A Malaysian Indian’s social media post on perceived snobbish behaviour by Indian expatriates draws mixed reactions and cultural insights
A Malaysian recently initiated a discussion online after posting a question on Threads seeking insight into his experiences with Indian expatriates living in Malaysia.
“Why does it feel like Indian expatriates from India living in Malaysia are often automatically snobbish, prideful or even hostile towards Malaysian Indians whenever we share the same spaces? Is this just my personal experience, or is it something other Malaysian Indians have noticed too?
“Genuinely curious. I would appreciate some insight,” the author, who is a local Indian, wrote.
The post quickly drew responses from users who shared mixed experiences and differing perspectives.
One Threads user commented:
“You’re not the only one feeling this way, brother. I work in an MNC with many Malaysians and a few foreigners, including several Europeans and one Indian colleague. That Indian guy is the only problematic one.
“We Malaysians are always respectful towards each other, but he would argue for 20 minutes just to prove he is right. He always behaves as if he is the only one who knows everything.”
Others shared similar sentiments based on their own encounters.
“I’m sorry to say this, but from my experience dealing with them a few years ago, some are really snobbish. They think our food smells and is nothing compared to theirs. They complain about everything and argue until they win.
“They can be toxic, backstabbing and pretend to be busy… nothing like Malaysian Indians. I’m glad we are united under one flag in a multiracial country where we respect each other,” another user wrote.
Another commenter claimed:
“Some expatriates working in other countries can come across as rude and authoritative. They behave as if they are still in their home country and do not respect the local culture and environment.”
However, several users stressed that such behaviour should not be generalised to all Indian expatriates.
“They carry their working and social culture with them. Some are good, some are toxic,” one user commented.
Another added:
“I’ve noticed this for many years. Not all of them are like that, but enough are for people to notice. Perhaps there is a classist or caste-based attitude normalised in their home country that some bring here.”
One netizen attempted to provide a broader explanation for the behaviour observed by some users.
“Honestly, it’s not necessarily snobbery. It’s just how they were shaped. I worked with Indians from Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai in an MNC.
“Back in India, recruitment is extremely competitive. Hundreds of people show up for a handful of positions. A PhD is considered the minimum standard, not something extraordinary.
“That kind of pressure stays with them when they travel or work abroad. They carry a certain competitiveness and caution. It’s not necessarily personal towards Malaysian Indians or any race; it’s just what years in that environment can do to a person.”
Another commenter suggested regional and cultural differences may also play a role.
“I think if they are from northern India, some may look down on us. If they are from the south, not all, but a few may still do so. But I’ve also seen many who get along very well with Malaysians, to the point we feel like one family.”
