( 20 ) 
Pahang River to memories, or inherited traditions, 
of the time when it was not worth while for a man 
to work to make himself comfortable. When a 
European estate owner or manager says that the 
Malays are lazy if often simply means, “ They won’t 
come to work on my estate, or will only do so 
irregularly.” There is, however no reason why 
they should, especially if they are landowners. 
Their land produces enough for their necessities and 
for their accustomed luxuries. They are in that 
position of independence which most European hope 
to reach — their own masters. 
As to mental laziness, I have a high opinion 
of Malay intelligence. A Malay can both think and 
act for himself in a greater degree than most easter- 
ners. The expressions of the children’s faces are 
bright and alert, and where opportunity for exercise 
of intelligence exists in later life, the level is main- 
tained. Furthermore the Malay is decidedly clever 
with his hands, as witness the most ingenious traps 
and snares for mammals, birds and fish which he 
constructs, the beautiful embroideries and cloths 
made by his women-folk in certain districts, and 
the very high degree of skill formerly attained in 
the working of gold and silver, the making of 
damascened weapon blades, and in wood-carving. 
One or two Malay characteristics I have not 
yet dealt with. The younger men, especially 
those of the town, are very keen about taking up 
new ideas, starting clubs, and so on, but they rarely 
have sufficient determination, if the matter in hand 
requires sacrifice of present comfort to insure future 
gain, to carry things through. Malays quite readily 
recognize this characteristic and, to do them justice, 
are quite ready to laugh at themselves about it. 
