You cut the
child's umbilical cord!
PARJO: How can I, Sis Narti! I have to do the simulation here!
USTAZAH SALMI: Is it all right not to cut it, Parjo?
PARJO: It's all right, the only worry is contamination.
NARTI: So who is going to cut that baby's umbilical cord?
USTAZAH SALMI: I have already delivered the baby, Narti! Looking at
this blood, I am about to faint!
NARTI: Wait! Don't faint yet. Oh dear. What now? You are a man, Parjo,
you are more brave! Go on!
PARJO: It's true I'm a man, Sis Narti! But I have no experience in this
matter.
USTAZAH SALMI: You do it, Narti. Furthermore it's not sweet proper
for Parjo to go in there.
PARJO: That's right, ustazah! I am not sweet!! am really sour now.
WAN DOL: What is that smell, Parjo? You?
PARJO: Sorry, my concentration was really off the limit while doing the
simulation then.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
NARTI: Parjo! You have no manners! Pity your friends!
USTAZAH SALMI: It's all right, Narti! He helped us a lot. It's good that
he could concentrate then.
PARJO: Sorry, sis! My emotions are at the highest level! Plus the one
hundred percent concentration! As a result, I have given birth as
well!
UDIN: Mas Parjo gave birth to a baby that has no life, but the smell is
terrible!!
NARTI: Enough! Enough! Go and settle it in the toilet there! Eh! Our
baby! I forgot! The umbilical cord is not yet cut. Parjo!
(PARJO is almost near the toilet but he turns back).
USTAZAH SALMI: Never mind Narti, let me cut it.
NARTI: Thank God! Thanks.
(NARTI and USTAZAH SALMI go in. Leaving PARJO and his friends
behind).
WAN DOL: You Parjo, what are you waiting for? You don't have an
umbilical cord to cut!
UDIN: Maybe there's something else that wants to be cut for the second
time.
PARJO: You are mad, if it's cut, what is left for me (Heads for the
toilet).
WAN DOL: You've been a widower for a long time, Parjo! You don't
need it anymore!
PARJO: (Yells from inside the toilet) I'm willing to donate it to anyone
who needs it!
WAN DOL: (Shouts into the house) Sis Narti! Weh! Is it a he or a
she?
NARTI: (Appears from the door): What is it? He? She? You think this
is a kid goat? Isn't 'it' the term for animals?
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MALAY LITERATURE
UDIN: That is the usual language of Dol! Baby boy or a baby girl?
NARTI: (Acting like a man smoking a cigar) A boy! Beautiful and
cute! Goodness! Salmi is bathing the baby.
WAN DOL: What are you going to name him?
UDIN: I suggest, we follow the name of the day!
NARTI: Today is Saturday! Tomorrow is Sunday (Ahad)! He was born
between Saturday (Sabtu) and Sunday! If we combine Saturday
(Sabtu) and Sunday (Ahad), we get Sabah!
WAN DOL: We can't, Sis Narti! The Sabah people will get angry! You
Udin, nowadays we don't use the names of days anymore!! But
you can, during the Era of Merong Mahawangsa!
NARTI: The mother's name is Jamilah, the one who delivered the
baby is Salmi, helped by Parjo. So if we combine the names we
get Jamsapar!
UDIN: That sounds weird, sis! Good thing Wan did not help then. Or
else his name will be Jamsawan!
(USTAZAH SALMI is seen coming out from the house with the baby in
her arms wrapped in Javanese batik. They surround the baby).
USTAZAH SALMI: So cute, Narti! Look at his dimples! This boy will be
handsome when he grows up! How nice if he's my own child.
NARTI: You Salmi! You are not married, and you want a child? Match
child or step child possible?
(PARJO comes out from the toilet. He goes straight to the baby).
PARJO: Where is my twin child? Where is it?
NARTI: You Parjo, have you clean yourself?
PARJO: Do I need to purify myself? One under-wear has been sacrified,
Sis Narti!!
USTAZAH SALMI: Thank you, Parjo! Without your help then, I wouldn't
know what to do!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
PARJO: It's nothing ustazah! Actually, I don't know anything either.
USTAZAH SALMI: But what you taught us then, is just like a doctor.
PARJO: I guess around 20 percent, the imagination was 10 percent! The
rest was just mere luck.
NARTI: You said you have seen your wife give birth!
PARJO: Yes I have, but I've forgotten! It's been more than 10 years,
sis! (USTAZAH SALMI hands the baby to PARJO).
PARJO: Mas Yanto, Leman! Jamilah has given birth. This is her child,
a boy! (PARJO give the baby to LEMAN).
USTAZAH SALMI: This is the outcome of your effort, Parjo.
NARTI: Why, Parjo? Are you afraid to hold the baby?
WAN DOL: What you say can't be right? As if it's fun to carry a baby!
PARJO: (Takes the baby awkwardly) Ya Allah! The creation of God is
the most perfect. I remember how happy I was the first time I held
my own baby in my arms more than 10 years ago. Times were hard
then. My wife was ill since she gave birth until the moment she
died. We ate whatever we could. Obviously, she lacked vitamins.
I raised the child all by myself with the help and sympathy of my
neighbours who were also poor. My child's life was wasted. When
I was working at the paddy fields, I left the child totally to fate. He
was alone in the house! His food was not organized. From the
fields, I ran back and forth to the house every hour until he was
five years old. He could walk and run. Each day, I took him to the
fields. He enjoyed it each time he went there. One day, I lost my
son. I ran like a mad man, looking all over. But, I did not find him.
It was almost sunset when I found my son. His body was lying
in the water. The body was pale, cold and frozen. He drowned in
the water that was waist high. I hugged and rocked the body like
this rocking his body. I screamed, angry with God. Yes God, why
did you take him? Why didn't You take me who was full of sins?
I was angry with God. I was not willing to give in to fate. Since
then I travelled. Listening to my heart and the strength of my legs,
until I met Mas Yanto. He taught me to surrender his heart to God.
That was the only son that reminded me of my late wife. Now, I
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MALAY LITERATURE
have nothing. My life is empty. I lost all that I love in this world. I
surrender!
USTAZAH SALMI: Parjo, regard this child as your foster child. We shall
all look after him.
NARTI: Parjo! Remember what Mas Yanto said? God's test is an
opportunity for us to strengthen our faith. Don't push it away!
Surrender willingly.
PARJO: If not for pasrah, maybe I won't be here with Sis Narti and all
my friends.
(YANTO enters the compound and beside him is LEMAN. LEMAN is
pushing his bicycle while talking to YANTO. They have just come from
the mosque).
NARTI: Mas Vantol Why are you so late? The Imam of the mosque is
already in dreamland at this time.
YANTO: Lo! All of you are not asleep yet? Are you guys waiting for me?
YANTO: Thank God! Happiness to all of you for helping to bring another
human being into this world.
NARTI: Salmi and Parjo were the midwives, mas!
YANTO: Goodness! You are great, Parjo! You are a midwife at the
young age.
PARJO: Not a midwife, Mas Yanto. I was only the simulation
midwife. Something like a remote control midwife.
YANTO: Does this new born has a name yet?
NARTI: Not yet, mas! We suggested all sorts of names.
YANTO: Let's the mother have the privilege to name her child. Still is
not enough, considering the hardship she has been through.
LEMAN: Jamilah told me, if it's a boy she wants to name it Jamil!
YANTO: Thank God! Jamil! A beautiful name! Even the meaning is
beautiful. Come, Parjo, tomorrow, early in the morning, bring your
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ISMAIL KASSAN
friends and we slaughter the goat for the feast. It's late now, let's
all disperse!
(PARJO and his friend go home. YANTO together with LEMAN, NARTI
and USTAZAH SALMI go into NORA's house to see JAMILAH).
(The stage is dark).
SCENE 7
SETTING:
No change.
TIME:
Around 9.00 t010.00 in the morning.
(PARJO's friends arrive. Some carrying machetes to slaughter the
goat; another, a guitar. They realize YANTO's motorbike is not in its
usual place. They sing together. After they sing, PARJO, WAN DOL
and UDIN arrives).
PARJO: You came early! Good! But why haven't you start to work?
Goodness, your axe is huge! You can cut timber with that. Never
mind, easy to cut the bones.
FRIEND 1: Mas Yanto is not here, Mas Parjo. His motorbike is not
here either! We are waiting for instructions. What do you want us
to do?
PARJO: The goat is slaughtered there. Aren't you used to slaughter
for sacrifice?
FRIEND 1: Yes, Mas Parjo! I am ready! But where is the goat?
PARJO: Yesterday we tied it at the back of Mas Yanto's house. By the
river over there. Slaughter and skin it there. Come on! Udin, you
lead our friends! Let me and Wan Dol manage these unripe jackfruit
and unripe bananas.
(PARJO's friends each bring their own instruments towards the back of
YANTO's house. PARJO is about to cut the bananas when UDIN runs
in hurriedly to tell the bad news).
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MALAY LITERATURE
UDIN: Mas Parjo! Mas Parjo! The goat is not there! It's gone!
PARJO: Not there? Gone? Where has the goat gone? Come let's find
it! Who tied the goat yesterday?
UDIN: Me, mas!
WAN DOL: You didn't tie it tightly!
UDIN: Tight, Wan! I used to tie timber!
PARJO: If it was tight how did it get away? The back of Mas Yanto's house
is fenced right up to the edge of the river. Even if it has been released
from the rope, surely the goat couldn't have jumped out?
UDIN: We had been searching and i'm sure it's not here! Goats can't
jump fences, mas!
PARJO: Very clever, an expert on goats? If it has not jumped over the
fence, don't tell me that the goat has swam across the river. Have
you ever seen a goat swim?
WAN DOL: Goats doesn't like to bathe!
PARJO: This is swimming! Swim! Maybe, if it knows that it's going to be
slaughtered. Scared, yes scared! It will have to be braved enough
to swim.
UDIN: If all goats know that they are going to be sacrificed, surely a
lot of goats will submit readily. Maybe that goat doesn't want to be
made a sacrifice, so it bathes in the river to cleanse itself! It cleansed
itself for the sacrifice.
WAN DOL: Hoi! Goat don't have palms! How is it going to swim? Here,
no hands!
(NARTI comes out of NORA's house when she hears the din
outside).
NARTI: What's all this noise, Parjo? Have you been horned by the
goat again?
PARJO: No, Mbak Narti! The goat has gone!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
NARTI: Goat is gone? Parjo! Udin! You'd better look for the goat till you
find it. Or else someone will be sacrificed to replace that goat.
WAN DOL: It's all right sis! We'll look for it! If we don't get a goat, will
a cow do?
NARTI: I don't care, a goat! A cow, a buffalo! As long as it's not a pig.
As long as it is an animal that can be slaughtered.
(NARTI goes into her house).
UDIN: Upstream near the waterfall, I've seen goats grazing! We'll take
one! The lost goat will surely return to its owner's.
WAN DOL: You don't playa fool, Udin! That goat was to be sacrificed!
If a stolen goat is slaughtered, the original goat will claim its right
in the hereafter. How are you going to answer? You didn't learn the
language of goats?
PARJO: Strange! The fence is still strong, the goat is gone! Jump a
fence? That's impossible! Swim? Impossible too. Where could the
goat be?
WAN DOL: Maybe the goat tried to swim across! But the current
was strong, he was dragged downstream. Let's go and look for it
downstream!
(Suddenly, NARTI's screaming in her house. There is a goat under the
bed in her room).
PARJO: (Surprised and breaks into sitat all over the place. He takes off
his shoe which he uses as a weapon) Eh, what's with Mbak Narti?
Mbak Narti, why? There's a burglar?
(NARTI is still screaming loudly. PARJO rushes to go into the house,
but he stops at the door).
PARJO: (Stopping at the door) Can't go in! Cannot!
WAN DOL: Why Parjo? Kak Narti! Must go in to help!
PARJO: No, you can't! Mas Yanto not in! It'll be a scandal.
UDIN: During the day, with so many of us out here, it can't be a
scandal.
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MALAY LITERATURE
PARJO: Ooo! Cannot! It's still dangerous! A lot of gang-rape cases
now!
WAN DOL: Rape your head! Sis Narti is in a crisis in there! This is a
time of emergency!
PARJO: (Teases in the Kelantan) Ifthis is an emergency! I have diabetes 1 !
You are not an ulama to declare a state of emergency!
