The Only Smart Decision

It was 1972 or 73. I can't recall why I had hired a Mitsubishi Galant. It may simply have been the fact that they were a sporty little model and I thought it may have been fun to drive one for a couple of days.

That weekend someone had hosted a party in Hillside, Penang. It was, as most such evenings were, a rather convivial occasion. The evening progressed and many ales had been consumed. Late in the evening, still standing - after a fashion - I suggested to a mate who shall remain nameless that we take the Galant for a spin around the Island. He showed no hesitation.

We headed off in the direction of Batu Ferringhi. Back then the road was narrow, windy, rough, hilly and poorly lit, but that only added to the challenge. Brakes, down a gear or two, into the corner, pick a line and accelerate out with the rear drifting and a touch of apposite lock. On we went, corner after corner. With my mate shouting the encouraging words 'You can drive Ken, you're the best driver I've ever seen' over and over we continued to drift through corner after corner.

Approaching Batu Ferringhi I glanced at the fuel gauge and realised we were almost empty. We had only started our adventure and I could not recall any petrol stations around the back of the Island. Seeing no other option, I turned around and drove slowly home trying to conserve what fuel was left. Yes, we made it back.

That was the only smart decision I made that day. The next, and for some months after, my mate continued to rave about my driving ability. The next day, and to this, I wondered why we weren't dead.

Some young males may grow old because they were smart. This old male doesn't buy lottery tickets. My luck account is well and truly overdrawn.