Confronting Malayness as a Millennial - Just Saying Episode 78 (Solo)

Hey guys, welcome to Just Saying Solo; an extension of Just Saying where Dew invites guests and speak about things that is close to their heart.
In the first episode, he had Hirzi Zulkiflie, one of Singapore's first KZbinrs. In this episode, we spoke about what KZbin was like back in the day and the struggles he faced.
Timestamps :
00:00 - 02:38 - Introductions
02:37 - 10:09 - Who Is Hirzi Zulkiflie
10:10 - 13:29 - His First Video On KZbin
13:30 - 15:11 - 10 Dares Was Born
15:12 - 16:11 - Not Crossing The Line
16:12 - 17:53 - What Did 10,00 Views Feel Like?
17:54 - 24:44 - Being Liberal
24:45 - 33:28 - Pinkdot
33:28 - 46:34 - Not Behaving The Way We Should
Just Saying Crew:
Dew Francis - / dewdropzz
Saffron Sharpe - / saffronsharpe
Jade Rasif - / djjaderasif
Munah Bagharib - / munahbagharib
Keisha Sarah - / keishasarah
Jacky : / jackyngcomedy
Business Enquiries : [e-mail]

[@TheBackstageBunch]

Watch Part 2 Here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX7Sf3uqp9x0rNUsi=L4Adrd1_lJYaxPNC

[@gabidris1390]

I didn't expect to be crying, the part where Dew said "i sinned, only to look for HIM for forgiveness" that really hits. This episode really needs a part 2 ❤

[@TheBackstageBunch]

Coming right up next Sunday!

[@d7adict]

Am a non-Muslim, and I don't know why I am I tearing up hearing Dews story about trying to be a better Muslim and being nearer to God. I hope you find your peace

[@lysuenn]

This was excellent, one of the best pieces of media in a long time. No gimmicks, no false energy, no fancy edits and background music, just two humans being vulnerable. You've a knack for this Dew, please do more. :)

[@kgdangar2]

now i understand why Islam and iman is the greatest blessing that one could ever receive. Alhamdulillah for Islam

[@muhammadfadly8338]

to be able to understand and practice it as it ought to be

[@shadowfeline5989]

I'm a Malaysian Chinese, 30-year-old female who has always admired Hirzi and his life journey in the limelight. It takes his guts and confidence to be Hirzi, unapologetically loud yet wise, grounded and kind. I am trying to put myself out there while being different from the expected status quo. This video is precious, educational and enriching. Hirzi is someone whom I think many young creators can learn from, especially when you don't fit the standard bill of your ethnicity's expectations and you wanna express yourself authentically online. Thank you Hirzi for being you, evolved and even more fabulous than when I first saw you online several years ago.

[@nurlianne]

Dew! That pork story really moved me to tears! I know in islam there's an exception where we can eat pork, example like theres no food or during emergencies - you being in school and having to survive on that crispy pork due to lack of funds... bro thats your hardship and bro, Allah is All-Knowing, Allah is All-Merciful and All-Forgiving. Pats on back that youre struggling trying to be a good muslim. We are all sinners, we are all struggling but the best muslims are those who try their best to be on the right path. Just keep trying, dont give up ❤

[@rafiwankenobi]

I’m not the biggest fan of either but this was a conversation that was worth having and listening to. Not to say whose view is right or otherwise, but having a conversation like this seems to be a step in the general right direction. Credit to where credit is due. 👌🏽👍🏽

[@TheBackstageBunch]

Thank you for tolerating and thank you for appreciating this!

[@rotaficionado666]

Malay male "liberal" in my early 30s here. I personally think the race-community as a whole can prosper if we seriously stop putting the race next to the religion, both used against each other as some kind of draconian benchmark. I feel like you hardly find people of other races talk about this kind of topics (because honestly, it's such a non-issue), yet "liberal" Malays are still having to explain themselves in 2024, when they're simply just being who they are while unfortunately having the same skin colour as the ones that are judging them. Sounds really sad and backwards to me. People tend to forget that we can't choose the skin colour that we have, and how we behave is a byproduct of what we consume into our psyche. But as far as what I said about the race prospering regardless of personal beliefs, I sincerely hope that I can see it in my lifetime.

