Unity Speech

I might as well tell you about this one since I have been talking about speakers who have made an impression on me.

This incident happened when I was an undergrad at a local university (a million years ago) and it was at the campus’ Christian Fellowship gathering. The occasion was the handing over of the leadership to a fresh batch of leaders.

The new leader, a fine Chinese chap, all heart for God and servitude to Him, gave a long passionate speech about Christian unity and he urged all the students there to unite as one in faith. It was hard for him to give the speech as he had to speak in Malay.

He was indeed all heart for God but a little deficient in the Malay language department for he ended his speech with the following exortation:

“Saudara- saudari, marilah kita bersetubuh!!!”

The hall fell silent. Here and there, we could hear stifled laughters and short bursts of giggles. 

I nearly choked on my saliva and died. My friend sitting beside me had to pinch me hard so that I wouldn’t burst out in laughter like a orgasmic hyena in heat!

For those of you who are also deficient in Malay, this is the translation of what he said:

“Brothers and sisters, let us have (sexual) intercourse!!!”

I believe he meant well and his heart was pure. I am sure what he wanted to say was “Saudara-saudari, marilah kita berSATU” which means ‘united’.

Still, the incident stuck to my mind to this day. I don’t think anyone ever corrected him. Poor guy. I hope he won’t be giving a speech in Malay in our Parliament some day.

Wed, 290807 @ 2113

 

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