Monologues

Road thugs are nuisance. But wannabe road thugs are pest that we fight hard to get rid off.

In Malaysia, road thugs are known as Mat Rempits who, most of them, are involved in illegal street racing. The word “rempit” is derived from “ramp it” (ramp the throttle) and “Mat” is a Malay slang used to address a person, much like how British address their friends as “mate”.

Gone were the days where you (read: few generations back) saw road users who are kind enough to give way to others; probably because there were not many vehicles on the road. Now you see road bullies everywhere — not those who have dozens of piercing on their faces nor with skulls, snakes, dragons or satanic tattoos on their bodies — but those who surprise you with a decent looking appearance.

Just as I made a left exit into the highway, a blue Proton Saga hogged the fast lane and a white minivan was cruising on the slow lane. Luckily, I managed to overtake the Saga after cruising behind the minivan for quite awhile. Just as I thought I could speed my way to Queensbay, the Saga squeezed into the small gap between my car and the car in front of me abruptly without even flashing his signal light. He was driving so recklessly I had to honk him. It was fatal and he should know better not to drag me in considering he is a father. Clearly, he was offended that I overtook him and he challenged me to race. I certainly wasn’t cruising for a bruising. Rather, I urgently needed to get to the bank in Queensbay before it closes at 4.00p.m but a hard-headed middle-aged man like him just couldn’t comprehend that I was not at all interested in his child play.

To not infuriate him any further (oh, like it’s my fault) I cruised at 50km/h on the highway behind a Picanto indicating that I didn’t want to race hoping that he would drive away. Much to my exasperation, he drove at the same speed on my right. Oh, I felt like strangling him! It was 15 minutes to 4.00p.m. and this pest was bugging me. I thought I could get rid of him as I was about to take the exit ramp on the left but the sight of his Saga already on the ramp made me questioned what I have done to be cursed like that — at least not on a day where urgent matter has to be done.

I was so angry I wanted to show him the middle finger before he took the left turn and disappeared. But I let it go. I am worth much more than to be like him — barbaric and uncivilized. I hope I don’t ever see him again on the roads and I pray that his five-ish son arrived at his irresponsible father’s destination safely without his seatbelt on.

If only I could have done this