
"You gotta be kidding!"
Nope, I'm not. Shockingly, it's still happening in Malaysia and many parts of Asia. The family of the bride or groom (depending on culture) still expects to get a dowry. I was pretty shocked when an urban, sophisticated friend of mine actually asked for a dowry.... Who would ever think such a thing could happen in the Year of our Lord 2009! Perhaps they are still stuck in the years Before Christ (BC) - think Old Testament dowries to bundle away the bethrothed.
Get a life! You're not for sale. Even if you're up for sale, please ask for more and not just "cho khuan, cho khuan RM10,000 - 50,000). Your love cannot be represented by money (even in the name of culture). It's something intimate between the two of you -- one that's to be cherished for life.
Stop dowry, wang hantaran, whatever you call it -- it's daylight usury! If your partner insists, ask him or her -- is my love more important or what society/parents think? Oops, I'm gonna get stoned for this. If I die, so be it, at least I spoke my mind.
my sentiments exactly, unless if they are still living in a stone age.
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