FOREIGNERS visiting a country should behave with as much decorum that is expected of them as a mark of respect for the hospitality extended by the host. Although tourists pay their way, nothing in the commercial transaction suggests that the visitors may ignore local normative values and behave in offensive ways, as the Australian men here for the F1 race in Sepang recently did. They had stripped down to their briefs in public and the briefs depicted the Jalur Gemilang. Assuming that they lack good manners, and reflecting badly on their own country, these men are mocking Malaysian sensitivities, discrediting the high regard placed on the Jalur Gemilang as the symbol of the country’s sovereignty. That is only one facet of the offence. The other is the obscenity of stripping down to their briefs in public. Such abhorrent conduct is unforgivable. Appropriate to the outrage caused, therefore, all nine men were arrested for public indecency and remanded for four days.
Malaysians should not feel apologetic for the actions taken against the men, even if it could negatively impact the country’s tourism industry. It is important that the country gives notice that while the tourism industry is important to the economy, it is not the country’s primary foreign currency earner. If opening our doors means being insulted, then they can stay away; their corrupting influence is definitely not welcomed. Should there be any Malaysian who thinks that it is an overreaction, let them be reminded that lewdness is the mark of debauchery. Many a debauched civilisation has ended in the dustbin of history. To consider it liberal and modern is the mark of the ignorant wannabe whose familiarity with western societies is limited to pop culture, a marketing gimmick of the capitalist socio-economy. That this country has its fair share of westernised ignoramuses is demonstrated by the prosecution of the nudists in Penang.
Australians themselves are condemning the misguided and offensive exhibitionism of these men. Has anyone ever seen a pavilion full of near naked fans at an F1 race anywhere? Obviously, it is not the done thing, not even in the heat of summer. If even the Australians do not strip down to their briefs displaying the Australian flag in all its glory in Australia, why then did these men sporting Jalur Gemilang briefs did what they did in this country? Surely, their intention was to denigrate Malaysia? If they thought because they paid good money they can be rude with impunity, they should think again. It is only right that the authorities uphold the nation’s dignity. Nobody should tolerate this insult to the nation, especially not for a few Australian dollars. Imposing fines is not enough. These men should be deported and banned from ever returning to the country. Such riffraff do nothing for this country.