This post may not be as eloquent or as organised (and long-winded) as it should be, for I am "typing under influence"(pardon me). But, I am pretty sure I am recording one of the most underrated, most subtle, most secretive, most unpublicised, yet most satisfactory event in Kajang, Mont Kiara, Broga, and Cheras.
It is called "The Hash".
Imagine, a collection of people. Disregarding wealth, social status, health, and most importantly AGE, in a rendezvous at the bottom of Broga Hill. The aim? A 1.5 hrs hike up Broga Hill (purportedly 1000 metres in height, but actually 300+ metres.), and eventually, free flow of beer, snacks and food at the FINISH line.
Sounds good eh? According to this
link, Malaysian hashing started during the British colonial rule, and to my observation, it is a dying tradition. Because it involves
strenuous physical exercises and heavy boozing, 2 qualities that are extremes opposites to youngsters. Sure, one might not approve the overindulgence of
alcohol and
debilitating marathon around
lalangs and steep hills and mud. But after experiencing 1 and 1/2 hrs of physical torment (e.g, hiking, scaling down slopes, hiking again, getting lost, hopping over
water streams and jogging) one can yet feel the satisfaction, good company of fellow '
hashiers' and still wanting for more.
This is my first Hashing experience,
I FIRST noticed hashing from my local Chicken rice stall, approximately 6-7 yrs ago. On his stall's glass panels, there were multiple "House Harrier Hash", "888" or 'cock-themed' stickers on display. I always wondered the origins of these organisations.
Today, my Uncle arrived in Malaysia from Perth , and invited me to a 'Hash' in Broga Hill, near Mantin. Without hesitation, I agreed to tag along. Albeit I was warned by my aunt that Hashing events are simply made up reasons for men and women to drink.
Arrived at the location at 5:30 p.m on a Tuesday evening. To my dismay, the participants were all in their mid- 40s. As the Chinese saying, they were "Evening Birds".
But! I was not completely discouraged. The MAIN objective was to overcome the marathon challenge. Guided by a "Super" we were hiking Broga Hill in no time. Carefully following paper trails and deciphering hollers from hiking mates in front, warning us about thorns, holes and slopes ahead.
I must say, the Supers were highly supportive on newcomers, although they are not as fit. At one point on course, I got lost - distracted by a odd-looking tree-house with a person living in it. Indo immigrant looking after the plantation perhaps. Or is it....? creepy.
Finally, after an hour and half of physical torment and humiliation, here comes the reward! Free flow of ICE Cold beer and nasi lemak snack! <<---snack.
By Hashiers' tradition, b4 dinner there will be a 'circus' or 'circle'. A circus is where the Grandmaster (GM) announces the updates on events and newbies get 'initiated' be hashiers. The process goes like this, everyone gathers in a circle and the newbie tell everyone his/her name, address, the person who brought him in the hash, and did he/she have fun in the first hash. To make things more interesting, newbies will have to sit on a block of ice. YES! ICE!!
Logically, you wouldn't dare piss off 80+ mid aged people, so you suck up to them. I did great, so no ICE CHAIR for me. In fact, I got handshakes from many hashiers. Did I mention they'll sing a song and the newbie was to down a whole stubbie of beer?
After 5 stubbies, we were led to a roadside restaurant and treated dinner. 4 dishes consisting of 2 vegies, one pork and one fish... and dessert.
So! what do I think of this unique experience? Pure magnificence. I never thought I'll play well with mid-aged people. For I constantly forget that THEY were 23 y.o like me years before, carefree, thoughtless, bashful and fearless.
I guess having a youngster within the crowd is a delight for them. Maybe it's the fatigue, maybe it's the alcohol, but for 1st time hashier like me being in the center of the crowd, ppl picking debris off your face and shaking your hands and knowing your mother, uncle, maybe grandfather on introduction... it gives you a sense of familiarity.
They drink, smoke, curse and binge on illicit stuff. On the contrary, they kid, tease, and laugh at anyone, everyone! Age, gender, height, looks, education, wealth do not matter, well at least at the hash.
I've finally found something unique in my hometown.
*There were no injuries during the hash run. One did, however occurred when an old man got too drunk and fell on his head. Dummy.
