As with other races in the World, the Malays have their fair share of Wise Sayings, Quotes and Poems. One that intrigues me (among few others) is:
HIDUP (LIVE) SEGAN (SHY) MATI (DIE) TA’MAHU (REFUSE)
It literally means: Shy to Live But Refuse To Die. It refers to someone who half-heartedly embarks on something but refuses to surrender to when confronted with failure. In normal case, if for a start you give your best, and it is a noble thing not to easily give up. If you cannot do it, in spite of your best effort, just drop out or drop dead (extreme). Apparently, your best is not good enough. Do not hang on for the sake of hanging on. Get the message.