You want to know more about my life? That's unusual... I've never had someone else ask me that question. But if you insist, then I'll do so. I was born Bangladesh, with both of my parents at home raising me and my brothers as we grew. We were considered lucky, to have parents who did not run away from their kids or passed away because of some sickness. But we weren't the richest family either, we were just, average.
Dad worked 2 jobs to pay for my school fees, and I did quite well in school. I got good grades, but I guess it wasn't enough because, well look at me now.
Both of my parents passed away when I was 16. My mum was assaulted by a group of young men and my dad was with her during that time. He tried his hardest to save her, but the sheer number of the group was overwhelming. In the end, mum was raped. Dad was beaten to death. That's what the police officials told me bluntly.
After that day, me and my brothers had no one to take care of us. They were only 4 and 6 at that time. I had to beg at families whom I knew to ask them to take care of my brothers, as I wanted to get a job. People said Malaysia is a good place to start. So I migrated here, illegally at first... You seem like a nice person, I have faith that you would not report me to the police. After all... I'm just here to help my brothers back in Bangladesh. I do have a proper working permit now.
"Ey bangla! sirap bandung aku mana?! Sudah 10 minit aku tunggu, cepat la, dahaga ni"
Hold on for a while boss, I need to help my fellow colleagues. It's getting crowded here.
All right, I'm back. You're asking me if I was offended when that guy called me by that? Yes I am offended by it. But I've gotten used to it. It's been 10 years that I've been here, speaking in Malay is not so challenging as it was at first, but locals would still insult my weird accent. Most would think that I don't understand when they insult me in front of their friends, as I just put on a neutral face most of the time. I just don't want to cause trouble if I argue with them because I know I would lose my job easily. I am not a stupid man, as most of the customers in this restaurant would perceive me as.
They would call me with all sorts of insults, which to them, are not insults but mere jokes for their friends to laugh about. This job that I have IS a proper job, but me and my colleagues who aren't from Malaysia are always treated like slaves, like a lower class of human beings that do not have the right to be around here.
Do not get me wrong, I love Malaysia like as if it is my own country. After all, this country has given me a second chance in life. But discrimination is always present whenever I work here. It's so rare to see a customer smile politely at me while saying out their orders or any kind of interaction. Whenever someone does smile, a sense of hope would wash all my doubts away, thinking that maybe, I might just be accepted into the society. But the other 99% of people would prove me wrong.
You have to go already? Oh all right. It has been a good chat. What? No no no no no, I can't accept such a big amount of money from you. You insist?.... I can't thank you enough, RM100 would do wonders for me and my brothers back in Bangladesh. Thank you so much. Hope you have a good day too. And thank you for your generous smile.