[@lovehate-sr7fw]

i believe dew is haunted by his previous sins. But guess what, once u realize that u wanna change, all your past sins are washed away just as long as u commit to being good moving forward. Allah is the most merciful. Dont look back in anger. Just look back to reflect. We love you Dew.. and of course you too Hirzi

[@shimglits2044]

shld call this section : How Dew you Feel w Dew HAHAHA

[@nuratiqa88]

Love love love this episode. Really appreciate Dew being open about struggling to be a “good” Muslim. Super relatable. Can’t wait for more! 👏

[@user-vs6gd6mh2w]

Hirzi is intelligent, funny, candid, critical thinker, challenger, disruptor, activist and even shape societal opinion. Thank you Hirzi. From a 48 years old Malaysian chinese ethnicity, married with 2 kids.

[@thenurispunk]

dew and hirzi, as a less-liberal muslim, saya doakan hijrah korang and segalanya dipermudahkan. love u both my muslim brothers. apa korang buat, korang dgn Allah. may He forgive us all

[@shimglits2044]

act 3&4 is very powerful. espcially hirzi saying about the struggle and the being malay but not behaving malay. i think more of the episodes should dive into this bc this is so relatable

[@TheBackstageBunch]

❤️

[@amiruldaniel9076]

Dew, why dont you call these solo sesh segments 'Just Sharing'? Seems a lot more personalised and caters to the closer-knit type of conversations more

[@msfunkaye]

Honestly, clicked into this reluctantly with a ton of judgement at the title and who I thought you were as “Muslims”. But hearing your stories really put me to shame. Never knew the struggles you had and continue to face. Thank you for sharing so openly and for reminding us about the true essence of our religion. This was the reminder I needed that we really are in no place to judge others. Mad respect, and may He ease your journey 🫶🏽

[@nadiah1510]

It been a while since i watch a 47 mins video that is not a movie/drama! Awesome ep! You both did great ! Cant wait for the next episode! Proud to call u guys my Malay Muslim brothers!

[@tuskiz1841]

Love this episode so much!! we need more

[@littlepoo08]

I am a no good Muslim I also just now practice back praying 5 times a day. I managed to pray 5 times a day during the whole ramadhan & I have never felt relieved, peace and calm like ever before. Praying is how you communicate & connect with Allah it is the first thing that Allah ask you to do (pray). How do u send whatsapp to your friend without having internet? Your friend will never received your message. Pray is also like that, if you dont pray how do you connect with Him? Learn bit by bit. I used to not wanting to have kids named after Muhammad but after I learned Life of Muhammad, I cried so much & thankful for being born a muslim. Praying 5 times a day lift up the anxious I had within me & it automatically keeps me away from doing all the haram things. I'm bad at explaining but you really have to experience it first to understand. I'm now slowly learning to become a better muslim, I wish you well..

[@jannahdope]

absolutely loved this series! keep it up Dew! ❤

[@alyasarahLIVE]

made do'a during tahajjud and i think this is Allah SWT answering my do'a by recommending this video to me. ty bros

[@joyoftessa]

What a great and insightful conversation! It also applies to alot of other situations in life where society judges us and also applies to christians too. Really interesting how we millennials are able to learn from the trauma of our previous gen and can see how it impacts us and the future gens as we now have the vocabulary for it

[@alishaaishahandayah4054]

1 of the best episode ever. hope theres more of this content. keep up the good work dew.

[@alishaaishahandayah4054]

most people do not understand y we are who we are. like when i am in primary school. was bullied daily. why i hate going to school. and why i did not do well in school. join gang ( i thought the best way to stop being bully). but end up always looking left n right scared got rival gang. Learn martial art learn black magic to protect myself. alot of things i wish i never do. now at 43 i am still struggling with life with money. 1 failure after another failure. there are time the only things that stop me from ending my life is becos in islam that is the unforgiven sin n eternal hell. also have to thanks my wife. even tho she nag at me the most. but she still support me n have my back.

[@heyilikeable]

I think a good summary is Malay does not automatically mean muslim, Muslim does not automatically mean malay.