WAN DOL: Pah! You are difficult, Parjo. We form a new section, it's
easier! We declare a state of emergency! Come, let's go in!
(As they are about to enter, NARTI comes out with a large ladle in one hand
and a piece of batik cloth in the other hand. She is screaming loudly).
PARJO: Why, mbak? Tell us where the enemy is hiding?
NARTI: Heavens! His skin is shining black, Parjo!! His voice snorting,
angry! I thought it was a ghost! But, it was a goat under the bed,
in my room.
PARJO: Goodness! That's the goat to be sacrificed for Jami!. Basically
a lusty goat! About to die and he won't repent!
WAN DOL: Parjo! You bought a lusty goat!
NARTI: Enough! Enough! Enough of joking! Quickly go in and get the
goat! It might of expresses its emotions in my room. Oh dear! The
romance between me and Mas Yanto will disappear. Day and night
it'll sting, the smell of goat's pee!
PARJO: Yes, this is what we waiting for. Bring the goatie to the back!
Slaughter it immediately. Obviously this goat is far-sighted. Go
on!
(PARJO's friends enter and bring the goat out through the back door
to be slaughtered. PARJO and WAN DOL are peeling the jackfruit and
bananas to curry. In the meantime PARJO shouts at his friend to ask
about the slaughter).
1 See explanation on the pun of words in Scene 4.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
PARJO: They are very quiet. Woi! Has the goat been slaughtered?
UDIN: (Runs from behind the house to tell the news) It's been slaughtered,
Mas Parjo but not dead yet!
PARJO: Yes, just wait. In a while it'll die! Why? Do you want to read
the final prayers? These kids handle only one goat and the whole
world knows about it!
(Suddenly TAHIR enters with two big-sized gangsters and the DRUG
ADDICT who gave him the information about JAMILAH).
DRUG ADDICT: This is the house, boss!
TAHIR: Are you sure? Don't mess around with me! I will drown you in
the river.
PENAGIH: Correct boss! I have investigated! Confirmed! They are the
ones who kidnapped Jamilah!
TAHIR: Hoi you! Where is my daughter?
PARJO: Me? You are asking me? My name is not hoi! My name is
Parjo! (PARJO exaggerates the pronunciation of his name while
making fun of TAHIR).
TAHIR: You don't mess with me! I'll smash you head, then you'll know.
Quick tell me! Where is my daughter Jamilah?
PARJO: Usually the place of a child is in the house! Why do you look
for her, here?
TAHIR: My child ran away from home! You have conspired to hide her.
Quick bring her out! If not, I'll burn this house.
(TAHIR bangs the walls of NORA's house. A scream is heard from
within. NART/'s voice is also heard grumbling at PARJO. She thinks
PARJO and his friends are playing football).
WAN DOL: Hoi! Old man! Do you think we are scared of you because
you are the bouncer in a night club? Hey, this Wan Dollah, the child
of Tumpat! I am not scared to die! You come here!
(WAN DOL charges towards TAHIR. In a haste, PARJO wants to grab
a knife but grabs a banana instead. He follows WAN DOL from behind.
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MALAY LITERATURE
The two gangsters, TAHIR's friends, are ready with their weapons. A
fight is about to begin).
NARTI: What's all this noise out here? Ha youl What do you want?
TAHIR: Shut up! You bring Jamilah out now or I burn this house
down!
NARTI: Hoi! You really have no brains! You think you are the angel of
death, Izrael? You want to take people's lives?
PARJO: (Shouts calling his friends from behind the house) Udin! The
enemy attacks! Come and help us!
(UOIN and his friends enter. Each with hands and clothes smeared in
blood, carrying axes, knives and machetes. They look fierce with their
clothes smeared in goat's blood. They look as if they are wild, violent
and scary).
GANGSTER 1: What now, boss! These people look like cannibals!
TAHIR: Why? You scared? Scared of these weak village people?
GANGSTER 2: They don't look so weak, boss. Look at that axel Dripping
with blood still. Their faces look like ....
TAHIR: Like what?
GANGSTER 2: Like the faces of people that eat human, boss!
PARJO: Sure, we like eating human!
NARTI: Watch out! They'll use your skulls to make soup bowls!
(On hearing NART/'s words, both the GANGSTERS slowly back off
leaving TAHIR alone. TAHIR is all alone. He curses his two companions
who have run off. The DRUG ADDICT also tries to run away, but as he
sways right to left, PARJO's friend catch him and ties him up with the
rope used for tying the goat).
(UOIN faces TAHIR one to one, like a hero in a western movie in a duel.
The fighting scene between UOW and TAHIR can be done in comic
action. They can sitat and move in slow motion as in the film 'Matrix'.
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ISMAIL KASSAN
The silat movements must be interesting but funny. Or can be done
using the comic style of Jim Carrey in the film 'Mask'. Their fight is
tense but funny. Finally TAHIR is defeated by UDIN. PARJO stops
UDIN from giving the final thrust as, gladiator).
PARJO: You think you are great? Stupid till the end! Why didn't you die
when you're small, now you have create probelms for other.
NARTI: What did you say Parjo? Stupid? What's stupid?
PARJO: Yes, he is a stupid, a fool, Mbak Narti! Not only a fool, but a fool
till the end! Hei! Your name is Tahir, ya! You are not qualified to use
the letter "R" at the end of your name, you know? Not qualified!
TAHIR: Sorry, boss! I will not use the letter "R" anymore, boss!
PARJO: Who's the boss? You are a villain, I am not a boss to a villain
like you! (Give the signal to tie him). Throw him in the river to be
sacrificed to the crocodiles! Both of them.
NARTI: What do you want to do with them, Parjo?
PARJO: Mbak Narti usually makes satan's tail soup right? TOday we
make soup from the real satans! Not just the tail only.
TAHIR: Sorry, bother! I am sorry! I promise not to disturb this place
anymore!
WAN DOL: What? You called him brother? Tui! It makes me puke!
Parjo! Does he qualify? Your brother?
PARJO: Brother? Him? Become my brother? Hey, you are a haruan2 !
This is Parjo! Call yourself my brother? (PARJO is about to kick
TAHIR but is stopped by NARTI).
NARTI: Parjo! Patience! Not like that! We don't have to be as wild like
him. (NARTI walks near TAHIR with the large ladle in her hand.
NARTI hits TAHIR's body and head like the one who is being
possessed). You are discourteous! You dare to kill your unborn
2 Haruan: a fish that eats its young or known as snakehead.
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MALAY LITERATURE
child! You are a monkey! Now you want to kill again? Ha? Want to
kill again! Give me the axe, Udin! Let me cut off this father's heritage.
Useless scoundrel!
(NARTI as if being possessed manages to catch hold of the axe.
She is about to swing the axe at TAHIR's private parts. PARJO and
his friends panic with NARTI's craziness and don't know what to do.
YANTO enters with PAK JAMAL. YANTO shouts, stopping NARTI,
who is as if she is being possessed).
YANTO: Narti! Ask for forgiveness, Narti! God forgive! I heard your voice
mas, wanting to cut off his private parts.
PARJO: They attacked with weapons, Mas Yanto. Two of his friends
ran off.
PAK JAMAL: Narti! It is not our right to sentence him. Enough! The
sentence given is enough.
YANTO: Yes, we have just come from the police station. Here, the
policemen are with us.
(The policemen who came with YANTO and PAK JAMAL immediately
take TAHIR and DRUG ADDICT who was tied by PARJO's friends).
PAK JAMAL: We made a report at the police station. The police are
here to take a written statement from Jamilah!
POLICE: Actually, many cases have been reported about Tahir at the
station! He will not escape this time! But, why are you all covered
in blood. Were you hurt?
WAN DOL: They came and attacked! We were skinning a goat. To
prepare for a sacrificial feast. Huh! With axes, knives and machetes
we fought.
PAK JAMAL: Sir! Please come to the feast tonight!
POLICE: God-willing! Thank you! I want to send these two goats to the
goat yard first!
(The POLICEMEN take TAHIR and DRUG ADDICT out).
YANTO: Thank God, all is settled!
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ISMAIL KASSAN
PARJO: Yes! Exactly! It seems I have experienced this events
before! Mbak Narti! What was the ailment of Rohana, before? Deja
Vu?
YANTO: Are you sure Parjo, not Deja Vu?
NARTI: Yes, mas? Not Deja Vu?
305