It’s always fascinating to see angmohs speaking Bahasa Malaysia, but it’s even better when they call Malaysia their home and sing Negaraku!
Leon J. Muffett used to live in Malaysia when he was a school teacher at SMK Air Hitam in Kedah back in the 1970s.
Now living in Ridgefield, Washington, Muffett is a preschool teacher at his local church. On 14 April, he uploaded a video of himself talking in BM and singing Negaraku to hopefully lift the spirits of us Malaysians during this Covid-19 outbreak.
“Good evening to all my friends in Malaysia and welcome to my home in Ridgefield, Washington,” said Muffett in the video.
“During this time, when the world is filled with difficulties and problems my purpose is to try and lift your spirits and courage.
“Actually, I consider myself an adopted child of Malaysia. A country that is beautiful and peaceful, safe and sound. My country too.”
He then proceeds to stand up and proudly and passionately sings Malaysia’s national anthem!
Muffett later explained that he initially made the video to share with his former students from SMK Air Hitam and was amazed by the love he has been shown by Malaysians since.
“I have no idea how to say this. I’m out of thoughts and have lost my voice—there are no words to describe it,” said Muffett.
“This kerbau balar lubuk pinang (white buffalo), a nickname given to me by some of my former students and I call myself too, is full of gratitude.”
“I’m so touched by the outpouring love thousands have shown me since I uploaded the video. My students are like family to me. I love them like they are my own. All I can say is thank you for your love.”
He even uploaded a post for his English-speaking friends, explaining and translating what he said in the video and described it as an expression of his love for Malaysia and its people. Aww.
“I wished them a pleasant evening and welcomed them into my home,” he said.
“I noted that in this time when the whole world is struggling to cope, I wanted to encourage them and lift their spirits. Then I sang Malaysia’s very beautiful national anthem as an expression of my love for Malaysia and her people.”
He then ends his post wishing his students well and encouraged them to stay home.
“That’s all for now. Have a good night, I miss you all and hope to see you soon. Just don’t forget, while you may be too far for my eyes to see, you are close to my heart. Stay home and stay safe!” he said.
Wow! He can speak BM even better than me! Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, Sir Muffett!
Also read: Our Agong Is Happy Everyone Is Working Together And Adhering To MCO Phase 3, Gives Thumbs Up
