JOHOR BARU: There is a need for Malaysians to change and start thinking about what they can contribute to make Malaysia a better nation.
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Malaysians were exhilarated and reacted positively to the new government with renewed hope and confidence that it will do what is necessary to rectify previous wrongs and meet the people’s hopes, needs and priorities for a better nation.
“However, it is also time for Malaysians to think what they can and should do to contribute to a better Malaysia.
“As what had been said by former US President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural address in 1961 – ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’,” said Lee.
He added that a country can only be better and more successful if the people and the government work together to do what needs to be done for the well-being of the nation.
“In my view, what is very essential is for Malaysians to change their attitude, mind-sets and behaviour and refrain from acts which are detrimental to the community and nation.
“Breaking traffic rules such as reckless driving, ignoring traffic signals, becoming road bullies and offering bribes to enforcement officers when caught shows that some of us also need to change,” said Lee in a statement.
He said there are also habitual offences among motorists who cause obstruction by double parking or driving into and staying in the yellow boxes while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green.
“This shows that the offenders do not have civic consciousness and good behaviour apart from a complete lack of courtesy. It also proves their lack of patience and decorum and even indicates selfishness.”
Throwing rubbish indiscriminately, showing disrespect to the elderly in public transport and polluting the environment also indicate the lack of civic responsibility in a huge section of the population.
“There are also those who like to vandalise public property and facilities which clearly show that many Malaysians have yet to discard the third-world mentality.
“Judging from the frequent complaints from the public about road signs being plastered with illegal advertisements, it appears that the authorities are also fighting a losing battle in the war against those who flout the law and are just irresponsible,” said Lee.
He added that we must also put a stop to the “mat rempit” and “mat lajak” problems which involve youngsters who ride modified motorcycles and bicycles respectively and perform stunts on public roads, posing a hazard to road users and endangering their own lives.
“It is not fair to rely solely on the authorities to stop such activities. More awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate parents so that they could spend more time to discipline and bring up their children.
“Parents must also ensure that their children are not involved in drugs and other negative social ills. Drug abuse is the most serious social problem confronting our youths today and if left unresolved it will have serious implications for the nation, particularly public safety,” said Lee.
He said in our efforts to become a developed country, Malaysians need to practise good and noble values, civic responsibility, and courtesy as a way of life
“It’s time for Malaysians to put their best step forward and help the new government to bring about attitudinal or behavioural changes for the betterment of the nation. I have only mentioned some of the issues and there are many more that need to be addressed. It is by no means exhaustive.”
Lee said this must be done to ensure that all Malaysians are prepared to get rid of their bad habits in their daily lives and practise universal noble values.
“Let all Malaysians do their part to make Malaysia great from all perspective. No one should be tagged as an “ugly Malaysian”. It is by no means an easy task but we must all take up this challenge.
“Let’s bring about a new era for Malaysians who are ever ready to do their part and help build discipline, integrity and compassionate nation based on practical noble values,” said Lee.