NST,Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I refer to “Uphold the tenets of Rukun Negara” (NST, August 4). I fear that the writer’s call may be in vain simply because many Malaysians have only a superficial understanding of the values, including our national philosophy.
We may need to find ways to narrow the huge gap between knowledge and practice.
For example, many of us are aware of the importance of exercise and a healthy diet but lack the discipline to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Some drive recklessly or dash across a busy street in a daily game of death. If life-threatening situations are given scant regard, values are often set aside for convenience and expediency.
Superficial knowledge of values would not lead them to practice them, and this includes the principles in Rukun Negara.
Calling on Malaysians to live by the five tenets of our national philosophy can be akin to pouring water over the duck’s back.
Let us start with “Belief in God” True believers choose to do only the good for the love and fear of God.
Ironically, many who pray in houses of worship have a greater love for money and are more fearful of the police or anti-corruption officials.
How can those who profess to love God have such disdain for His most sacred creation, that is, fellow human beings?
There must be a reason or purpose for the diversity of people, languages, beliefs and practices in this world.
“Loyalty to the King and Country” is best tested in times of war, and patriots have emerged from all ethnic groups to regain the peace and helped achieve independence for our country.
During peacetime, patriotism should go beyond flag-raising ceremonies or cheering on national teams during sporting events.
National Day should not be treated like any other festival celebrated once a year and marked by a holiday. It should go beyond feeling of national pride and flying the Jagur Gemilang. Patriotism is best measured by contributions to the country.
Such patriotic acts include studying and working hard; being productive and innovate; leading a healthy lifestyle and not be a burden to the country’s resources; generating income and paying taxes; donating to charity and doing voluntary work; contributing to society and helping those in need; fighting against corruption and pollution; checking degradation of society and desecration of the environment; doing a good job and being proud of our work, and not being proud of ourselves.
Upholding the Constitution” can be a bridge too far when it is not understood or appreciated. The birth certificate of our nation needs to be explained and embraced by citizens.
If it is not held sacrosanct by politicians, it would be a tall order for the people to do so.
“Rule of Law” relates to the people, as everyone is wary that lawlessness would lead to anarchy. In any case, laws are made to serve the people and are not to be used against them for an ulterior motive.
“Courtesy and Morality” should be promoted as they are easily seen and felt.
Sadly, the failure of our education system is clear. Apart from a mismatch between academia and industry, there is little emphasis on personal development, such as communication skills and courtesy.
As such, graduates may be learned something in their respective fields, but if they are unable to communicate and connect to the real world, they are anything but educated.
To nurture courtesy and unity, it will have to start within a family before the same can happen in the workplace and society.
We could do with more stories of people building successful families. For that to happen, we must start with the basics, like learning to love and not spoil ourselves.
We must learn to respect ourselves and be courteous to others, whether they deserve it or not.
Young children should learn to say “good morning”, “thank you”, “please” and “sorry” when they are greeted, thanked, asked and apologised to, the same way as adults..
Lack of courtesy is the root cause of frequent quarrels among family members, relatives, neighbours, acquaintances, colleagues and politicians.
Arguing who is right or wrong has never ended quarrels. Showing courtesy can.
Being right does not confer on us the privilege to vent our anger. Instead, showing compassion may bring peace and tranquility.
Courtesy can be as simple as giving a smile or as complex as working out a customer-friendly procedure. The biometric registration exercise of foreign workers fails on this score.
Graduates may have access to or may be able to compile a huge amount of knowledge, but they lack comprehension to put them into practice. This may explain why millions of Malaysians can memorise the Rukun Negara but don’t act on it.
As we approach the 54th Merdeka anniversary, leaders have made the clarion call to make our country great. Those convinced also need to be shown how, as many of them may need to take one baby step at a time.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
No comments:
Post a Comment