Put in effort to be courteous

TS,Friday 21 January 2011 

Malaysians who consider themselves patriotic should come forward and support the call “Make courtesy a way of life” (The Star, January 11). 

Sadly, courtesy has taken a back seat. Indeed, lack of courtesy is the root cause of most conflicts within families, among relatives and neighbours, in the workplace and in public areas. 

Many petty quarrels and bitter arguments could have been avoided if those involved had been more courteous. Courtesy is the essential lubricant in human relationship, and determines our feelings more than any other virtue. 

Everyone can be courteous if they so desire. However, just like regular physical exercise, few people put in the required effort. 

It has to begin with self-respect and learning to respect others, regardless of whether they deserve it or not. Courtesy should be accorded to everyone equally, and the onus is more on the giver than the recipient. 

It does not matter whether the other person is close to you or a complete stranger, a foreign worker or a tourist, rich or poor, young or old. 

The level of courtesy displayed is the best way to gauge whether a person is educated and not academic qualification, which merely indicates an area of study. 

Likewise, a person who is religious in appearance or performs rituals is not holy if he displays contempt for his fellow human being. 

Lack of courtesy in public areas is most glaring on our roads, rivers, drainage and open spaces. Noise and air pollution is common, ranging from noisy and smoky vehicles, open burning, booming loudspeakers, talking loudly on phones and smoking in lifts or near non-smokers. 

Apart from littering and illegal dumping, many of our public toilets are turned into horror chambers. Then there are people who jump queue or block others while driving or walking. 

Common courtesies that ought to be practised in the workplace include greeting all colleagues, visitors, suppliers and customers, entertaining job applicants with sensitivity, returning phone calls and replying e-mail promptly and meeting deadlines. 

Those who respect other people’s time would not be late for appointments. Likewise, trivial matters should not be dragged on in discussions and meetings. 

The level of awareness on courtesy can be raised by brainstorming on what constitutes courtesy, and the lack of it. The use of slogans in government campaigns may be superficial but it is the only way to reach the masses. 

A more effective method would be for government agencies to sponsor training centered in courtesy through their respective trade associations. 

For example, the Tourism Ministry can provide grants to the many tourism associations to conduct courtesy courses for the hotel, restaurant, shopping, transportation and travel sectors. 

The concerted effort by all parties through training and campaigns can build a large pool of courteous citizens. 

Together, they can make an impact on our society. Demonstrating exemplary courtesy in their daily lives can influence and lead people around them to do the same. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur