Writing prompt by Eksentrika: We could use some Malaysian stories right about now. What's the most Malaysian thing that happened to you?
I run a cafe. Every now and then, someone will Whatsapp the complaints number (me) to say something like, "are you the manager?", and I always reply, "I work at the cafe".
Sometimes, they will refuse to say anything if I behave like an ordinary staff member. Our staff are all trained to be fully responsible for all customer experiences on their shifts. We do not encourage customers to think of our ordinary staff as less than fully authoritative.
Yet it is a Malaysian culture to find someone with a larger title to complain to about their heart's desires. Always looking for leadership, but never getting along with the people right in front of them. So truly Malaysian.
Some additional context:
1. We definitely do not have a high priority on being likeable staff. That is off-brand.
2. We literally have complaint feedback forms located from front to back of the cafe. Customer still wanted to talk to a manager. Did not want to submit a Google review when informed of that options. Really just seeking emotional labour. Pity the customer, as our staff are trained to minimise such effort.
Also this happens in every classist society.