[@jimw8615]

I have yet to know a Malay that is not a Muslim in Singapore

[@connormcchicken5915]

it's one and the same in most cases

[@CradlesongClarity]

Maybe more like not everyone wants to practice Islam the same way

[@gabrielng6066]

fair... but its a fair stereotype to make considering 99.7% of malays are muslims. in this local context, the general public is assumed to associate both race and religion together.

[@MuhdAdil123]

terrible summary did u even watch it

[@maleenawayland9078]

love love all things with hirzi since 2010 and I will continue loving all munah hirzi content. watching both of u walk down memory lane of 10 dares and YTFF, rlly bring back soo much of my childhood

[@connormcchicken5915]

AAARGH I just love this episode so much

[@Yasmin-jn8rb]

We are all struggling every day, even those of us who are pious. As long as we try, that's all that matters. God sees what's in our hearts. Our intentions matter the most. A seemingly pious person may have bad intentions or behave badly in private. A person who seems liberal or modern may have the best of intentions and do good things in private. Let's focus on improving ourselves and worry less about what people around us think of or say about us.

[@samueljavier234]

this was beautiful. thanks for sharing.

[@heyo1886]

Honestly so impressed by the depth in this conversation, hirzi was such a good choice!

[@HeyHammy]

Best episode for Just Saying not because I relate to the topic, but I get to see the authenticity and intergrity of these two individuals. Just two people being honest on camera, something that is extremely hard to find and something MSM would probably be unable to do. Keep it up guys,

[@TheBackstageBunch]

Thank you for your kind words! Just checking, what’s MSM? Hahaha

[@HeyHammy]

@@TheBackstageBunch Mainstream Media!

[@niliaaa]

This is a very beautiful episode

[@JustinTan-fy7dm]

I’m here for these deep conversations ❤❤❤

[@lovebellavida]

Thank you guys for this ❤

[@ninjadenmiles]

Singaporean Malay here. Many of the things both have shared I find relatable on so many levels. Finding your own racial and religious identity is a never ending journey, especially when we have to reconcile individual views with those seen as the “norm”. May we all find ourselves along the way ☺️ Also, this was such a good session. More of such convos please!

[@farhannanazaruddin546]

Ok i cried at Act 4… this is sooo good..

[@connormcchicken5915]

Being polarizing often garners both love and hate. People admire you for doing the things they can't/wouldn't and people also hate you for doing the things they can't/wouldn't.

[@ohissitzai]

Thank you for this series. Semoga dipermudahkan segala urusan for the both of you, inshaAllah 🌻

[@user-ef4xs8fv4s]

You guys have matured well. Keep it up in the journey

[@magheshwarisabapathy5338]

59 yrs old here. Mom is Muslim and dad isn't. My husband is Hindu and so are my children What I love about what u said is to just be human. That's what my parents taught me to not judge anyone but just be a good human.

[@naileusmile2293]

Hey may I know is it possible to do so? Cause in Malaysia it would be a big issue

[@diyanaznl7807]

This was so good. Thank you Dew and Hirzi

[@mehrinhussain7551]

this is so goood

[@meormuazhiim5003]

As a malaysian malay muslim, this is an eye opener for me. I learn a lot. Love both of them..

[@aodhanjone9690]

Very deep and humanistic convo. I learned alot from this convo, facing sterotyping and cultural norms and navigating through. I think especially in Singapore breaking down these narrative starts with just two ppl sitting down and just sharing experiences its so simplistic yet such a powerful tool 💜

[@Rajagainsthemachine]

“You will thank your struggle for even happening “ powerful and impactful words 33:16

[@FarahTiaraCharles]

Should call your segment: “how YOU dewin’?”

[@iamdennisyin]

I LOVE YOU TWO

[@helluvakhai]

hugs, brothers..especially to Dew

[@sharilsamad9727]

If you gay and a Muslim, don't fret. Allah has just make it easy for you, you are blessed because your inner struggle is jihad. Rassullulah S.A.W said the biggest war for everyone is the fight that you will have with your inner self. Your queerness is a gift! Belief in Allah hikmah.

[@zappp7059]

we need more of the both of them please

[@dinamardiyah6373]

LOVE THIS CONVO SO MUCH! 🥺🥺🥺

[@muhammadsalihin8514]

Ngl, this episode hits hard.

