Courtesy matters

TS,Tuesday, August 23 2011 

Expatriates who have worked in several Asian countries are in a better position to make comparison than the locals or tourists. 

We should thank them for their concern when they write to the press about the ugly side of Malaysians. 

I have often reminded tourists that half the people they see in Kuala Lumpur may be foreigners, which is similar to many large cities around the world. 

Most foreign tourists and expatriates are unable to distinguish between a foreign worker and a local. 

As such, it is more apt to say that many people in Malaysia, Malaysians and foreign workers, lack courtesy. 

In this area, foreign workers are no better or worse than we are. 

However, they should be appreciated for doing most of the dirty, dangerous and degrading work. 

Foreign maids too ought to be treated better in many households. 

In order to be more courteous in public, Malaysians should start within the family. 

We are quick to tout our Asian values and defend our religions, yet our behaviour leaves much to be desired. 

If we cannot be courteous to the people we love, courtesy extended to others tend to be superficial. 

This is demonstrated by the fact that many people kowtow to VIPs and look down at people they consider are below them. 

We should be courteous to everyone whether he or she deserves it or not. 

The root cause of petty quarrels among family members, relatives, acquaintances, neighbours and colleagues, is usually lack of courtesy. 

Conversely, being more courteous can bring harmony and a better quality of life. 

Malaysians are by nature friendly but can be rude without realising it. 

Therefore, it is necessary to raise their level of awareness and realise the importance of courtesy. 

A national travel association is already conducting training workshops on courtesy. 

Other trade associations should obtain grants from their respective ministries to conduct training workshops, as courtesy can raise productivity and competitiveness. 

The Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry may need to step up with the “Courtesy and Noble Values” campaign to reach the rest of the population. 

Corporations would find it more meaningful to promote courtesy as an integral part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. 

Courtesy should be our way of life. 

It is enshrined in our national philosophy – the Rukunegara. We should all work towards a courteous Malaysian culture. 

It may require some effort but with practice, it becomes a habit. 

We should look forward to showing courtesy as it brings much joy to everyone. 

Anyone can be successful in life by being happy and make others happy, with courtesy leading the way. 

Courtesy can be as simple as giving a smile. 

It can be to our loved ones or total strangers. We should all be generous with our smiles. 

Courtesy can be as complex as paying a reasonable amount for goods and services, bearing in mind that we too, do not wish to be underpaid. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur