TS,Friday 12 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 will 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 good for the love and fear of God.
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 peace and to achieve 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.
It should go beyond feelings of national pride and flying the Jagur Gemilang. Patriotism is best measured by contributions to the country.
Such patriotic acts can include studying and working hard; being productive and innovate; leading a healthy lifestyle and not be a burden on 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; and doing a good job and being proud of our work and not proud of ourselves for doing a lousy job.
“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 all citizens. If it is 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 will lead to anarchy.
“Courtesy and Morality” should be actively promoted, as they are easily seen and felt. Sadly, the failure of our education system is abundantly clear. There is little emphasis on personal development such as in communication and courtesy.
For courtesy and unity to occur, it will have to start within the family before the same can happen in the workplace and society. We can 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 and be courteous to others, whether they deserve it or not.
Very young children should learn to say “Good Morning”, “Thank you”, “Please” and “Sorry” when they are greeted, thanked, asked and apologised to by adults.
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. Being right does not confer on us the privilege to vent our anger. Instead, showing compassion may bring immediate peace and tranquility.
Courtesy can be as simple as giving a smile or as complex as working out a customer-friendly procedure.
The best way to promote values among students is for them to understand their definitions and give a short talk in front of a group so that everyone can learn and share each other’s views and experience.
An impressive essay can easily be prepared through copy and paste or even be plagiarized but achieved little for the student and those around him.
Graduates may have access to or have compiled huge amount of academic knowledge but lack comprehension to put them into practice. This may explain why millions of Malaysians who can memorise the Rukun Negara are not acting on it.
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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