An "Inside Joke" Is Never Funny "Outside"

PJ, 11 September--NJ picks up the office phone authoritatively, putting on her no-nonsense, most professional voice. She dials for Richard Ng, with much gusto and style, punching the numbers as she reads it aloud.

Richard Ng is one man, one Malaysian man, who operates a cab. His business card reads: "Taxi service, from your doorstep to any step away; KLIA, Inter-city, Intra-city; Please call at least an hour before your trip."

NJ: Hello, Mr. Richard ah? I'm calling from Amnesty International in PJ.

R: Yes yes. What? NST what?

NJ: Oh, no no. Amnesty International, from New Town PJ.

R: Uhuhuh.

NJ: Anyways ah, I'd just like to ask you if we can reserve your cab for 2pm today? From 8 Avenue here at New Town PJ ah, Section 8, to Central Market. Well, actually not really Central Market lah, but Annexe. You know ah?

R: How you got my number?

NJ: Oh, I have your business card, a staff took your cab once. You said to call in advance, maa.

R: Ya ya. (Silent for 2 seconds) Oh, I ah, no longer do cab business ah.

NJ: Oooooh. (Silent for 4 seconds) Okay, nemind. Thank you ah Mr. Richard Ng. You have a nice day.

NJ to others in the office: Oh, Mr. Richard Ng has moved on to better things in life. He no longer does cabs.

(Office errupts in laughter)