5058
It’s mocking me.
It has been 5058 for a good half an hour now. Surely somebody must be working behind there. I see people moving about but no change in the queue number.
I am number 5079.
Welcome to the Immigration Department.
5059
I’m bored out of my skull. I’ve read through three different newspapers, including the classifieds, the ingredients on the gum wrapper and all the notices on the information board. (My gum contains sodium stearate which I have never come across in chewing gum before. This is also an indication of how bored I am that I actually bought gum to chew.)
5060
I’m out in the lift lobby calling the hospital to say I’ll be at least another hour an a half. That is actually wishful thinking on my part but I hope to get my papers sorted today.
A dozen men in chains march past accompanied by two immigration officers. Both of them are carrying batons. Somehow, they all squeeze into the men’s toilet. I wonder if they get their chains taken off.
That reminds me. I need to pee myself.
5061
You would think that with Malaysia celebrating 50 years of independence this year, us Peninsular Malaysians wouldn’t need permits to stay and work in East Malaysia. (Although, come to think of it, didn’t Sabah and Sarawak gain independence in 1963 instead of 1957 like the Peninsular?)
But here I am, waiting with a whole bunch of non-Malaysians while I await permission to reside and work here for more than three months. Hello, I am an alien again. Beam me up, mothership!
Note: To anyone who knows where exactly I am now, please don't mention the town I live in or the hospital I work at or anything that may hint at my location in the comments box. There are not many big towns in this part of the country and not too many hospitals either. Malaysia isn't a very big place and people gossip like crazy and you know how sensitive Malaysians are about the slightest perceived insult to themselves. So for my peace of mind and the sake of my future career, please DON'T mention where I am. Your co-operation is most kindly appreciated.
It’s mocking me.
It has been 5058 for a good half an hour now. Surely somebody must be working behind there. I see people moving about but no change in the queue number.
I am number 5079.
Welcome to the Immigration Department.
5059
I’m bored out of my skull. I’ve read through three different newspapers, including the classifieds, the ingredients on the gum wrapper and all the notices on the information board. (My gum contains sodium stearate which I have never come across in chewing gum before. This is also an indication of how bored I am that I actually bought gum to chew.)
5060
I’m out in the lift lobby calling the hospital to say I’ll be at least another hour an a half. That is actually wishful thinking on my part but I hope to get my papers sorted today.
A dozen men in chains march past accompanied by two immigration officers. Both of them are carrying batons. Somehow, they all squeeze into the men’s toilet. I wonder if they get their chains taken off.
That reminds me. I need to pee myself.
5061
You would think that with Malaysia celebrating 50 years of independence this year, us Peninsular Malaysians wouldn’t need permits to stay and work in East Malaysia. (Although, come to think of it, didn’t Sabah and Sarawak gain independence in 1963 instead of 1957 like the Peninsular?)
But here I am, waiting with a whole bunch of non-Malaysians while I await permission to reside and work here for more than three months. Hello, I am an alien again. Beam me up, mothership!
Note: To anyone who knows where exactly I am now, please don't mention the town I live in or the hospital I work at or anything that may hint at my location in the comments box. There are not many big towns in this part of the country and not too many hospitals either. Malaysia isn't a very big place and people gossip like crazy and you know how sensitive Malaysians are about the slightest perceived insult to themselves. So for my peace of mind and the sake of my future career, please DON'T mention where I am. Your co-operation is most kindly appreciated.
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