This paper explores the influence of power distance that was present in the hierarchical Malays society in conducting an opposing egalitarian-based research methodology which is the participatory action research (PAR). This study involved a researcher and two lecturers in an educational setting in Malaysia. Data was collected through qualitative means such as observations, informal conversations, journal reflections and semistructured interviews. Data was then analysed through a critical reflective analysis. Findings suggest that the Malay lecturers� social background, which is highly influenced by the Islamic culture, affected the way they negotiated the Western-based egalitarian concept in PAR. It was recommended that future researchers to deliberate the cultural influences before embarking on a PAR journey in Malaysia. � 2017 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.