Our National Comedy Show

 

Have you ever wondered how Malaysia functions despite our constant chaos — the answer is: miraculously, with a lot of “aiyah, can lah.” We’re a nation powered by contradictions, misunderstandings, and sheer optimism. From our driving habits to our dining table dramas, every day is a sitcom episode waiting to happen. (This is basically an extract of Paresh Patel’s article)

 

1. “Can or Not?” – The National Anthem

In Malaysia, decisions are not made. They are negotiated like peace treaties.

I once saw a man at a car workshop asking if he could pay his bill with duit raya packets from last year. The mechanic just shrugged and said, “Can lah, as long as got picture of Agong.”

 

At the office, nothing is confirmed until someone says, “We see how first.” That phrase is a masterpiece of diplomacy — it means no, but with feelings.

 

Even our doctors are infected by it:

Doctor: “You need to exercise.”

Patient: “Can I just take vitamin C?”

Doctor: “Maybe can, maybe cannot.”

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

  

2. Table Manners? We Left Those in 1957

Once, at a wedding dinner, Auntie Siew Yeng pulled out a Tupperware mid-banquet to “save some prawns for tomorrow.” Nobody blinked. In fact, the auntie next to her handed her a rubber band.

 

At the mamak, the philosophy is simple: whoever shouts loudest gets served first. I’ve seen people order like auctioneers — “One roti telur, one teh ais kurang manis, one tissue! Tissue big one!”

 

And don’t get me started on durian. My uncle insists on eating it shirtless in the carpark, claiming it’s the only way to “respect the fruit.” When asked about the smell, he said, “That’s not smell. That’s perfume for true Malaysians.”

 

3. Weather: The Great Betrayal

Malaysia has two seasons — Hot and Hot with Thunderstorm. We don’t check the forecast; we check the clouds and pray.

 

Last week, my laundry was outside. Ten minutes later, the rain came like a Bollywood climax. I ran out to save my clothes, but my neighbour, Auntie Kamala, just stood there under the rain saying, “Never mind lah, free wash.”

 

At weddings, it’s always the same story. The bride plans for “outdoor garden vibes.” The monsoon season says, “Challenge accepted.”

 

4. The Highway Hopes and Horrors

Malaysian driving is not for the faint-hearted. Indicators are treated like state secrets. Lane markings are just polite suggestions.

 

During balik kampung season, the North-South Highway becomes a parking lot with better scenery. I once saw a man set up a picnic beside his car while waiting out a jam near Tapah. He said proudly, “We’ve been here two hours — might as well make sandwiches.”

 

5. Language Rojak: A Symphony of Confusion

Only in Malaysia can a single sentence have five languages and still make perfect sense:

“Eh, bro, you makan already ah? I tell you, that laksa damn sedap, die die must try one!”

 

I once overheard a couple arguing in full Manglish:

Wife: “You say want to diet!”

Husband: “I diet what — I only eat fried rice, not fried noodle!”

 

Even our signs are confused. There’s a shop in Cheras called Soon Come Laundry. I’ve been driving past it for ten years. Still waiting.

 

6. Festive Feasting and Other Survival Stories

During Hari Raya, my friend’s mother insists guests eat rendang until they can’t stand. When I said I was full, she looked genuinely hurt. “You don’t like my cooking ah?” I ended up eating four more servings and two ketupats just to protect her feelings — and possibly my inheritance.

 

During Chinese New Year, it’s all about pineapple tarts. Everyone says, “No need to bring anything,” but still shows up with 12 containers “just in case.”

 

And Deepavali? You haven’t lived until an Indian aunty has stuffed murukku into your hand before you’ve even sat down.

 

7. Our Beautifully Chaotic Conclusion

Malaysia isn’t perfect — our trains are slow, our Wi-Fi moody, and our politics like a soap opera. But somehow, we make it work. We live, laugh, and lepak through life. We honk, argue, and then share a plate of roti canai with the same person five minutes later. Because deep down, under all the noise, confusion, and durian smell, there’s one thing that unites us: the ability to laugh at ourselves. And that — truly — is the most Malaysian fopar of all.

 

 Reference:

Malaysian Foopahs: How We Accidentally Became A National Comedy Show, Paresh Patel, Newswav, 24 Oct 2025