World renowned grill master / celebrity chef Robert Rainford came to Berjaya ‘University’ College of Hospitality somewhere in June 2009. The program was shown on Asian Food Channel. Below is a word-for-word transcript of what was narrated on the show and also of Robert’s comments on the delay.

Download video : 3gp mp4

Despite several problems during the preparations, the food is finally making its way from the kitchen and it’s on-time.

But before the first dish can be sampled, the event hits another obstacle. The highest ranking invited dignitaries have been delayed. And Malaysian protocol decrees that food should not be served before their arrival.

“Inside, right now, I’m… I’m feeling it. And I’m a little frustrated. But protocol is protocol in this country and basically, we have no choice.”

Another hour passes. The hungry crowd is growing increasingly impatient. Many guests here tonight have not eaten all day.

Chef Rainford is in a difficult position. He either serves the food as scheduled and risks offending the delaying dignitaries, or he respects the local custom and sacrifices the quality of his beautifully prepared dishes.

“They are eating my signature. They are eating my name. So, the fact that it’s served after the time that it should have been served really puts me in a compromised position. That’s the issue that I’m having right now. And everybody knows it. I’m sure that everybody will accept it. But I don’t accept it!”

Finally, one and a half hours later, the official motorcade is spotted, making its way through the night time KL traffic. The dignitaries have arrived. The unexpected delay is over.

“I’m frustrated right now. I don’t know what else to say. I’m losing my voice, I am… I’m extremely tired right now. You know, the kitchen staff have a lot of stuff to do. We’d tried to prepare the food to the best of our ability. But waiting this extra hour and…” *look at watch* ”what I consider an hour and a half now is… that’s pretty tough!”

Dignitaries and tradition my asshole! Robert Rainford and the Rakyat Malaysia should have started without waiting for those scums.