[@norsazrinnorazman3303]

I hope Allah guide you. Just one thing, if you belive in Allah you will believe in his word which is Al-quran. You don't need to act for people, true. Just believe in Allah and his quidance Al-quran.

[@Zero_dgf]

Hirzi’s idea of faith is same as mine..😊❤

[@heyyaimmia]

sudahkah kamu sembahyang ??!!!?!??

[@sabrinahassan6664]

this video really changes my perspective as a muslim and im glad you guys told your story❤

[@shameem5643]

I wish dew had more opportunity to speak without getting interrupted so many times by hirzi

[@hemz92]

Call it Dynamic Dew-o

[@AhmadRiyal]

The solo spin of eps should be called Just Asking

[@sitinaziha9181]

Please have a part 2 of this!

[@TheBackstageBunch]

Next Sunday, same time!

[@chelseachintari3455]

Ihhh I miss and I love the deep talk

[@rcs3681]

I'm impressed at how eloquent Hirzie is, considering how ah beng most Singaporeans can sound.

[@91glam]

Omgod dew i want to cry i pray allah ease your hijrah ❤❤❤

[@hazehwang9301]

It must be nice to hang out with you guys

[@wj88]

No one can judge your devotion to your religion and God, even if it's not right in the eyes of society, at the end of the day, you are the one answering to God, not them

[@Zero_dgf]

❤

[@user-mm3bf7bc7o]

what happened to dew and eunice annabel

[@Crispyrendang64]

Ya same, want to know also. Seems she left the influencer life and happily married now

[@ahmadfaizal3081]

Hi dew. Looking good👍

[@TheBackstageBunch]

Thank you!!!

[@ebonyloveivory]

To be extremely fair to Dew, it is admirable that he has the thought of even not wanting to "wrongly represent Islam". How many of us who are obviously Muslims (Like us Hijabis, etc.) are even aware of what we represent to the world when we sin. We ALL sin. We're not above one another, only Allah (swt) has the power to judge. What we can do is to be kind and compassionate. Also, for him to acknowledge that he's "not there yet", and the fact that he's trying, already shows that he's trying to be a good Muslim and that's all that we as Muslims should do and encourage one another.

[@eila2103]

Just remember, The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me..” May Allah eases your hijrah journey..

[@GothicGgal12]

i had friends like dew. thank u friends

[@Great999Mind]

Kalau kita melayu jahat apa pun kita, kembalilah pada jalan agama islam. Itu yg abadi kekal selamanya

[@muzmalek]

I'm not a perfect Muslim, but I always remind myself that the word "trying" towards attaining God's blessings is something that He acknowledges too no matter how small even the thought of it could be. May He ease all our trials and affairs to be better every heartbeat :)

[@mysticery]

I would like to know if, because of Dews circumstance of having to eat pork due to him not being able to afford halal food made any changes to his belief/religion. Because i always felt that religion are human made. Whether it be muslim, christianity… these are human constructed believes. I feel like we some times take religion too seriously and to feel a certain guilt because you did something thats against what your religion says.

[@norsazrinnorazman3303]

Malay and Islam is different. You can be Malay and not a Muslim.

[@bttb2024]

love u Hirzi 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000x

[@muhamednizwanabdulnain710]

the dude in white looked like benzino

[@goldenmoon6674]

May Allah bless you both (and me)

[@aimanmohammad7749]

2X menangis. its speak to me at many diff level esp hirzi. Munahhirzi is like an outlet of unspoken words of myself.

[@eszeezee6967]

Guys, your fitrah is slowly taking over. Embrace it.

