TMM,Monday 8 August 2011
We need to find various ways to narrow the huge gap between knowledge and practice.
For example, many of us are aware of the importance of regular physical exercise and healthy diet but lack the discipline to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Some drive recklessly or dash across a busy street in a 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 to practice and this includes our 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 diligently pray in houses of worship seem to have a greater love for money and more fearful of the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) or MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission).
How can those who profess to love God have such disdain to his most sacred creation - our fellow human beings? There must be a reason or purpose for a diversity of people, language, 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 achieved independence for our country.
During peacetime, patriotism is beyond flag raising ceremonies or cheering the national team. National day should not be treated just as any other festival celebrated once a year and marked by a holiday. Patriotism is best measured by contributions to the country.
Such patriotic acts can include studying and working hard; be productive and innovate; lead a healthy lifestyle and not be a burden to the country’s resources; generate income and paying taxes; donate 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 environment; and do a good job and be proud of our work.
“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 its citizens. If it were not held sacrosanct by politicians, it would be a tall order for the rakyat.
“Rule of Law” connects to the people, as everyone is wary that lawlessness would lead to anarchy. In any case, laws are made to serve the people and not use against them for ulterior motive.
“Courtesy and Morality” should be actively promoted, as they are easily seen and felt. Sadly, the failure of our education system is abundantly clear. Apart from a mismatch between academia and industry, there is little emphasis on personal development such as in communication and courtesy.
As such, graduates may have learned something in their chosen fields but if they are unable to communicate well and connect to the real world, they are anything but educated.
For courtesy and unity to occur, it will have to start within a family before the same can happen in the workplace and society.
We can start with the basics like learning to love and not spoil ourselves. We must learn to respect and be courteous to others, whether they deserve it or not.
Lack of courtesy is the root cause of frequent quarrels among family members, relatives, neighbours, acquaintances, colleagues and of course, politicians.
Arguing who is right or wrong has never ended quarrels. Showing courtesy can.
Courtesy can be as simple as giving a smile or complex as working out a customer-friendly procedure.
As we are approaching our 54th Merdeka anniversary, concerned leaders have made clarion calls to Malaysians of the need 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
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