Family reunions are often associated with warmth and celebration, but for some, they can quickly turn uncomfortable when certain relatives cross the line.
A Malaysian user on X recently shared his encounter with what many Malays refer to as a ‘mak cik bawang’ — a colloquial term describing a nosy aunt known for asking intrusive or provocative questions, particularly during festive gatherings.
Sharp Exchange Over Career and Income
In his post, @guttapercha80 recounted how an aunt compared his career to that of her son who is based in Australia.
“My son’s in Australia now and probably earns more than you. You’re still a dentist in Malaysia, huh?” she reportedly said.
Unwilling to let the remark slide, he responded with a pointed retort: “Auntie, if he’s so rich, why did he leave you in Malaysia?”
The exchange did not end there. According to him, his aunt accused him of being overly sensitive, to which he replied with a warning-laced analogy about glass shards cutting those who are careless.
He added that he is generally reserved and prefers to avoid confrontation despite having a large extended family comprising eight aunts, two uncles and 31 cousins. However, he stressed that he would not hesitate to defend himself if provoked.
He also claimed that this year, the aunt is reportedly spending time in Australia with her son and did not attend the family gathering.
Netizens Share Similar Experiences
The post resonated widely, prompting other users to recount similar situations and offer advice.
One user, @segijiwa, advocated for witty but measured comebacks, suggesting that older relatives are fully aware when their questions are patronising. Another, @ennietrando, shared how she shut down an insensitive marriage-related question during her brother’s funeral by referencing her aunt’s daughter’s pending divorce case.
Others reflected on broader family dynamics. Some expressed relief at having families that do not compare wealth or achievements, while another user described responding to a comment about weight gain by bringing up an uncle’s divorce — a reply that reportedly resulted in two years of silence.
Festive Season Reminder
In concluding his post, the original user advised Malaysians preparing for Hari Raya to stand their ground when faced with intrusive questioning. Using humour rooted in cultural references, he suggested that if confronted by a ‘mak cik bawang’, one should become an ‘anak saudara rempah’ — implying that a sharp response may sometimes be necessary to deter further provocation.
The viral thread has since sparked conversation about boundaries, respect and the evolving expectations of intergenerational interactions within Malaysian families.
