Show some courtesy, please

TS,Thursday 30 September 2010 

The government has rolled out a series of measures and introduced terms such as GTP, GNI, NEM, NKEA and ETP for easy reference. They are strategies needed for the economic transformation of our country. 

It is imperative that we keep pace with the fast changing world or be left behind. Other nations are certain to race past us if we continue to squabble over the share of the same cake instead of enlarging it. 

However, economic success alone may not necessarily translate into a higher quality of life for people living in this country. This is especially so if the level of courtesy remains the same. 

The lack of courtesy has permeated all facets of our lives that we now seem to be nonchalant over this scourge. Yet, we are quick to condemn Western cultures and tout our Asian values when much of our behaviour leaves much to be desired. 

It is necessary to be courteous in order to be creditable and this includes those who claim to be responsible, religious or virtuous. On this score, our politicians are in a different league altogether. 

Lack of courtesy is the main cause of frequent petty quarrels and in the workplace; energy is wasted on infighting than developing the organization. 

Many front-liners behave as if they are doing customers a favour. At some supermarkets, the cashiers may unceremoniously dump the items you bought into the plastic bag instead of placing them carefully. 

Of course, lack of courtesy is most apparent on our roads. We seldom make way for others and give way only to avoid a collision. 

Queue jumpers always make bottlenecks worst and motorists with no respect of yellow boxes and right of way create gridlocks. 

Malaysians are notorious for not respecting other people’s time by arriving late. It does not help when those who arrive on time for certain functions such as weddings feel embarrassed for being the early birds. 

Concerted efforts by all parties are required to nurture and infuse courtesy in our society as it can promote harmony and efficiency, shape and colour relationship, turn negative situations into positive ones and produce desired outcomes. 

As tourists are particularly sensitive to courtesy shown to them, the Tourism Ministry should embark on a persistent campaign to publicise its importance and conduct training programmes to make visitors feel truly welcomed. 

It would certainly make Kuala Lumpur a global tourism city. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur