190. Money Man (Short Story No.4 in Marriage and Mutton Curry) by M. Shanmughalingam

BOOK REVIEW: Money Man (Short Story No.4 in Marriage and Mutton Curry) by M. Shanmughalingam

Malaysia's project schemes have always been small and precise, with the ministers running a fine-toothed comb through all its procedures. However, financing from the World Bank is an ongoing issue due to the lack in size of it.

In this short story, one out of fifteen in the refined Dato' Dr. M. Shanmughalingam's collection of short stories, Marriage and Mutton Curry, this situation is narrated through the character of a visiting dignitary from the United States of America, a representative of the World Bank.

The Finance Minister of Malaya is depicted as a man who is like a speedy gazelle in his work that he even speeds up his speech, constricting words that were meant to be longer than what he mentions. In a humorous manner, the author has painted a vivid picture of our then and now ministers who have always been misunderstood as sitting on their laurels.

Malaysia is also strong in its standing and its believes of leading the country into a better future through its many up and coming projects. This is one of the issues highlighted in this short story. It shows Malaysians aren't one to pussy foot around to give their honest opinion, let it be foreigners or even to their own countrymen.

The foreign dignitary is then treated to Malaysian hospitality at its finest when he is invited to the Malayan Finance Minister's house for dinner. Course after course of Malaysia's traditional dishes are served causing the dignitary to loosen his belt. Even if there was slight friction during the day's happenings, Malaysians don't tend to keep grudges for long and display finesse when entertaining newcomers to their land.

Besides that, it also depicts the take-it-easy attitude of Malaysians and the laid-back mentality that is practiced throughout Malaysia. Although issues seem serious, it is handled with much calmness and thought instead of flowing rapidly into a mess. In this story, the then Prime Minister of Malaya is portrayed as such a man, cool yet simmering with action.

All in all, it's a story that will make you proud of Malaysia in many ways with its portrayal of our homeland and its people. If you'd like to know more on how this short story unravels, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Marriage and Mutton Curry in any good bookstore near you today.