US performers serve up video ‘guide’ to Malaysia, Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR — It is a video that styles itself as a primer to food and cultures of Malaysia and Singapore, but ends up depicting the two as countries offering just “strict” governments, curry, laksa, roti paratha (prata) and “char kuey tiu”.

Performed by the Los Angeles, United States based duo calling themselves the Fung Brothers and made in collaboration with Ayam Brand — whose product placement in conjunction with the lyrics leave little doubt to its involvement — the video provides a superficial primer of the two countries.

Interspersed between the dancing and rap about the four dishes that are made to represent the two South-east Asian neighbours, the Fung Brothers throw in local terms such as “kiasu” and “wah lau”, describing these as “Manglish” and “Singlish”.

The video featuring primarily Oriental performers also pokes fun at the West’s tendency to confuse Malaysians and Singaporeans for Mainland Chinese, and explains that the two countries were made up of a diverse people.

It also helpfully shows where both countries are on the world map.

Malaysians and Singaporeans are described as having “funny accents”, with Malaysia getting the nod over the republic for having “nicer folk” and cheaper price tags.

The video has received over 280,000 views over six days after it was uploaded, and was described as having gone viral.

Reactions on YouTube, where the video was posted, were largely supportive, with users expressing their enjoyment of the clip and offering up some dishes that they felt were left out. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE