Malaysian traits: We’re high in IQ but low in EQ

NST,Thursday, 3 March, 2011 

Malaysians are on par with the rest of the world on intelligence quotient, above par on friendliness but below par on emotional intelligence (EQ). 

Yes, we do have dim people and ironically, they are in all strata of society. We also have more than our fair share of talented citizens and they contribute much to the local economy and those of host nations. 

Malaysians are generous with their money and even more so with their time. 

Visitors are often amazed at the friendliness of Malaysians they meet, as they tend to go out of their way to assist. Praises heaped on the hospitality of the local hosts are all too common. 

However, we turn ugly when it comes to courtesy. Lack of courtesy has permeated into all facets of our lives and are too numerous to mention. 

The root cause is due to our underdeveloped EQ. 

Many locals encountered by tourists are rude. Travellers are hassled from the moment they arrive until departure and those without prearranged transport are often hustled. 

Taxi touts operate at airports, bus and train stations, hotels, shopping centres and places. One has to be on guard when dealing with taxi drivers as getting a good and honest one is a matter of luck. 

Taxi service is an accurate barometer of society. That we have a large number of errant taxi drivers is no accident. It reflects the apathy of the local authorities, operators and the public. 

Similarly, some Malaysians adopt the siege mentality and are easily angered. 

Trivial matters are often perceived as major threats to just about anything, but the favourites are usually race, religion, culture or language. 

The self-righteous ones continue to feed their one-track minds with the most convincing reasons. 

Instead of controlling their anger, they find exhilaration by energising others into a mob and feel like heroes. 

The truth is that no one can make us angry unless we allow it. They allow emotions to rule and rationale thrown out of the window. 

Any developing country will take a giant leap forward when issues such as corruption, injustice, poverty, pollution, low productivity, discourtesy and disease are tackled with the same zeal. 

These are exactly what we need but it will remain a distant dream as many of our politicians exploit and fan emotions to remain popular and in power. 

They will succeed for as long as the EQ of Malaysians is not raised. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur