Wow, this is beautifully honest — thank you for sharing this inner tug-of-war.

Honestly, I’d say: do both.

Start light and funny, make them laugh with the Malay words and memories — then let the laughter settle, and gently shift into something personal and heartfelt. Let them feel that behind the jokes, there’s someone who truly saw them, and valued every moment.

Whatever tone you land on, the fact that you're thinking this deeply already shows how much you care. That’s the speech they’ll remember — the one only you could give.

Wishing you a beautiful send-off. They’re lucky to have had you.