Mat Jenin the Daydreamer

Mat Jenin the Daydreamer

Mat Jenin the Daydreamer

Written and Designed by Kamini Raja Singgam (MC19090926) Santhini Thevi Genesan (MC200110561) Siti Khadijah Hussin (MC190909927)

There once lived a youngster named Mat Jenin in a small village.

Mat Jenin was quite famous in his village for his daydreaming habits.

Although smart, Mat Jenin was a very lazy boy.

He always loitered around while dreaming of becoming a rich man.

When awake, he would constantly imagine how his life would be when he became rich.

One fine day, the village leader, Pak Mat needed some help to pluck coconuts but the trees behind his house were so high.

When he saw Mat Jenin, he decided to request for his help.

“I was just thinking about you and was about to come to your house,” said Pak Mat as he saw the boy.

“What is it Tok Mat? asked Mat Jenin.

The village leader grinned and patted on Mat Jenin’s shoulder.

“Mat, can you help me to pluck the coconuts from the trees behind my house? In return, I will give you some fresh mutton,” said Pak Mat.

Mat Jenin grinned widely as it has been some time since he has had the delicacy.

“Sure, Tok! I can help you pluck the coconuts now,” said Mat Jenin while excusing himself to climb the tall coconut tree.

Knowing his daydreaming habits, Tok Mat reminded Mat Jenin to be careful.

“Don’t daydream while climbing the coconut tree, Jenin. It is very dangerous,” advised Pak Mat as Jenin got ready to climb.

The youngster was quick to climb the tree while fantasising about the delicious fresh mutton he was going to get.

Once he reached the top, he started plucking the coconuts one by one.

At that moment, Mat Jenin caught a glimpse of Pak Mat’s daughter. The young maiden was very beautiful and all the young boys in the village were always going after her.

Hi Jenin!

As soon as Mat Jenin set his eyes on her, he began daydreaming about his future.

He first dreamt that he plucked so many coconuts and sold them for profit.

He then dreamt that he bought several goats and cows to be reared.

Mat Jenin fantasised about becoming a famous and rich merchant and that many beautiful maidens wanted to marry him.

Mat Jenin also saw his home filled with pots of gold and money and dreamt that he travelled on horses and camels.

Finally, he imagined asking Pak Mat’s daughter to marry him and that they lived happily as a rich family

Not realising that he was high up a coconut tree, he raised both his hands and said, “Yahoo! I am rich!!!”

Just as he had let go of both his hands, Mat Jenin lost his balance and fell all the way and died.

And so, that’s the end of Mat Jenin, the lazy youngster who loved to daydream…

Moral of the story

Dream big but you must also work for it.

Don't be an empty daydreamer

Poem

Close your eyes and dream, But don’t be a daydreamer.

Just close your eyes and dream, But make sure you work for it.

Close your eyes little ones, To believe in your dreams.

Dream big and study smart, To achieve your dreams.

But don’t be a daydreamer, You will end up with nothing.

Mat Jenin the Daydreamer Mat Jenin is an age-old Malaysian folktale popularly known as Cerita Rakyat, The stories are passed on by word of mouth from one generation to another and were popularly told to young children by the elders.

The original title is called Angan-Angan Mat Jenin which tells the story of a young boy who is ambitious but lazy.

Most of the original work can be found in Bahasa Melayu and this book has attempted to translate the story based on the available resources.

Mat Jenin's daydreaming habit teaches a lesson to children and adults about the importance of making an effort to realise our dreams.