[@sintiayuliani9123]

wtf hirzi saying yes and no in random european languages caught me off guard hahahah

[@Fyewflea]

Bring back banchothematrep!!! Lepakk king song will always be stuck with me. I was 14 when I first saw his video and now im 27. I heard he became an educator last I remember. And also I wonder what he looks like without his shades always hiding his eyes. Like Sgag Xiao Ming. Can you guys bring banchothematrep on board to give his recognition of OG KZbinrs. One of the good KZbin malay I look up too back then. Hope he is successful now. Still waiting for the collaboration between bancho and mikko the 13 another solid fella

[@Fyewflea]

Bring back banchothematrep pls

[@bpotato3310]

malays is unique and that is their culture. Modesty and moderate. I would embrace it

[@lutfiluvratna8041]

I miss those days when the term influencer didn't exist

[@raudhahkhairuddin]

“Don't work so hard for the life after that. you forget you have a life now.” We can further elaborate on this so young people understand this. Life in the hereafter is forever; this world is temporary. Have balance: pray, learn more about Islam, read the Quran, pursue our goals, build a family, and be financially stable. Do all this while ensuring you do not create significant sins. (we all sin, for, e.g., gossip, thread eyebrow. Major are drinking/sex before marriage). I hope this helps. Islam is beautiful, ppl make it difficult. When ppl correct us nicely, it's not to judge but to remind one another to save each other from hellfire.

[@khairunnizam5968]

20:36 "si". Oooo spanishh

[@aidilfitrizainori2560]

I've found so many atheist Malay in Singapore..

[@ismailon3331]

Munah Hirzi was a big thing in Malaysia. at least for me, I always watch their video and gelak macam nak mampus. it helps to release the stress. until one point, they became too much and I stop watching.

[@XecutionQ]

Will always pray for y’all to come back to the correct Muslim path one day. Amin Amin

[@wanamz2517]

Being a Malay, does not necessarily being a Muslim. There are better non-Malay Muslims out there around the world. Its only when u’re born in a Muslim family, they’re more conservative. Both of u are great guys. Inshaa Allah one day u’ll repent & be a better Muslim in the earliest possible time. Remember, ajal maut will not wait for us.

[@MoHaziq93]

The thing that pisses me off the most is people need to differentiate between being a Muslim and a Malay. Islam is a simple religion to follow. Malay just makes simple things much more complicated. Example marriage.. we could easily get married the islamic way without killing ourselves with the grand wedding all. But because of being Malay, there's always a tradition to follow. Most of the times are stupid traditions. Does following these traditions guarantee a place in heaven? Hell no. Zero effect. Growing up as Muslim be it you are liberal or not we all know whats wrong or right. I guess people look at Dew's videos and seeing him so proudly mentioning all the sins he's done openly and that's where the misconception starts. Can we blame them? No. You need to really know the person before making any judgements. But all they can judge on is based on what they see on the Internet. Even us, non-influencers, on social media can easily be misjudged. We post a picture in the club people would say he is a bad Muslim. But then he could also be praying 5 times a day he just never post it online. Like you guys mentioned.. everyone sins. Its just a matter of how much of the sins you are showing to the world. The more you show the more you are being judged. We cant stop the judgement so it all comes to the individual. If you can take it go ahead. At the end of the day, at the afterlife, we all answer to our own sins.

[@nerdee89]

This is so enlightening. Thank you so much for this. I am a millennial and growing up, I was practicing islam but I don’t like being malay. I would only speak English, even to my family members. I don’t have malay friends because they will judge me. So I made friends with chinese people and I lost my way and didn’t practice islam. Now that I am in my 30s and married, made more malay friends and now I am so proud of being muslim and malay. I wear malay traditional clothes in my own way everyday. I am slowly learning to be muslim again and I feel so… liberated.

[@terbanghelang1404]

Being liberal is hampir dengan SESAT...hati hati ya

[@Tommy900100]

Muslim in Singapore is so beruntung

[@AnonymousTruthTeller]

Why?

[@MDZR2283]

their english sounds chinese more than malay.

[@suhairisabri7883]

kira memang standard la eh kalau kita laki laki lepak mesti end up berbual pasal agama 😂

[@yttytt123]

to be exact eat pork doesnt make one less muslim let's be real what about alcohol?

[@serirayna2789]

may you be given hidayah in everything you're searching answers for. iman and islam, keep it close :)

[@faz8027]

Dew is the worst person for these type of interviews. Very little empathy.

[@VivianHoGrey13]

This ep = 😁😙😮🥺❤💕🥹❤️‍🩹

[@nasirahish]

This is the exact ceramah I needed to hear this Ramadan… and God sent it through Hirzi 🫶🏻