We Are Not Beggars, Say Busker

Photo sourced from: www.malaysiabuskers.com

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (BERNAMA) -- In Malaysia, some if not many people frown on street entertainers with their conspicuous 'donation' box or container, as beggars. "Actually we are not trying to gain sympathy or beg from the public. We are working to entertain you," insisted Mustanir Rahimi Nazmi, 26, who chose to become a street entertainer four years ago. Admitting that he is not musically inclined as most buskers in the country are, he said his forte is as a clown. "I regard it as my permanent job." "Talking about busking, many people associate it with singers and musicians. Actually any performance by street entertainers is regarded as busking," he explained. Looking back, while his friends aspired to be engineers and pilots, he was dreaming about being an entertainer, specifically a clown and magician. "I've wanted to become a clown since age 10. For me it is not an inferior or an unfavourable job as some people would think. "I like children and it gives me a thrill to make them laugh and see their faces light up during my performance," he said. Choosing Dataran Merdeka and Avenue K as among his 'stations', Mustanir also often gets offers to perform at social functions, which directly contribute to his monthly income. "I don't regard the money from my street performances as being given to a beggar but as a token of appreciation from the public for entertaining them. "At social functions, the payment is fixed but on the street we work harder to entertain the audience. When they smile and express their appreciation with a token, the feeling is unexplainable," he said. Mustanir has these encouraging words to youths who like him, have unorthodox aspirations: "I say, go for it. Cast away any feeling of embarrassment or shame because that won't lead you anywhere. Being a clown, for instance, is not a lowly job." -- BERNAMA

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