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MALAYSIAN HAIKU APRIL 15, 16, 2003
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Haiku chants, the incense smoke
curls to reveal a malay
bomoh munching lemon
a familiar scene in the old days when a malay bomoh or witchdoctor is engaged to cure all sorts of ailments including possession by spirits. in the more rural areas, the bomoh's services are still much sought for.
infusing the keris
with koran verses
another taming sari
the keris, the short wavy sharp sword is a portent weapon of the malay people. it was worn round the waists by malay men in the past for protection. today, one wears it only during marriage. the king or sultans use them for ceremonial purposes. the royal krises are usually made of gold with jewels on their scabbards or hilts.
