Two weeks ago, on a fine Saturday afternoon, I was on my way to church and was waiting for the MRT to arrive so that I could travel from Potong Pasir to Expo. There was this macik (a term we use to refer to a Malay auntie) who looked stranded at the platform and not long after she walked towards me.

At that point in time, I was thinking that she might be lost and needed directions to get to where she wanted and I was all prepared to do so. I mean what else could a person want at the platform? But anyway, she stood right in front of me and asked me, “YOU! Are you a Malay?”

I was shocked because I never thought she would ask this (bizarre) question. It took me about five seconds to process this seemingly simple yes/no question before I could bring myself to say a shaky “no”. The funniest thing was that she seemed elated that I wasn’t a Malay and spoke enthusiastically in English Language. And I admit that she was very proficient in English Language.

Yes, she wanted directions to Yishun and it was her maiden experience taking the MRT. She thanked me for the assistance that I provided. But what left me awestruck was the fact that the first question was in no way related to what she wanted to get from me – directions! For the strangest reason, I looked at my skin colour and I pondered for the longest time ever, even during the train ride, whether I looked like a Malay. Yes, for those who have taken AMX301, I know you all will scorn at me and say, “How can you do that? Did AMX301 teach you that? Dr. Patricia Wong will be so disappointed in you!”

But think again, if the question was posed to you by that macik, would you have reacted in the same way? And don’t worry, I did share this story with Dr. Patricia Wong and some of my friends and other lecturers. I’m just curious…so what if I was a Malay? Would the macik have reacted differently? Would she even bother to ask me for directions? So many questions…

But still, at the end of the day, BIZARRE!

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