“What If I Don’t Approve Your Leave Application?” M’sian Worker Shares Toxic Boss Experience

Lifestyle
2 Apr 2026 • 4:10 PM MYT
In Real Life MY
In Real Life MY

A platform dedicated to sharing real-life personal stories of Malaysians

The post “What If I Don’t Approve Your Leave Application?” M’sian Worker Shares Toxic Boss Experience appeared first on In Real Life.

For the latest stories, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Copy of Sajid work 2

A Malaysian worker has been working at the same company for ten years, and in that time they have noticed one consistent pattern from their boss, he gets annoyed every time a staff member applies for annual leave.

The application that set things off

At the start of January, the worker submitted a leave application for a week off. Their boss immediately questioned why they had not discussed it with him before purchasing their flight tickets.

They replied that flight promotions needed to be grabbed quickly. He continued raising concerns about who would handle the work in their absence. Even after they assured him they would make proper arrangements and hand everything over before leaving, he was still unsatisfied and responded bluntly: “What if I don’t approve your leave application?”

Seeing no point in arguing further, they told him not to approve it. The leave was never signed off.

Remarks made behind their back

The worker also claimed their boss made comments behind their back, including “If you don’t have money, don’t travel”  and “If you want to travel, don’t complain about expensive tickets.”

They added that all their colleagues dislike the boss too.

They ended their post by asking whether other Malaysians had similar experiences, and whether it was normal to consult a boss before buying flight tickets.

What netizens said

Commenters largely took their side. One said they would go on the trip regardless of whether the boss approved it, adding that at worst he could fire them and they would no longer have to put up with such a toxic boss. Another urged them to take the matter to the Labour Court.

One netizen offered a more lighthearted take, suggesting that since their boss clearly could not manage without them.

they should use it as grounds to ask for a 30% pay raise when they returned.

View Original Article