BARBARIC

Since I got my car back, I was as free as a bird. As I thought this would be a blessing to my renewed freedom, it turned out to be disastrous.

No, I didn’t get into a second accident, touch wood.

I went to get my expensive hair done today near my place in Selayang Mall. The outcome of the hairdo is alright. No complaints and I cut a good deal coz I knew the owner of the salon. For someone who is unbelievably sloppy, I had my hair cut, wash, highlight, steam and blow dry, all in one session.

My contentment was shortlived when I went to collect my car. I was shocked as the sidewalk parking space near Selayang Mall is used for Ramadhan buka puasa stalls from 3 pm to 7 pm. I was shocked to see the banner stating so, while walking quickly towards my car and found that, the spot behind my car was already being taken to open a stall, selling nasi lemak.

The abang with moustache (Abang Misai), was a bit annoyed by the fact that I didn’t look at the notice board which state that the area would be used for Ramadhan stalls. I apologized profusely, but he kept on nagging at me.

I accepted and acknowledged the fact that I was blind as I didn’t see the notice boards (made of wood – which looked like some plumbing service advertisement) and banners (which could only be seen when you come out from the Mall to get your car).

I accepted and acknowledged the fact that I was a bloody cheapo for not paying RM1 for Selayang Mall parking, and park at the sidewalk for free.

I accepted and acknowledged that fact that I should pay them RM20 for disrupting them to open up a stall.

I accepted and acknowledged the fact that I was an asshole for not being alert with the surrounding which had banners (you need eyes on the back of your head to see this) informing us about the Ramadhan buka puasa site.

But I cannot accept the fact that they had to scratch my car.

Abang Misai was nice enough to help me reversed my car albeit putting on a pissed off face. What I couldn’t stand was the verbal abuse from his offsprings.

Teen Barbarian#1: Bayar RM20 lah untuk parking!! I belum charge you lagi. (Malay: Pay RM20 for parking. I haven’t charge you for obstructing our stalls)

Self: I sudah minta maaf. Apa lagi you mau? I memang salah sebab tak nampak itu signboard tapi ini tidak bagi you hak untuk calarkan kereta saya! (Malay: I already apologized, what else do you want? I admit I am in the wrong for not noticing the signboard but this doesn’t give you the right to scratch my car).

Teen Barbarian#2: Oi! Kenapa you cakap kita calar? Jangan tuduh bukan bukan. (Malay: What makes you say that we scratch your car? Don’t simply accuse us)

Abang Misai: Mungkin you sudah kena ini calar sendiri. (Malay: Maybe you accidentally scratched it yourself.) *He dared not stare me in the eyes when he said this*

Self: Kereta aku baru keluar bengkel, mana boleh calar sendiri?? (Malay: I just got my car from the workshop. How could it get scratched by itself.)

Teen Barbarian#1: Jangan tipu lah. Dosa tau!! (Malay: Don’t lie! It’s a sin!)

Self: Siapa lagi dosa? Sudah buat, tak mengaku. Ini bulan puasa. Bohong itu dosa tau. Habis you punya pahala. (Malay: Who is more sinful? Commit a sin and didn’t confess. This is the fasting month. Lying is a sin. There goes your merits).

Teen Barbarian#3: You mata ada nampak kah?? (Malay: Did you see us scratch your car?)

Self: Tuhan nampak!! (Malay: God sees!!)

The barbarians kept quiet for a minute and then mumbling to by passers that I was an asshole for parking at their spot.

Teen Barbarian#2: Itu Cina cari pasal lah. (Malay: That Chinese is looking for trouble)

Self: Jaga mulut itu sikit. (Malay: Watch your mouth)

Then, they kept quiet.

When Abang Misai helped me to reverse my car, I apologized to him again and thanked him for helping me.

I was very pissed because I wasn’t observant enough to look at the plumbing advertisement and don’t have eyes on the back of my head. I was very pissed because even when I apologized, I still need to subject to their verbal and racist abuse.

I thanked God that I didn’t lose my cool over this. I thanked God that I didn’t fuck them on the spot. I thanked God that I didn’t drive my car into their stall to teach them a lesson. (Ah Ping told me not to get into another accident till the insurance is clear). I just showed a very stern face and gritted my teeth when they hurled insults. These people are barbarians, but that doesn't mean, I had to stoop to their level and behave like one.

Is this Malaysia? The country which abhor racism and injustice? The country that is proud to tell the world, we are a harmonious country, known for her polite, forgiving and peace loving people? Since when saying sorry has lost its meaning?

I know that today’s incident shouldn’t be a yardstick to measure the country as a whole, but damage had been done.

I seriously hope such ugly Malaysians would not surface again, especially in this special month of Ramadhan, where people supposed to be reflecting on their own actions and be forgiving towards each other.

A lesson to be learnt, not to fucking park your car at any fucking sidewalks, even if it is a legally designated parking spot, during Ramadhan to avoid unnecessary trouble. Please go and fucking park at a paying car park (inside malls preferably), even if it costs you some fucking RM10.

#Forgive me for over usage of profanities. I am fuming mad when I wrote this. MCH!!