Ever since a child I was under the impression that the Malays are a courteous lot. Lemah lembut, berbudi bahasa, bersopan santun, I remember those movies and pictures of the Malay ladies in Baju Kurung, Kebaya smiling away..Even interviews reported in the media took excerpts from foreigners stating how 'courteous' Malaysians are.
In the Narita Airport in Japan, the staff and officers handling my check-in, the baggage handlers and the shop staff are extremely polite. Mistakes are almost instantaneously met with apologies, shop visitors are greeted with polite 'Irrasshaimase!' and 'Sumimasen' - the same as 'welcome' and 'excuse me' - are heard almost everwhere.
On my arrival at KLIA, I was greeted with sour faces and rude behaviour. From the Immigration officers, the police up till the taxi vendors, no hint of courtesy flashed before my eyes. I was frustrated and extremely embarassed in front of the Japanese visitors who have shown respect to them in lines they formed themselves.
On the roads, signals by cars to change lanes is almost non-existent. Cars were slipstreaming behind other slower cars to pressure them to give way. Lumbering roadhogs were on the fast lanes. Fist clenching and vulgar shouting matches in cars were the order of the day.
In Japan, they have evolved far from being 'only' law abiding citizens. The law have been decorated with utmost respect to Courtesy. For example, driving at night, according to Law the night lamps must be switched on, but if a Japanese stops at a red light, they will intentionally dim their lights so as not to glare the oncoming traffic. That is not a legal requirement, that is courtesy. Hazard lights are switched to signify 'thanks' if a car gives way.
What has happened to our self-imposed label as being courteous and kind? has the economic distress made us such insensitive persons and oblivious to kind greetings and warm salaams? is the warmth only reserved to those hotel doorkeepers as they greet guests to their hotels? Where is that Malaysian that we want to show the world?http://puterabatu.blogspot.com
4 comments:
Ironically..had this same conversation with my wife yesterday after some Japanese individuals shared an elevator ride up to my condo block. Their courtesy and tact was immaculate.
We agreed that they are truly the civilized people of the world today.
Religion, colour, creed, caste, etc are put aside for courtesy, respect, honour, loyalty, trust and disipline.
I've seen Malaysian heading for Friday prayers disregard traffic lights, ride bikes without helmets and park haphazardly all over the place.
You're right, my friend, Malaysians today are so concerned about race and religious issues than common courtesy has gone out the window!!!
It is, today, in Malaysia, to do things the "Muslim" way, or the "Indian" way, or the "Chinese" way rather than the RIGHT WAY!!!
What did you expect?
The cakap tak serupa bikin mentality of our leaders has seeped into the very fabric of our society.
We pride ourselves on being caring, polite, humble Asians when nothing could be further from the fooking truth.
(off topic)
Syabas v scum. Should have won la you guys . . .
yeah man. Lets see how we fare against the Fulhamites. They're still with the Fayeds right?
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